BEI Kimco Magnetics has introduced a Linear Voice Coil Actuator featuring a patented design that incorporates magnetic latches at each end of travel.    The new design provides an ideal solution for critical applications where there is a specific ‘stop’ position desired when the coil is de-energized.  Typical uses include applications for proportional valve control, circuit breakers, and load movement in commercial, industrial and military industries.  “Traditionally, one of the appeals of a voice coil actuator (VCA) has been that it doesn’t have to be in any particular position when the coil is de-energized – it simply ‘floats’” explains Jim McNamara, BEI Kimco Senior Applications Engineer.  “However, in many applications, a certain position is required when de-energized.   

BEI Kimco’s new LAH24-67-000A VCA provides this capability;  thereby broadening the scope of applications where moving magnet technology is suitable while still providing all the benefits intrinsic to voice coil technology.” The LAH24-67-000A provides 0.44” travel with 115 lbs. peak force and 37 lbs. continuous force in a compact footprint of just 2.4 inches in diameter.  The surprisingly high force output given its diameter size is achieved with the devices’ split coil, also patented by BEI Kimco Magnetics.  The split coil concept (in this case five coils) is akin to using multiple actuators in parallel, allowing the force to multiply without increasing the stroke.  The new VCA features all the inherent advantages of voice coil technology including direct-drive, hysteresis-free operation for highly accurate motion.  Other advantages of this type of technology include high acceleration, absence of commutation, and excellent resolution limited only by the encoder used for feedback.