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How to Calculate Electric Linear Actuator Lifespan
Every machine design engineer gets asked about the anticipated life of their machine—life that’s based on machine components including electric linear actuators. Also, expected service life is a factor engineers consider when they’re evaluating competing components.
Calculating electric linear actuator life can be straight-forward for ball screw and roller screw actuators. You use the L10 life formula for ball bearings. Here's a summary of the method.
Failure not an option? How to avoid premature linear screw actuator failure
Some components are more mission-critical than others. A main worry of machine design engineers is making equipment that will last and avoiding need for field service calls to diagnose issues and replace failing components. At their core, electric linear screw actuators deploy mechanical technology such as ball bearings, ball screws and roller screws that have a finite life. These components do not last forever, even though that is the expectation of some customers. When asked “How long will this actuator last?” we provide our customers with a way to calculate, estimate and size the electric linear screw actuator to achieve the desired life for their applications.
Ball and roller screw linear actuators: How to compare service life
When you’re designing equipment, you'll probably be asked, “How long will this machine last?” And even if you’re not asked outright, you know service life is an essential consideration. It’s a critical factor you consider when sourcing components.
Electric linear actuators are important components in many machines, and the “how long will it last” question is a familiar one. If it’s a ball or roller screw actuator, you can use a formula to help estimate life based on load – the same formula used to estimate bearing life.
Electric actuator life in units of time: ball & roller screw actuators
A machine’s useful life depends on the life of its critical components. And machine designers frequently hear the question, “How long can I expect this machine to keep working?”
When electric linear actuators are used, calculating life can be straight-forward for ball screw and roller screw actuators. Since these screw types incorporate rolling elements as essential parts, you can use the L10 life formula for ball bearings.
“How long will this actuator last?”
“How long will it last?” Every machine design engineer gets asked this question and will have to calculate the anticipated life of the machine – life that’s based on machine components including linear actuators. Engineers also have to consider expected life when they’re evaluating competing components.