How actuator speed and force ratings affect project design decisions
I’ve been messing around with a small automated storage unit for my basement, and I didn’t think much about speed or force when I first picked an actuator. Now I’m realizing the one I bought lifts the panel super slow, and it struggles a bit when the shelf is fully loaded. Before I buy a replacement, I’m trying to figure out how much the speed/force balance actually matters. Do you usually pick something stronger than you need, or do you try to match the specs exactly?
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From my experience, it’s usually safer to go a little over what you think you need, especially with force. I made a tilting mount for a heavy tool chest last year, and at first I chose an actuator mostly for speed because I wanted it to move quickly. Big mistake — it stalled halfway with the extra weight. I ended up comparing some models on actuator https://www.progressiveautomations.com/pages/actuators to see how different force ratings affected travel speed, and it helped me narrow down something more balanced. I’d say decide which matters more for your project, then accept that the other spec might take a small hit.