What DC motor would you choose?
Because of their low cost, DC motors are often used to drive linear actuators. There are three types of DC motors: stepper motors, traditional DC motors, and EC/BLDC. All rotary motors require translation to linear motion. They are cheaper than direct-drive counterparts, and can handle most linear actuator applications.

 

Why would you choose a stepper over an EC/BLDC driver?
EC/BLDC motors, stepper motors (both brushesless motors), are more expensive than DC motors.

 

The primary difference between a brushed motor (DC motor) or a brushless motor (stepper, EC/BLDC motors), is that the position of permanent magnets and the electromagnetic wires/armature are reversed. The current flows directly into the stator, activating electromagnetism in various parts (via embedded wires).

 

What does NEMA stand for?
NEMA stands to represent the National Electrical Manufacturers Association. It is a rating that determines the sizes and standards of various electronic units, including steppermotors. A NEMA 23 size stepper motor is one that has a mounting surface of 2.3 inches. NEMA's standards allow customers to move between manufacturers without having to modify mounting brackets or couplings. Motors with the same NEMA rating might have different metrics, such as shaft length, flat present, and "number or winding impedance.

You can purchase gearboxes for any of the three types of motors - stepper motors, traditional DC motors, and BLDC motors. Through a series interconnected gears, gearboxes reduce speed and increase torque. A stepper motor producing a torque of 1nm at a speed of 3,000rpm would have a gearbox that transforms those numbers to 5nm, and reduces the speed to 600rpm.

 

What are some of the most common uses for linear actuator motors
This article by www.oyostepper.com explains that linear actuators are used in many applications, including solar panels, sliding doors and farming equipment. They can also be used in laser cutting machines, CNC machines and lab automation equipment.

 

How does a linear actuator motor translate its rotational motion into linear motion?