Servo Actuator

Servo Actuator vs DC Integrated Servo Motor

Assun offers two integrated motion solutions that combine a motor and controller, but they serve different needs.

• DC Integrated Servo Motor: Combines a brushless or brushed coreless DC motor with an integrated position controller. The output shaft runs at motor speed, allowing you to select a separate gearbox based on your required ratio, size, and torque.
• Servo Actuator: Combines the motor, controller, and a matched multi-stage planetary gearbox in one housing. The geared output provides higher torque at a lower speed, making it a complete joint drive solution for robotic and precision motion applications.

Choose the servo actuator when you need a pre-matched, integrated drive unit. Choose the DC Integrated Servo Motor when you want greater flexibility to select your own gearbox.

Features of AssunMotor's Servo Actuators

• High Precision: Delivers accurate positioning with low backlash.
• Compact and Lightweight: Fits space-constrained robotic and automation systems.
• High Torque Output: Provides efficient power transmission for demanding applications.
• Smooth and Quiet Operation: Designed to reduce noise and vibration during operation.
• Durable and Long-Lasting: Built for reliable performance in demanding environments.

Applications of Servo Actuators

Assun's servo actuators are designed for a wide range of precision motion applications, including:

• Robotics and Automation: For robotic arms, collaborative robots, humanoid joints, and multi-axis automation systems.
• Medical Equipment: For surgical robots, medical instruments, and precision positioning equipment.
• Aerospace and Defense: For flight control systems, UAVs, and other precision motion applications.
• Automotive Systems: For applications such as electric vehicle steering and braking systems.
• Prosthetics and Exoskeletons: For compact joint mechanisms requiring precise and controlled movement.

Why Choose AssunMotor’s Servo Actuators?

At AssunMotor, we specialize in developing high-performance servo actuators tailored for diverse industries. Our products are built with cutting-edge motor technology, ensuring exceptional efficiency, reliability, and durability.

FAQs

Q1. What is a servo actuator?

A servo actuator is a self-contained motion control unit that integrates a motor, a reduction gearbox, and a servo controller in a single housing. It accepts a command signal analogue voltage, digital pulse, or fieldbus (such as CAN Bus) and produces precise mechanical output in terms of position, speed, or torque. Unlike a standalone servo motor, which requires an external drive and a separately sourced gearbox, a servo actuator delivers a complete, characterised motion output from one device.

Q2. What is the difference between a servo motor and a servo actuator?

A servo motor is the rotating element the motor plus, optionally, an encoder. To use a servo motor in a position-controlled system, you need an external servo drive (controller) and usually a gearbox for torque multiplication. A servo actuator integrates all three components motor, gearbox, and controller in one housing. The actuator has a command input (signal) and a mechanical output (shaft motion). It is a complete joint drive unit rather than a component that requires further integration.

Q3. What is an integrated servo actuator?

An integrated servo actuator is a servo actuator where the motor, gearbox, and drive electronics are packaged together in the same housing, eliminating the need for an external servo drive. Integration reduces cabling between motor and drive, simplifies BOM management, reduces total assembly volume, and removes the interface validation work required when pairing separately sourced motors and drives. Assun's servo actuators are integrated the PI variant uses analogue/digital command input, and the PC variant adds CAN Bus communication for multi-axis network integration.

Q4. What gear ratio and speed do Assun's servo actuators output?

Assun's servo actuators use a multi-stage planetary gearbox integrated in the housing. The gear ratio is encoded in the model code (e.g., -200- in AM-6835FPC2845AE-200-3056ER indicates the gear ratio). The rated output speed for the AM-6835 series is 56 RPM at 30V nominal input. This low-speed, high-torque output is typical for robotic joint actuators where precise angular positioning at moderate output speeds is required. Specific gear ratios and output speeds vary by model consult the datasheet or contact Assun's US engineering team.

Q5. What temperature range do Assun's servo actuators support?

Assun's servo actuators are available in four temperature grades encoded in the model code: N grade (85°C ambient), E grade (120°C), F grade (150°C), and H grade (180°C). The 180°C H-grade rating is unusually high for a fully integrated servo actuator and positions the product for demanding thermal environments including enclosed industrial installations, high-ambient-temperature robotic systems, and electric vehicle drivetrain applications where motor heat can elevate the controller environment significantly.

Q6. What is the difference between a servo actuator and a geared linear actuator?

A servo actuator like Assun's range produces rotary output: the output shaft rotates to a commanded angular position. A geared linear actuator converts rotary motor motion into linear (straight-line) push/pull force using a lead screw or rack mechanism. Rotary servo actuators are used for joint actuation in robotic arms and similar pivoting mechanisms. Geared linear actuators are used for extending and retracting motions hospital bed adjustment, camera focus drives, valve actuation, and similar applications where the output force must be along an axis rather than around one.

Q7. Can Assun's servo actuators be used in collaborative robots?

Yes. The PC (CAN Bus) variant of Assun's servo actuator range is specifically designed for multi-axis networked systems like collaborative robot arms. Each joint actuator appears as a node on the CAN bus and receives synchronised position commands from the central motion controller. The compact size range starting at 40mm×20mm allows integrated actuators to fit within the structural members and joint housings of lightweight cobots and research robot platforms.