Automatic Blastgate 125mm Linear Motor
I first tried a servo motor version, but the slider often got stuck, and the system wasn't particularly reliable in my case.
So I decided to convert my automated blastgates from servo to linear motors. The linearmotors have end stops and a 150mm travel range. Although they now open and close much more slowly, but they work more reliably and the control is much easier thanks to the endstops.
I replaced the original metal flap with a 3D-printed part because the metal flap didn't slide well in the guides. Of course, you could 3D print the entire housing, but I found it better to have the base body made of metal.
Required screws:
4 pcs. M5x30
1 pcs. M4x50
2 pcs. M4x40
3 pcs. M4x20
Parts:
1x Blastgate Aluminium 125mm
1x Linear Motor: 150mm | 30mm/s | 12V
1x SBC-MotoDriver2 (Controller for two Blastgates)
1x Raspberry Pi 4 or Arduiono
I´m running NodeRed on a Raspberry Pi4 with 4GB ram for the Automation. There's also documentation for it:
www.instructables.com/Blastgate-and-Dustcollection-Automation-With-Node-/