Linear Actuators, Push and Pull Wax Motors

Linear Activation
Linear activation is achieved by incorporating a miniature permanent magnet motor in the design.  Motors enable great design flexibility allowing a broad design window.  Linear actuators operate reliably in a full range of environments including refrigerator/freezers, dishwashers, ovens, and clothes washers.

Benefits include:

• Fast
• Smooth and quiet
• Move large loads
• Low voltage, low power
• Feedback options
• Drive and hold a load

Coils/Relays/Solenoids
Ark-Les produces millions of coils for the appliance industry every year.  Coils are integrated into a wide variety of end-product lines.  In-house high level coil winding automation allows Ark-les to design a specific coil quickly for each application. Ark-les can design and produce AC or DC coils for relay or solenoid applications in a wide range of ratings and voltages.

Wax Motors
A Wax Motor is an actuating device that consists of a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC) mounted to a sealed vessel filled with a solid wax. As the solid wax is heated to a controlled temperature by the energized thermistor, the wax melts and expands, driving a spring-loaded piston outward. Depending upon the orientation of the vessel within its housing and the configuration of the spring, this piston may pull in or push out a load. When the thermistor is de-energized, the liquid wax cools and the spring returns the piston to its original position.

Wax Motors should be considered for applications where quiet, smooth, and efficient actuation is desired which include: liquid and detergent dispensers, air flow control, water diverter valves, thermal time delays, door safety locks, and noise dampers.

Common Operating Parameters

• Please note that these are thermal devices and are affected by ambient conditions.
• Voltage rating: 12VDC/120/240VAC,  50/60 Hz.
• Current: 100mA maximum steady state (50 mA typical), 1A maximum inrush
• Temperature Rating: Max. operating ambient of 70°C & 60°C for high & low temperature models respectively
• Actuation Stroke/Time: 0.196” minimum travel in 90-seconds. Plunger begins to move in 45-50 seconds.
• Retraction Time: Dependent upon electrical soak time and ambient conditions. Typically, a 2-minute soak time will have a retraction time of 60-80 seconds; an 8-minute soak requires 120-140 seconds to retract
• Actuation Force: The assembly is tested with a 5 lb. load during manufacturing testing. The assembly can provide forces up to 30 pounds with decreased travel. Actuation force is a factor in rated cycles, and therefore we recommend not exceeding the 5 lb suggestion.
• Power: 1 foot – pound < 1 Watt
• Life Cycles: 10,000 cycle minimum, although this is somewhat application dependent. In certain applications the life of the product has exceeded 75,000 cycles.

Click image to enlarge. This is a general representation of an Ark-les wax motor.  Please contact Engineered Products for application specific information, plunger options and availability.

High-Temperature Push-Style Wax Motor
The High-Temperature Push-Style Wax Motor uses high melt point wax that allows for higher operating ambient environments and faster retraction times once power has been removed. The motor housing is made of vented Fortron.

Low-Temperature Push-Style Wax Motor
The Low-Temperature Push-Style Wax Motor incorporates low melt point wax for uses in faster operating and longer retraction time applications. The motor housing is made of vented Latamid.

Low-Temperature Push-Style “Sealed” Wax Motor
The Low-Temperature Push-Style “Sealed” Wax Motor incorporates low melt point wax for uses in faster operating and longer retraction time applications.  It integrates an internal o-ring, epoxy sealant around the terminals, and a non-vented welding housing making it ideal for applications with high humidity or high chances of splashing or contamination.

Low-Temperature Pull-Style Wax Motor
The Low-Temperature Pull-Style Wax Motor incorporates low melt point wax for uses in faster operating and longer retraction time applications. Instead of pushing a load, this motor is used to pull a load.  The motor housing is made of vented Latamid.

Low-Temperature Pull-Style Dual Wax Motor
The Low-Temperature Pull-Style Dual Wax Motor is used in applications that are space limited and require two independent actuators.  It incorporates low  melt point wax and two motor elements which allow each plunger to pull the load toward the body of the design.