Wax Actuators
All blog posts below are about actuation using wax actuators. Click on the image to see the whole post.
Wax Pillbox Actuator Testing & Characterization
Wax Pillbox Actuator
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…)
Paraffin Wax Actuator Build Process
Paraffin Wax Actuator Build
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.
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Indianapolis, IN USA
Portland, OR USA
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Sun: Closed
High Force Wax Actuator
High Force Wax Actuator
This wax actuator develops 125 pounds of force, 60 second actuation time using the expansion of heated paraffin wax to develop very high forces.
Our Offices
Indianapolis, IN USA
Portland, OR USA
Contact Us
Click here for our web form, we'll get right back to you.
Office Hours
Mon-Sat: 8am - 5pm
Sun: Closed