Frequently Asked Questions 

Mechanical Actuators

What is the lifting torque required? 
The lifting torque for a single actuator depends on the load, the worm gear ratio, type of screw (machine cut or ball screw) and the pitch of the lifting screw based on capacity loads. For loads from 25% to 100% of actuator model capacity, torque requirements are approximately proportional to the load. 

Can the actuator be operated in multiple units? 
Perhaps the greatest single advantage of Duff-Norton actuators is that they can be tied together mechanically, to lift and lower in unison. Typical arrangements involve the actuator units, mitre gear boxes, motors, reducers, shafting and couplings. 

How many actuators can be connected in series? 
This will be limited by the input torque requirements on the first worm shaft in the line. The torque on the worm shaft of the first actuator unit should not exceed 300% of its rated full load torque based on the 1800 and 9000 Series. (This does not include the 1820 and 9020 Series.) 

Torque can be reduced by using a double end gear motor at the center of the arrangement or a higher capacity actuator model can be used as the first unit in the line, provided the turns for 1" raise are the same as the lower capacity units. 

If this is not possible, the actuators may be individually motorized and synchronized using electronic controls designed by the customer. 

Can the Duff-Norton actuator operate at high speeds? 
The input horsepower to these actuators should not exceed the hp rating shown in the specifications table. Maximum RPM should not exceed 1800. We cannot accept responsibility for the overheating and rapid wear that may occur should these limits be exceeded. Horsepower increases in direct proportion to the speed, and the motor size will be out of proportion to the actuator model design rating should the speed become
excessively high. When selecting the maximum permissible speed for an actuating arrangement, always check to see that the hp rating of the actuator model is not exceeded.  

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Can Duff-Norton mitre gear boxes operate at high speeds? 
The gear boxes can be run at the same speeds as the actuator models. Do not exceed torque ratings. 

What is the efficiency of the actuator? 
Actuator model efficiencies are listed in the specification charts in the Design Guide (request publication 2002). Where both starting and running torques are listed, use the starting torque for hp calculations. 

What is the efficiency of the mitre gear boxes? 
The efficiency of Duff-Norton gear boxes takes into consideration not only the theoretical efficiencies of the mitre gears, but also makes allowance for a normal amount of misalignment on the connecting shafts. We use 90% efficiency 

 What is the efficiency of an actuator multiple-unit arrangement? 
In addition to the efficiencies of the actuator units and the mitre gear boxes, the efficiency of the actuator multiple-unit arrangement must be taken into considera-tion. The arrangement efficiency allows for misalignment due to slight deformation of the structure under load, for the losses in couplings and bearings, and for a normal amount of misalignment in positioning the actuators and gear boxes. We use the following efficiencies (all standard units):  
Two Actuator Arrangement - 95% 
Three Actuator Arrangement -90% 
Four Actuator Arrangement - 85% 
Six or Eight Actuator Arrangement - 80% 

Can the actuator be used for continuous operation? 
Recommendation should be obtained from the Duff -Norton Company on this type application and a completed application analysis form submitted. In general, semicontinuous operation can be permitted where load is light as compared to actuator model rated capacity. Units so used should be lubricated frequently and protected against dust and dirt. The Duff -Norton 7500 Series, oil-lubricated, high duty cycle actuator is designed
for maximum duty cycles. 

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What is the maximum practical raise or working stroke?
Generally, standard raises are up to 12 inches on 1/4- and 1/2-ton models and 18 inches on the 2501 (one ton). Maximum raises available for the larger diameter screws are limited only by the available length of bar stock from suppliers. Practicallength will be affected by whether the screw is to be subjected to compression or tension loads. Depending on diameter, the
length can be limited due to deformation of material in the machining process or column strength of the screw when subjected to compression loads. Long raise applications should be checked with Duff-Norton for the following: 
a) Side thrust on extended screw (see question 11) 
b) Column strength of screw (see question 12) 
c) Thermal rating of screw and nut (see question 13) 

We suggest guides be used on all applications. The longer the raise, the more important this becomes. 

Will the actuator withstand a side thrust? 
Actuator units are designed primarily to raise and lower loads and any side thrust should be avoided. These units will withstand some side thrust, depending on diameter of the screw and the extended length of the screw. Where side thrusts are present, the loads should be guided and the guides, rather than the actuator units, should take the side thrust - particularly when long raises are involved. Even a small side thrust can exert great force on the housings and bearings and increase the operating torque. 

