Why Telescopic Lifting Columns Are the Perfect Choice for Your Linear Motion Application

Telescopic lifting columns are finding unique and demanding applications in office environments, throughout the medical field and even in industrial and manufacturing settings.

Lifting columns are the ideal choice for a drive element when linear motion is required in addition to stable guidance. Telescoping columns combine a linear actuator and housing to provide substantial lifting or push/pull force without the need for an external guidance system. The whole technology – motor, linear drive and electronics – is self-contained within a set of rectangular columns that provide both stability as well as a platform for lifting. The internal workings are not visible from the outside thus allowing lifting columns to be used without the need for additional coverings.

In addition, except for providing the required input voltage, no special electrical knowledge is typically required for integration of a column into the end product. Several lifting columns can be combined and synchronized to provide solutions for a broad range of applications.

One big reason electric lifting columns have become popular is because of their compact design and the ability to have in a small footprint all the operational capabilities of a larger pneumatic or hydraulic actuator.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Telescopic Lifting Column

Stability: All things being the equal in an application like an adjustable table a rectangular tube lifting column provides the best overall stability. This is because the ratio of the long-side to short-side of the rectangle can be tuned to optimize both inherent instabilities as opposed to treating them equally.

Speed: The productivity of a user can be greatly affected by how quickly their work surface can be raised or lowered. Lifting columns can offer speeds from around 10 mm/second up to 250 mm/second making them ideal for use in a medical equipment applications setting such as MRI machines, X-ray machines and operating tables where an optimal speed is desired. The same is true in an industrial setting where a lifting column used for an adjustable height desk or workbench.

Load: The load bearing capabilities of lifting columns varies greatly with many units having the capability of providing upwards of 10,000 N of lifting force. The final application such as lifting an adjustable desk versus a patient examination table, for example, will dictate how robust a unit will need to be specified. this will need to be balanced against the speed of the lifting platform to ensure the cost is appropriate to merit the investment.

Stroke Length: The primary reason for using a lifting column versus a simple electrical linear actuator is that a lifting column is essentially multiple staged actuators combined in a singular telescopic tube. This is done to increase the length to which a lifting column can lift a surface or other object while providing the necessary stability. The longer the stroke length the longer the range between which the surface can be adjusted to a required height.

Noise: Depending on the environment, a hospital versus a manufacturing plant, for example, noise may be a consideration that will affect adopting a lifting column solution if it operates with an unacceptable level of noise.

Typical Applications for Telescoping Lifting Columns

• Accessibility & handicap equipment
• Adjustable chairs
• Barber & make-up chairs
• Camera stands & broadcasting equipment
• Collaborative robots
• Dental & medical treatment chairs
• Hospital beds & patient lifts
• Industrial workbenches
• Labeling stands
• MRI machines, CT scanners & imaging systems
• Office desks & tables
• Operating & examination tables
• Wheel chair lifts
• X-ray machines & radiological tables

Isotech Telescopic Lifting Columns

Isotech’s line of telescopic lifting columns provide excellent stability and a high stroke with reduced retracted length that make them ideal for a wide range of medical, radiological, ergonomic and industrial applications. All components are hidden in a compact and aesthetically appealing package that eliminates the need for additional coverings in most applications. Our electric lifting columns allow for an easy integration into many height adjustable applications, such as an exam chair in healthcare industry.

The telescoping pillars are constructed with extruded rectangular aluminum tubes and long life pads, combined with a very tight tolerance assembly – where others squeeze – we fit. The columns perform a stable, reliable and maintenance free guiding system without any play.

Isotech’s line of telescopic lifting columns offer the following ranges:

Force: 800 N to 10,000 N
Max. speed: 10 mm/sec to 250 mm/sec

Depending on model, Isotech telescoping columns are available in push or pull version. As an option, they are available with an encoder for positioning or parallel run of 2 or more columns. If you don’t find a column in our standard range to fit your needs, we can easily customize one for you.

Telescoping Lifting Columns Models & Specifications

Categories

Keywords