Wax Actuators
All blog posts below are about actuation using wax actuators. Click on the image to see the whole post.
All blog posts below are about actuation using wax actuators. Click on the image to see the whole post.
We designed and built a new pillbox wax actuator without a ‘fill hole’ because that hole took up extra height. We filled hot wax (90˚C) through the piston hole using a ‘shim’ between the o-ring and piston to allow air and excess wax to escape.
Below is the test fixture we built to load test this actuator up to 50 pounds.
Size: 18mm x 6 mm with 6mm diameter plunger
Weight: 8.3 grams filled (estimated 0.4 grams wax)
Stroke: ~2mm (seems to be independent of load)
Force: Tested to 50 pounds (see photo) with no noticeable change
Reset Force: Seems to require ~5 lbs to fully reset (more…)
Main components:
Sigma Aldrich Wax PN 327204-1KG ( 53-57˚C MP)
TEMPCO Swaged Cartridge Heaters
Operating parameters:
Voltage: 120 vac, 300 Watt, 109W/sq. in., Diameter: 1/4”
Actuation time at 120 volts AC:
75 seconds to fully actuate at full load if ‘cold’ ~(room temp)
45 seconds to fully actuate at full load after initial room temp actuation
Wait ~10 minutes between firing or until plunger returns to starting point
Paraffin actuator performs well, but response is slow
Could be improved significantly by reducing wax volume and by using custom parts everywhere.
Indianapolis, IN USA
Portland, OR USA
Click here for our web form, we'll get right back to you.
Mon-Sat: 8am - 5pm
Sun: Closed
This wax actuator develops 125 pounds of force, 60 second actuation time using the expansion of heated paraffin wax to develop very high forces.
Indianapolis, IN USA
Portland, OR USA
Click here for our web form, we'll get right back to you.
Mon-Sat: 8am - 5pm
Sun: Closed