The improvements technologies bring to our lives can hardly be overestimated. Just twenty years ago it sounded unreal that a phone may fit into your pocket. The definition of a computer appeared not so long ago either, and smart devices were mentioned only in science fiction.
Years of studying and applying our intelligence to the things around us allowed gaining the results we can observe today. Just look around you. The world we live in is full of automation and machines that help us live on this planet. It would be nearly impossible for a person to live with no technological advancements for at least a day! And we are talking about not only a smartphone but also things like lifts, automated doors, switches to turn the lights on and off and many, many other things.
Most of the mechanisms that we use daily have one main thing in common. They wouldn’t work without the things called actuators. In this article, we will introduce you to the role actuators play in the technical innovations around us and tell you how to use actuators for a standing desk.
Linear Actuators & Where They Are Used
Different devices need to move along a straight line in order to fulfill their mission. This motion would be impossible without the special mechanisms called actuators.
Every actuator is able to turn energy into motion. The energy comes from the motor and the screw converts it into the motion along a straight line. The systems that include actuators are widely used in industrial machines as well as in offices and households. Actuators are exceptionally useful for automated standing desks, but let us take a look at some other devices that operate thanks to these mechanisms.
- Security Access Cameras
Lift your head and look around you. How many cameras can you see inside the room you are in at the moment? Each of these cameras is able to turn slightly reacting to the motion it detects. The camera focuses on the object in order to shoot the video of the best quality possible, so it has to turn to a defined angle. This is possible thanks to small linear actuators it is built with. DC motors are the basis of the mechanism. Some of the more complicated devices include linear rails, different types of screws, racks, etc.
- Linear Guide Systems
As it becomes clear from the name, these devices are responsible for moving the equipment along a straight line to the destination. In this case, motor rotations generate the linear motion as well. Wheels or linear rails are required. Objects of different weight and size can be moved thanks to these actuators.
- Household Appliances
Most of the devices you use at home contain an actuator. For example, printers, wheelchairs, regulated chairs or beds, automated doors – you can find an actuator inside all these things that contribute to your comfort. Air conditioners which are so necessary during the hot summer days are built with actuators, too.
Build an Automated Standing Desk with the Help of the Actuator-Based System
We could talk about all the potential ways actuators can be applied for hours. Yet, we would like to tell you about how important they are for building a standing desk. This type of furniture looks quite attractive for both office workers and people who simply want to optimize some daily tasks with it. We have mentioned that the prices for automated desks are quite high but if you are not afraid of some manual work, you can construct it yourself.
You may either build the table that can raise and lower itself automatically from scratch, or rebuild your regular desk. What do you need to get this task done? Power supply, some mechanical elements and, of course, a linear actuator. You can find actuators to buy for different prices for your desk, but pay attention to the reputation of the supplier. Also, make sure your efforts are worth it as the process may be rather time-consuming.
The market is full of various offers, and most actuators can suit your needs. If you would like your desk to be more sophisticated, you can extend its functionality with a control box and hand control.
- Actuators for an Inline Column System
If you worry about the way your table will look as much as about its functionality, you can pick small elements where the motor is hidden inside the column, so their general design looks quite nice.
- Built-In Actuators
These mechanisms are the most suitable for your automated standing table. In this case, the whole mechanism is put into one compact system that is easy to install and maintain.
- Baselift System
This compact element is installed at the base of the table and can perform movements.
Final Thoughts
To maximize the efficiency of the desk, you need to choose the specific speed and torque of the actuator. Each actuator type you can buy online has a detailed description, so it is recommended to read it carefully before choosing the mechanism for your standing desk. Another tip we would like to share with you is to pay extra attention to the customers’ reviews. The point is, the brief information about the experience of real users may tell you more than lots and lots of odes devoted to the product.
Contact us to find out how to pick the best linear actuator for a standing desk today and build a ready-to-use construction with no hassle!