How is the column strength of a lifting screw determined? 
The column strength of a screw is determined by the relationship between the length of the screw and its diameter. A column strength nomograph is included in the Actuator Design Guide (request publication 2003). 

What is the cause of thermal or heat build-up in an actuator unit? 
The duty cycle, the length of the screw, the magnitude of the load, and the efficiency of the actuator unit all have a direct influence on the amount of heat generated within the actuator model. Since most of the power input is used to overcome friction, a large amount of heat is generated in the worm gear set in both ball screw and machine screw actuator models, and in the lifting screw of machine screw actuator units. Long lifts can cause serious overheating. 

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What is the allowable duty cycle of a worm gear actuator? 
Because of the low efficiency of worm gear actuators, the duty cycle is low at rated load. At reduced loading, the duty cycle may be increased. Consult Duff -Norton for more complete information. 

What is the life of the worm gear actuator? 
The life of a machine screw actuator screw, nut and worm gear set varies considerably due to extent of lubrication, abrasive or chemical action, overloading, eccentric loading, excessive heat, improper maintenance, etc. 

Can the actuator be used to pivot a load? 
The actuator can be furnished with a clevis at both ends. The bottom clevis is welded to the bottom end of an extra strong pipe, which is threaded into the base of the actuator and welded. This bottom pipe still performs its primary function of encasing the lifting screw in its retracted position. The design of the structure in which this type unit is to be used must be so constructed that the actuator unit can pivot at both ends. Use only direct compression or tension loads, thereby eliminating side thrust conditions. See the double clevis model illustrations  on the dimensional drawings. 

Can the actuator unit be used within rigid structures or presses? 
We recommend that the actuator selected have a greater capacity than the rated capacity of the press or of the load capacity of the structure. We also recommend that a torque limiting clutch or similar device be used to prevent overloading of the actuator unit. Unless these precautions are taken, it is possible to overload the actuator unit without realizing it, because it is difficult to determine just what load is being imposed on the actuator unit.  

Can the lifting screw be keyed to prevent rotation? 
Yes, except for the ball screw; however, the keyway in the screw causes greater than normal wear on the internal threads of the worm gear. The ball screw cannot be keyed, as the keyway would interrupt the ball track, permitting loss of the recirculating balls. We recommend the following methods for preventing rotation. For multiple actuator model applications, bolt the lifting screw top plates to the member being lifted. For single actuator unit applications, bolt the lifting screw top plate to the load. And the load should be guided to prevent rotation. 

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Why is it ever necessary to use a keyed lifting screw? 
When an actuator unit is operated, the rotation of the worm shaft causes the worm gear to rotate. The worm gear is threaded to accommodate the lifting screw thread; as the worm gear turns, the friction forces on the screw thread act to turn the screw also. The greater the load on the actuator unit, the greater the tendency of the screw to turn. It is obvious that if the screw turns with the nut (worm gear), it will not raise the load. In those cases where a single unit is used, and where the load cannot be restrained from turning, it is necessary to key the lifting screw.  The lifting screw turning movement or key torque is shown in the Actuator Design Guide (request publication 2003). 

Can an actuator model with an inverted lifting screw be keyed?  
Yes, but the key is mounted in the shell cap, making it necessary to omit the dust guard as a standard item. If a dust guard is required, a special adaptor must be attached to permit mounting. 

Can bellows boots be supplied for an actuator model with inverted screw? 
Yes, but allowance must be made in the length of the lifting screw for both the closed height of the boot and structure thickness. Since we can make no provision for attaching a boot on the underside of your structure, we suggest that a circular plate similar to the lifting screw top plate be welded or bolted to the bottom of your structure supporting the actuator unit,
thereby making it possible to use a standard bellows boot. 

Can stop discs, stop pins or stop nuts be used on the actuator unit? 
Stop disc, pins or nuts can be recommended on the actuator unit that is hand operated. For motor driven units, the full capacity of the actuator unit or even a greater force (depending on the power of the motor) can be applied against the stop, thereby jamming so tightly it must be disassembled in order to free it. It is suggested that external stops be used where possible. Under ideal conditions where a slip clutch or torque limiting device is used, a stop pin or stop nut may be used - but the Duff-Norton should be consulted. The stop disc used on the bottom of the lifting screw in our ball screw units are not power stops. These are used to ensure that the lifting screw will not run out of the ball nut during shipping and handling, thereby permitting loss of the recirculating balls. 

