VCA developer's kit shortens prototype build time

6th May 2016

Nat Bowers

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BEI Kimco has improved its VCA (Voice Coil Actuator) developer's kit to include three new actuator sizes with greater force and stroke capabilities to provide a broader diversity in off-the-shelf selection (custom kits can also be ordered). These additions round out the Kit selection to a total of six actuators with force performances now ranging from as low as 15.56N to as high as 1,512N and total strokes ranging from 6.35 to 31.7mm.

Outside actuator diameters measure from an extremely compact 32 to 113.8mm for a wide choice of sizes.

The original kit was designed to make building prototypes easier for people unfamiliar with VCA technology. The complete 'solution-in-a-box' bypasses the learning curve by providing all necessary components to get an actuation system up and running. Instead of having to figure out which controller and software to specify to put together a working system, the VCA novice can simply purchase the kit with the desired size and performance and have everything needed to easily build a prototype.

VCA prototypes built with the Kit can be used in a variety of industrial and commercial markets such as medical, laboratory, automation, military, aerospace and education. Uses range from actuation, position, force control,proof-of-concept, full-function prototypes, test bed for actuator system design, stand-alone use for single purpose actuation, live testing, vibration generator, bio tissue fatigue testing and student engineering projects.

Jim McNamara, Senior Applications Engineer, BEI Kimco, commented: "It's pretty amazing that engineers are finding so many ways to benefit from the kit. While many want it for the convenience of fast prototype building, others simply need a quick education on how a VCA works. Still others are incorporating it as a life test stand to validate a product's life cycle, such as a heart valve tester. We're even beginning to see applications at engineering schools for use as a teaching aid."

The Developer's Kit is available in six configurations, each with a different VCA that is paired with the appropriate controller PCBA to drive the VCA being used. A built-in feedback sensor and programmable controller with MotionLab Software runs on the user's local PC. The controller incorporates an Input/Output board that allows physical inputs and outputs such as push buttons (digital inputs), LEDs (digital outputs) and potentiometers (analogue input). Sample programmes for flow, motion, oscillation, timers and memory are included. Kit part numbers are DK-LAS13-18, DK-LAS13-54, DK-LAS16-23, DK-LAS22-42, DK-LAS28-53 and DK-LAS43-88.