Thomson expands WhisperTrak linear actuator line

Travis Gilmer, Thomson Product Line Specialist says: "We had initially developed the WhisperTrak line for lower-load applications that benefit from a sleek, compact design, such as patient handling, personal mobility and office operations. When system designers saw the whole package, though, they wanted it for higher-force applications as well. To deliver that, we doubled the available load capacity and bundled in some of the advanced onboard electronics capabilities we have been advancing across all of our product lines. The result is a quiet, intelligent actuator with extremely high power density."

The 4kN WhisperTrak offering is rated for 4kN (900 lbs.) with speed at 4mm/sec (0.16 in./sec). The 2kN version is rated for 2kN (450 lbs.) with speed at 8mm/s (0.31 in./sec). All models can be specified for 12- or 24-volt input with stroke lengths available between 100 and 500mm (3.94 to 19.69 in.).

With the recent WhisperTrak expansion, designers can choose from among the following electronics options:

• Five-wire, low-level switching with electronic limit switches for applications that require switching of high-amperage current. Electronic limit switching (ELS) automatically cuts power to the actuator when a preset threshold is reached. It is valuable for both control precision and safety. Low-level switching can be valuable for wiring high-current draw loads into a programmable logic controller or small battery.
• Two-wire switching with electronic limit switches only, which simplifies wiring and installation for applications that require process start/stop location information but do not require low-level switching. Those who don't need low-level switching can now get WhisperTrak with ELS functionality embedded in the board of a 2-wire actuator and get the benefits of ELS without the cost and complexity of unnecessary wiring.
• Embedded potentiometer and digital encoder with electronic limit switches, which free designers to use position feedback for other purposes. Embedded ELS also gives designers more control flexibility for lower loads or for applications not using low-amperage controls. To determine when the end of a WhisperTrak stroke had been reached, users have had to control 100 per cent of stroke or run control logic fed by wired-in devices such as non-contact sensors or Hall encoders. Embedding ELS into the firmware, however, retains end-of-stroke protection without the need for additional programming and configuration. Users can now run the operation up to the end of the stroke without worrying about damaging the actuator or control configuration.

Environmental resistance

The new WhisperTrak offerings have the same ruggedness as original Thomson actuators. This includes an IP67 static environmental rating, which provides the ability to operate in harsh conditions in which they are exposed to washdown, rain and dust without the use of an additional cover. All are ETL listed for use on medical devices and conform to medical equipment safety standards AAMISTD-ES60601-1, IEC 60601-1 and CSA CERFTIFIC C22.2 60601. WhisperTrak actuators are maintenance free and have an average life of 10,000 cycles at the maximum load capacity.

All WhisperTrak options are available for immediate shipping. Follow the link for more information about the WhisperTrak actuator line.