Will the actuator withstand shock loads? 
Shock loads should be eliminated or reduced as much as possible, but if they cannot be avoided, the actuator model selected should be rated at twice the required static load. For severe shock load applications, using the 1800 and 9000 Series, the load bearings should be replaced with heat-treated steel thrust rings which will increase the lifting torque approximately 100 percent. These rings are available as a special from Duff-Norton. 

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Is the actuator selflocking? 
The 2800 and 9800 Series ball screw units, the 2555 1/4-ton, the 2625 1/2-ton, the 2501 one ton units and - in some cases - the 1802 & 9002 two-ton unit, the 9005 five-ton unit, the 9010 ten-ton unit and the 9015 15-ton unit are not self locking; the 24:1 and 25:1 ratios are self-locking in most cases. Units considered not self-locking will require a brake or other holding device. If vibration conditions exist, see question 25. 

Can the actuator unit be used where vibration is present? 
Yes, but vibration can cause the lifting screw to creep or inch down under load. For applications involving slight vibration, select the higher of the worm gear ratios. Should considerable vibration be present, use a drive motor equipped with a magnetic brake, which will prevent the actuator model from self-lowering. 

Will the actuator unit drift after the motor is switched off?
Yes, unless a brake of sufficient capacity is used to prevent it. The amount of drift will depend upon the load on the actuator unit and the inertia of the rotor in the motor. Due to different construction, the ball screw actuator unit must be considered  separately. The machine screw worm gear unit (1800 and 9000 Series) requires approximately one-half as much torque to lower the load as it does to raise the load. 

For the machine screw actuator unit with no load, the amount of drift will depend upon the size and speed of the motor. For example, a 1750 RPM motor directly connected to an actuator unit (without a load) will give on the average 2 " 3 " drift; a 500 RPM gear motor will give about 1/9 as much drift. Note that the drift varies as the square of the velocity (RPM). The drift of the actuator unit screw can be controlled by using a magnetic brake on the motor. 

Is the torque of a rotating screw actuator unit the same as a standard unit? 

The lifting torque, as well as the efficiency and side thrust ratings, is the same for a rotating screw unit. It is understood, however, that the same pitch and screw diameter is used in each actuator unit, as well as the same worm gear ratio. This comment also applies to the inverted actuator unit and those with threaded or clevis-style ends. 

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 Is the worm gear actuator unit suitable for high temperature operation? 
The actuator is normally suitable for operation at ambient temperatures of up to 200'F using standard greases and seals. Operation above 200'F will require special lubricants. For temperatures above 300T the life of even special lubricants is limited in direct proportion to increase in temperature and duration of exposure to such temperatures. At 400'F and above, the oil in the grease will vaporize and grease will carbonize and solidify. Applications of this type should be avoided. For temperatures above 250T advise Duff-Norton of full particulars of the duration of such temperatures. In some cases, it may be necessary to furnish unlubricated units, then the customer will supply the lubricant of his own choice. We suggest that a lubricant manufacturer be consulted for type of grease and
lubrication schedule. As a general rule, the actuator unit should be shielded to keep ambient temperatures to 200'F or less. 

Seals for temperatures above 250'F are very expensive. Instead, we would substitute bronze bushings for seals in these cases. If bellows boots are used, special materials will be required for temperatures above 200'F 

Is the actuator unit suitable for low temperature operation? 
With the standard lubricant and materials of construction, the actuator is suitable for use at sustained temperatures of 0¡F. Below 0¡F low temperature lubricant should be used. Also, at temperatures below 0¡F if there is any possibility of shock loading, special materials may be required due to notch sensitivity of the standard materials at lower temperatures. Duff-Norton factory application engineers must be consulted in these instances for a recommendation. 

Actuators with standard materials of construction and lubrication may be safely stored at temperatures as low as -65'F 

How much backlash is there in the actuator unit? 
The 1800/9000, 4800/9400 and 2800/9800 Series units must be considered separately, as the normal backlash will vary due to different constructions. 

