Voice coil actuators have been around for many years, it is a type of direct drive linear motor. It consists of a permanent magnetic field assembly (permanent magnets and ferrous steel) and a coil assembly. Actuators are used for a wide range of applications. They compete most directly against moving-magnet rotary motors and pneumatic drives. Voice Coil Actuators can be designed in different ways. The type that most professionals are familiar with are the moving coil type actuators. But another type of actuator is winning in popularity, the moving magnet design. With this actuator the coil is fixed and magnet assembly moves. In this article we will compare the Voice Coil Actuator with a Moving Magnet Actuator. Read more
