Quick Answer
Choose a micro servo electric cylinder by sizing stroke first, rated force second, and then checking repeatability, duty cycle, thermal margin, feedback, interface and mounting envelope. A compact actuator that looks strong on peak force can still fail if the continuous load, heat or wiring path is wrong.
1. Translate the mechanism into six numbers
Most failed miniature actuator selections come from starting with a catalog force number instead of a mechanism requirement. Before selecting a compact electric cylinder, define these values in the machine coordinate system.
| Sizing item | Question to answer | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Stroke | How far must the push rod travel after tolerance stack-up? | Avoids using a longer actuator that reduces stiffness and packaging margin. |
| Rated force | What force is needed during normal motion or hold? | Rated force, not peak force, controls heat and life. |
| Repeatability | Does the axis need repeatable position, contact force, or both? | Determines feedback, controller and mechanical preload requirements. |
| Duty cycle | How many cycles per minute and how long is the hold time? | Small packages have limited thermal mass, so duty cycle is decisive. |
| Wiring | Can cables exit straight, folded, or through a moving finger? | Cable routing often decides whether the installation survives. |
2. Map the ZHR FT and DE ranges
ZHR's micro servo electric cylinder range covers compact short-stroke push-pull axes and robotic hand drive units. Use the series as an application filter before comparing detailed datasheets.
| Series | Stroke | Rated / peak force | Best starting point |
|---|---|---|---|
| FT Direct | 2 mm or 12 mm | 100-300 N rated, up to 600 N peak | Compact fixtures, valves, coating and lab automation. |
| FT Folded | 2 mm or 12 mm | 20-300 N rated, up to 600 N peak | Narrow envelopes where motor length must fold beside the screw. |
| DE Finger | 10 mm | 60 N rated, 120 N peak | Robotic fingers, compact grippers and dexterous end effectors. |
| DE Thumb | 10 mm | 50 N rated, 100 N peak | Thumb opposition and compact multi-axis hand layouts. |
3. Choose by application, not by force alone
For semiconductor or coating equipment, clean wiring and repeatable micromotion can matter more than peak force. For a robotic hand, the actuator must survive moving cables, impact, stall events and narrow finger geometry. For a laboratory fixture, quiet operation and simple control may matter more than absolute force density.
A practical rule: if the axis is a machine adjustment, start with FT direct or FT folded. If the axis is inside a finger or thumb, start with DE and validate the whole hand mechanism.
4. Common mistakes
- Using maximum force as the continuous working force.
- Ignoring thermal rise during short repeated strokes.
- Leaving no bend radius or strain relief for moving cables.
- Selecting stroke without allowance for fixture tolerance and calibration travel.
- Comparing only motor size instead of the complete actuator envelope.
FAQ
How do I choose a micro servo electric cylinder?
Choose stroke from required travel, choose rated force from continuous load, verify peak force for short events, and then check repeatability, duty cycle, thermal margin, interface, cable path and mounting envelope.
What stroke is common for a compact electric cylinder?
Short-stroke precision cylinders often use 2 mm, 10 mm or 12 mm travel. ZHR FT models cover 2 mm and 12 mm strokes, while DE finger and thumb models use 10 mm stroke.
Share your stroke, force and envelope
ZHR engineers can recommend the closest FT or DE starting model and identify the integration risks before prototype build.
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