Linear actuators (PWM) linear actuation product

The HLS12-10050 is a PWM-controlled electromechanical linear actuator from Hitec Commercial Solutions. It moves a rod through a 100 mm stroke by means of a 5 mm lead screw and a 50:1 gear train, and it takes the same servo signal as a hobby or radio-control servo, so it can be driven directly from a flight controller or receiver output.

The key figures describe the force and speed trade-off. At its maximum-efficiency point the actuator pushes 12.11 N at 23.5 mm/s and draws 250 mA. At peak power it delivers 20.59 N at 17.3 mm/s with 370 mA, and at its maximum-force point it delivers 26.64 N at 8.2 mm/s with 490 mA. The no-load current is 130 mA. The maximum static force is 247 N, and the maximum side load on the extended rod is 15 N, so the actuator should push or pull in line and not carry bending loads. Repeatability is plus or minus 0.5 mm.

Electrically, the unit runs from 4.0 to 8.4 V, with a 6 V version also listed, and it uses a cored metal brush motor with metal gears. Control is by a standard servo pulse, and full excursion corresponds to an input range of 1050 to 1950 microseconds, which means a compatible radio or autopilot output reaches the full stroke without extended-rate programming.

Integration is helped by the programmable functions, which are set with the DPC-20 or HFP-30 programmer: end points, direction, fail-safe, dead band, slower speed, soft start rate and overload protection, with the settings saved and loaded. The actuator also holds its position when power is off. The body measures 152.0 x 15.0 x 18.0 mm, weighs from 56 g, and has an engineering-plastic and aluminium housing. A CAD file and a datasheet are available from the maker for mechanical design.

Typical applications are long-stroke, fast-transit movements in robotics, animatronics and industrial mechanisms, and low-profile installations that need a long throw. In unmanned aircraft, the same characteristics suit light mechanical functions such as hatches, latches, payload release and small control linkages, where the loads stay within the force and side-load limits above.