[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hatever you decide to automate, you will need some tools and details to purchase. The features of the details depend greatly on the project type. Thus, let us have a look at how to choose the right accessories, parts, and details for your automation project.

Choose Actuators Based on Specific Requirements

If you want to automate a furniture piece, you will need actuators or actuator systems. They need to be chosen very carefully. If you fail to choose an item correctly, it might lead to the failure of your entire project. Here are the main features to pay attention to:

• Actuator size: whether you need a small linear actuator for your home automation project or a huge device for a new industrial application, check the size properly. If the actuator is smaller than you need for your project, it will not function as expected. If it is bigger than needed, you might not be able to place it into the allocated space.
• Movement precision: while for some projects, the precision level might be not the top, for other projects, it is one of the most crucial features. If for your project, the top precision level is needed, make sure you are purchasing an actuator that provides this benefit.
• Lifting power: whether your actuator is going to pull, push, lift an object, check whether the actuator is powerful enough to manage it. Weighing an object is not sufficient to determine whether your actuator is able to move it. The item is not going to handle a static weight, like, for example, a support would do. The actuator shall handle it in movement. There is a special formula to determine the maximum weight the actuator can manage. Use it. If you doubt, consult a specialist.
• Noise generation level: for some applications, this feature isn’t crucial. While for others, it might be highly important. If you are going to automate an item for domestic application, for example, a table, or a sofa, you might want it to move as silently as it is possible. Otherwise, a new automated device might become an issue because of the noise that it generates every time you use it.
• Stroke length: stroke length is the distance at which the actuator can move. It is different than the actuator size. For your project, check whether the actuator moves at a distance that is enough to, say, hide or lift an object, move an object at a specific distance, and similar. If the stroke length is bigger than needed, you might need additional controls to make the system stop at the needed distance. It also might influence the way of how your project looks.

Other Things to Check

You might want to make sure that your new project complies with any other requirements. For example, if your house is decorated in a specific style or colour, you might want the lifting system to comply. Or you might need to choose something within a very strictly determined budget. Take all your requirements into consideration, and you will for sure succeed with the most complex project.

Hayley Mann is a technology enthusiast specializing in automation methods of ergonomics devices. Her engineering background helps her to create interesting articles on technical topics, making them understandable for all readers.