For the 1800/9000: In this unit there is a normal backlash of .005" to .008" in the lifting screw thread,-plus .002" to .003" backlash in the load bearings. Therefore, the total backlash is .007" to .0 11". This backlash is due not only to normal manufacturing tolerances, but to the fact that we must have some clearances to prevent binding and galling when the
actuator unit is under load. Usually, the backlash is not a problem unless the load on the actuator unit changes between compression and tension. If a problem does exist, then the 4800 and 9400 Series with the anti-backlash feature should be considered. 

4800 and 9400 Series: This unit can be adjusted for screw thread and bearing clearances to a minimum of .0005". Some clearances must be maintained to keep torque requirements within reason. As the inside thread of the worm gear and the antibacklash nut wears, adjustment can be maintained by tightening down on the shell cap. Setscrews located in the top of the shell cap are to be respotted each time an adjustment is
made. 

The additional nut used in the anti-backlash actuator unit is a built-in wear indicator. The clearance between the two nuts is designed to be 50 percent of the thread thickness. When all this adjustment is used, it indicates the point where the worm gear and the anti-backlash nut set is to be replaced. See the illustration of this feature in the Actuator Design Guide (request publication 2003). 

2800 and 9800 Series - This unit cannot be adjusted. It will have a normal backlash of .002" to .0 13" between the ball nut and the ball track; .002" to .003" backlash in the load bearings. Total backlash will be .004" to .016". As in the 1800 and 9000 Series, this backlash will not be detrimental unless the load changes between compression and tension, or tension and compression.

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How does the "Anti-Backlash" feature operate? 
The worm gear and the anti-backlash nut are pinned together with guide pins. The threads in the anti-backlash nut work in opposition to the worm gear on the threads of the lifting screw Adjustment is made by threading in the shell cap of the actuator unit, which forces the anti-backlash nut threads into closer contact, reducing clearance and thus reducing backlash. 

What lead error is present in the lifting screw threads? 
1800 and 9000, 2500, 2555, 2625 or 4800 and 9400 Series lift screws have .002" to .010" per foot lead error. It is cumulative and not detrimental to the operation of the actuator model. 2800 and 9800 Series - This is a heat treated rolled ball track with a lead error of plus or minus .009" per foot cumulative. 

How do you compute the raise per minute with a given worm shaft speed? 
When the worm shaft speed is known, the distance the load can be raised per minute can be determined with this formula: Raise per minute = RPM of Worm Shaft /Turns of worm for I" raise (Worm turns for 1" raise are shown in actuator specifications in the Actuator Design Guide (request publication 2003). 

How do you calculate the RPM of worm shaft necessary to achieve a given rate of raise? 
If the application calls for a certain raise per minute, the worm shaft speed which will give the rate of raise can be calculated as follows. Worm shaft RPM = Desired Rate of Raise (in/min) x Worm Turns for 1" Raise 

How do you compute permissible eccentric loads? 
Eccentric load is computed by dividing the permissible bending moment by the distance from the centerline of the lifting screw to the centerline of the load. 

How is the Duff-Norton rotary limit switch mounted on an actuator unit? 
It is suggested that the actuator unit be purchased with the limit switch factory mounted. The rotary limit switch can be field mounted by following the instructions found in this book under "Rotary Limit Switch." In most cases, the switch is mounted to the worm using the worm flange retainer bolts. This switch cannot be directly mounted on 1/4- to I-ton actuator models. 

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How is the maximum raise determined when using the limit switch? 
Maximum raise is determined by the ratio of the switch used and the turns for one inch raise of the actuator unit. The limit switch ratios available are 10:1, 20:1 and 40:1. Refer to the charts in the Actuator Design Guide (request publication 2003), or on the inside cover of the limit switch, and use the following formula. Max. Raise of Actuator Unit (inches) = Max. Input Revolutions of Limit Switch + Turns of Actuator unit Worm for 1"
Raise 

How is the rotary limit switch adjusted for position stop? 
The Duff-Norton rotary limit switch is infinitesimally adjustable by moving the adjustable nuts of the worm-driven screw. 

Can a multiple actuator unit arrangement be set up to visually indicate position of the lifting screw at any given point? 
Yes, in several ways. However, it is suggested you consult the Duff -Norton Company for recommendations based on your particular application.

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