Compact tubular linear actuators play a crucial role in driving the motion of applications with confined spaces while still matching the performance requirements through their versatile capabilities. The benefits of a sleek form factor combined with high static force ratings and a waterproof design for added durability and reliability further expand the possibilities of an actuator to be suitable in various use cases. In this product overview, we will be covering our recently released PA-ST4 tubular linear actuator for confined spaces, highlighting the features and benefits it offers while showcasing a few examples of use cases.
WHAT MAKES THE PA-ST4 SPECIAL?
High Protection Materials and Ratings
The robust design with stainless steel stroke rod, aluminum 6063 housing material, and a waterproof IP67M ingress protection rating ensures high protection against dust and water submersions. Built-in limit switches help protect our PA-ST4 tubular linear actuator for confined spaces from over-extending or over-retracting past the intended travel positions. Operational temperature ratings of -20°C to 60°C also ensure reliable operation during the different seasons throughout the year in many outdoor settings.
Versatile Capabilities in A Compact Tubular Actuator
|
Stroke |
1" |
2" |
4" |
6" |
8" |
12" |
18" |
24" |
|
Retracted H2H |
9.1" |
10.1" |
12.1" |
14.1" |
16.1" |
20.1" |
26.1" |
32.1" |
|
Extended H2H |
10.1" |
12.1" |
16.1" |
20.1" |
24.1" |
32.1" |
44.1" |
56.1" |
Travelling 0.31 inch/second at a full load, the PA-ST4 compact waterproof tubular linear actuators offer smooth motion for stability during travel. The PA-ST4 offers a stroke range from 1 inch to 24 inches off the shelf and has a sleek, compact appearance with its tubular actuator design having the internal DC motor mounted in-line with the actuator’s shaft. Despite its compact form factor and waterproof capabilities, the PA-ST4 also has a dynamic force rating of 45 lbs and a high static force rating of 225 lbs to securely lock in position when not moving.
Compatibility Through Simple Operation
The standard PA-ST4 tubular linear actuator for confined spaces features a 2-pin Molex Mini-Fit Jr Connector and operates at 12 VDC. This allows for plug-and-play integration with existing systems across multiple applications and industries, simplifying the installation process. When fully loaded to its force rating, the standard model has a current draw of no more than 1.3 A and is suitable for use with most of the current ratings found in our rocker switches and control boxes. To check out a full list of specifications and dimensional drawings, please visit our PA-ST4 compact waterproof linear actuator data sheet.
|
Voltage |
12 VDC |
|
Dynamic Force |
45 lbs |
|
Static Force |
225 lbs |
|
Speed - No Load |
0.39"/sec |
|
Speed - Full Load |
0.31"/sec |
|
Current - No Load |
0.3 A |
|
Current - Full Load |
1.3 A |
MOUNTING BRACKETS
The BRK-ST4 bracket set is designed for our PA-ST4 tubular linear actuator for confined spaces and allows for a simple installation process on the stroke rod and motor-end mounting points. The bracket is lightweight, durable, and allows 180 degrees of rotation for your application. For more detailed information and specifications, please see our mounting brackets product page.
USE CASES IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIES
In terms of force ratings, IP67M waterproof protection, and design shape, our PA-ST4 shares overlapping similarities to the PA-06 Waterproof Electric Linear Actuator in these specifications. These features, combined with a more compact footprint, allow for the PA-ST4 to be useful in various applications and industries:
- agriculture/machinery;
- home automation
- DIY projects
- automotive/marine use cases
We have many success stories of customer projects that used our other tubular actuators, which offer several features similar to what is now available in the PA-ST4, and we are excited to see all the new possibilities our PA-ST4 will bring in the future!
Agriculture Equipment/Machinery
The tractor front loader with automated quick release locks by Chris Bolich showcases our PA-06 tubular actuator driving the lock mechanism of a front loader while the user can remain conveniently seated in the tractor. Since our PA-ST4 tubular linear actuator for confined spaces comes with the same IP67M ingress protection ratings as the PA-06, they could be used in a similar way for tractors in agricultural machinery, with the benefit of a more compact design!
Home Automation
Storage compartments and hidden cabinets offer capacity for keeping our belongings safe and secure; however, the use of actuators to remove the manual aspect improves user convenience through home automation. An example of this can be found in the use of our PA-15 High-Speed Linear Actuator by our customer for their hidden TV cabinet compartment project. Since our PA-ST4 IP67 tubular linear actuator offers a similar tubular shape design and a sufficient 45 lbs dynamic force rating, it can be used for more compact storage compartments that don’t require high speeds. The higher static force rating of 225 lbs could be used as an added security lock for the storage compartments.
DIY Projects
When it comes to DIY projects and prototypes, we see all kinds of projects from our customers that can vary greatly in their specification requirements. A unique example of this can be found in the DIY Chicken Coop Automatic Door by Mike Senna that utilizes the PA-06 actuator. Having a high IP67M waterproof protection rating, like what we offer in both our PA-06 and our new PA-ST4, ensures durability in harsh outdoor environments for these types of applications. Both actuators also offer a range of force and speed ratings that are suitable for moving the sliding chicken coop door to the desired positions.
Outdoor Use Cases
While changing directions from forward to reverse can be a convenient feature for leisure, this feature is essential to ensuring user safety for getting out of stuck floating debris and avoiding obstructions. Electric reverse operations using our PA-06 Electric Waterproof Actuators enhance the versatility of jet skis in OEM and aftermarket user applications by offering marine-grade linear motion solutions with high reliability and easy integration. The same tubular shape and waterproof capabilities are also available in a more compact design through our PA-ST4 tubular linear actuator for confined spaces.
IN SUMMARY
Our PA-ST4 Linear Actuators have versatile capabilities in a sleek, compact tubular design while offering waterproof protection for various marine and outdoor uses. The standard 2-pin Molex Mini-Fit Jr Connector and 1.3A current draw at full load simplify installation and integration, being compatible with many existing systems.
We hope you found this as informative and interesting as we did, especially if you were looking to use a 12V compact linear actuator with low current draw for your next project. If you have any queries or wish to discuss our products further, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are experts in what we do and will be happy to assist however we can.
sales@progressiveautomations.com | 1-800-676-6123