Linear Chain Actuators
Linear Chain actuators are a compact, powerful solution for linear motion applications requiring long strokes and high forces within limited space. With a specially designed chain mechanism, Linear Chain actuators combine high positioning accuracy with minimal play. Variants with guided or self-supporting chain geometries enable horizontal and vertical operation, making them suitable for applications ranging from compact installations to heavy-duty lifting tasks.
With decades of experience in drive technology, we help you find the best linear actuator for you application, including various Push/Pull Actuators for long strokes, Tower Chain for stable vertical lifting movements or custom solutions.
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With the Linear Chain push/pull actuator, you can move both tensile and compressive loads up to 35 kN over lengths of more than 10 meters (with the guided version). The push/pull chain system consists of specially shaped, high-precision mechanical links. These links can be coiled in one direction; in the opposite direction, they stiffen. This allows large loads to be moved with minimal play and high positioning accuracy.
With appropriate guide rails, the chain can be extended to any length, independent of available raw material lengths. In a chain magazine, the chain can be rolled up behind the drive to save space.
The push chain operates smoothly even under extreme temperatures. It is designed to operate reliably at low and high temperatures, up to 550 °C (special versions up to 1,050 °C). This makes it suitable for demanding environments where other systems fail.
Click here for an overview of the available variants and further information on the Linear Chain’s operating principle.
Tower Chain
The Tower Chain is an advancement of the existing Linear Chain. By changing the chain geometry, higher strokes and forces without guidance are now possible. The Tower Chain TC is particularly well-suited for vertical applications. It can achieve lift movements of up to 4 meters without guide rails - depending on the applied load, even higher strokes are achievable. It provides stable and precise vertical movements and ensures reliable performance. Due to its compact design, the Tower Chain TC can be integrated into tight spaces.
3 reasons why the Tower Chain could be perfect for your application:
- 4,000 mm stroke with 100 kN static and 60 kN dynamic load
- Custom configuration
- Extremely robust and low maintenance
The Linear Chain: designed for compressive forces
The Linear Chain transmits compressive and tensile forces from 3 kN to 35 kN. A motor drives a sprocket, which in turn drives the chain, forming the chain links into a stable unit. Shoulders on the individual chain links stiffen the chain when a compressive load is applied. When a load needs to be lowered or pulled, the chain links are compactly inserted and stored in the housing.
Linear Chains are used in numerous industries and applications, including stage platforms, warehouse logistics, cooling systems, offshore applications, charging of blast furnaces, and much more.
Linear Chain SK03
Max. lifting force up to 3kN
Linear Chain SK03G
Max. lifting force up to 3kN
Linear Chain SK04
Max. lifting force up to 4kN
Linear Chain SK08
Max. lifting force up to 8kN
Linear Chain SK08G
Max. lifting force up to 8kN
Linear Chain SK12
Max. lifting force up to 12kN
Linear Chain SK18
Max. lifting force up to 18kN
Linear Chain SK18G
Max. lifting force up to 18kN
Linear Chain SK25
Max. lifting force up to 25kN
Linear Chain SK35
Max. lifting force up to 35kN
Linear Chain SK35G
Max. lifting force up to 35kN
Tower Chain
Max. lifting force up to 100kN
Further details at a glance:
A sprocket wheel integrated in a drive housing actuates the chain.
According to the thrust power, the stroke length and the speed (all individually definable), Linear Chain can perform its task running on a sliding surface or in a guide rail. One of the superior advantages is the combined ability to perform high push and pull forces and fold or roll up into a magazine when retracted.
The chain drive system comprises a special housing with internal chain guides, spocket drive wheel and a keywayed drive shaft. This can be connected to a standard gear motor. Alternatively, a Framo Morat Compacta slip-on Rotary Actuator, a gear motor with integral multi-turn limit switches and optional reversing contactors or potentiometer can often be used (see separate catalogue). To prevent the Push-Chain from folding during the linear thrust motion, a special front end link is provided. This ensures that the force-line is off-center to the chain pins creating a bending moment which forces the chain fingers to lock tightly. The Push-Chain can be used for reciprocating push and pull movement, horizontally or vertically. Where possible, chain guide rails should be used to support and guide the chain.
The Guide Rail is unnecessary when:
- The Push-Chain runs across a flat surface (eg. steel plate)
- The linear travel (stroke) is within prescribed limits
- There is no danger of radial loads occurring along the thrust axis
The selection of the correct chain size and type will depend on the application, the required performance and operating criteria.
The following information is required:
- Thrust force
- Working stroke
- Linear speed
- Operating frequency
- Temperature
The Push-Chains are manufactured with a standard pitch of 25 mm, 40 mm and 60 mm (pitch is the distance between the pivot pins).
The Push-Pull Chains are manufactured from treated alloy steels. The chain can withstand temperatures of up to 356°F and for short periods even higher temperatures.
For special cases where temperatures of up to 1022°F may occur, the Push-Chain can be supplied in heat-resistant steels.
The Push-Pull Chains should not be used for applications involving the movement of loads which could endanger working personnel as a result of operation or system failure. Use of the Push-Pull Chain for personnel transport systems is not permitted without prior written approval.
We refer users to the applicable regulations and recommended practices regarding the provision of guard rails or covers to all moving parts of machines. Furthermore overhead hoist mechanisms for heavy loads using the Push-Pull Chain are not approved.