How to Make a Linear Actuator

Linear actuators are machines that convert rotation or any motion into a push or a pull motion.

Here I am going to teach you how to make an electric linear actuator using household and hobby objects.

It is very very cheap

Step 1: Go Get the Stuff

All you need is a glue stick

A servo modified for continuous rotation or a geared motor with high torque (i used servos as i could control theiir motion)

Step 2: The Attachment.

Strongly attach the Servo horn and the bottom of the glue stick(the end we rotate to get the glue out).

Attach it strongly enough (STRONGLY STRONGLY).

Step 3: Finished

Now enjoy the cheapest linear actuator.

The principle is that when the servo rotates, it rotates the bottom of the glue stick. Now we all know what happens when we rotate the glue sticks end, it comes up or down depending upon angle of rotation. Easy isnt it , you could make hundreds of these.

Enjoy:).

Comments

[sujith john]

Smart thought! super!

would have been helpful if there was a video too. Anyways Great Work!!

[robobot3112]

Let me know about any supposed flaws.

Any problems let me know

[DavidDrones]

Cool!

[robobot3112]

thanks glad you found it cool :)

[SunilB4]

How can i lower the speed of motor?

Also if i want the full control over motor what should be the steps?

[robobot3112]

If you want full control over the actuator, attach a switch to the mobile part, then test it by integrating the switch. if you are still unhappy use a potentiometer to control the servo by using the knob example.

[Dean Wilson]

Great idea! Would be fab to see a video of it working.

[robobot3112]

thanks a lot, yeah thought of adding a vid, will try in maybe a few weeks.

[vu2aeo]

Excellent!!!!

[robobot3112]

thanks a lot.

[electronichamsters]

haha, this was great. Thanks.

[robobot3112]

glad you liked it.

[goldrake]

very clever !

[robobot3112]

thanks

[lean04]

that it's actually really clever, congrats; you have my vote!!

[robobot3112]

oh thanks!

[seamster]

Cool! In what kind of application would you use this? It's very interesting.

[robobot3112]

I used them in my work area to open and close my box using an arduino. It can be used in a little slower speed requiring applications. You could also use to open drawers by increasing the part that comes up to a particular extent. The big advantage is that it is compact so it can be used in relatively small stuff

[seamster]

Very cool. Thanks for the reply!

[robobot3112]

thanks