Linear Actuators: Types and Characteristics

A Linear Actuator is different from electric motor because it applies force in a linear way instead of rotationally. The linear motion can be achieved in different ways and a linear actuator is one of the devices that can covert rotational motion to linear motion.

Mechanical type
A mechanical actuator converts the rotary motion to linear displacement through screws/gears to which a knob is attached. One of the renowned examples of mechanical actuator is a jackscrew or car jack. Mechanical actuator is used in lasers and optics for manipulating the position of mirror mounts, linear stages and many more positioning instruments.

Hydraulic type
A hydraulic actuator or cylinder has a hollow cylinder with a piston inside it. Controlled linear displacement of the piston is achieved by pressurizing/de-pressurizing two sides of the piston. Hydraulic car jack is the most common example of a manually operated hydraulic actuator.

Electro-mechanical type
A linear electromechanical actuator is a in which a nut is the main part of the motor. The lead screw of the actuator doesn't rotate and the lead nut is rotated by the motor. It is similar to mechanical actuator but an electric motor is used instead of a control knob or handle.
The modern linear actuators come in different designs and every manufacture has their own proprietary methods of making actuators.

Principles of Linear Motion Actuators
The basic operation principle of linear motion actuators is an inclined plane. The lead screw has threads, which act as ramp and allow small rotational force that can be used over long distance for achieving the movement of large load within a shorter distance.

Variations in Linear Motion Actuators
There are different variations in the basic design of linear actuators. Most of the devices have general improvements like higher speed, efficiency or load capacity. Nowadays, manufacturers are also focusing more on reducing the size of these actuators. There is variety of actuators available in market, which fits specific industrial needs of buyers.
What make linear motion actuators better in comparison to other motors are their faster speed, higher accuracy and greater acceleration. These are used for gantry axes, general purpose position, gantry axes and assembly machines. Linear actuators are specially meant to be used in adverse conditions and act as replacement against other hazardous actuators for performing the job.


Other than linear actuators, DC actuators are also used for performing similar applications. These run smoothly and don't produce much noise. Many DC actuators available in the market are water proof. Buyers can opt for standard as well as customized range of actuators depending on their need and budget.

IntelLiDrives, Inc. manufactures linear actuators, rotary tables and XY systems
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Linear Actuators Facilitate Precise Motion Control

When it comes to critical motion control applications, the role of linear actuators is indispensable. These machines precisely control the angle, the distance and the repeatability of motion. Right from industrial use to commercial applications to domestic appliances, you will find a linear actuator being used almost everywhere. Since they are such a critical component of varied set-ups, it becomes critical to choose a state-of-the-art manufacturer for your requirements.

Whether it is a commercial actuator, satellite actuator or solar tracking actuator, each of them needs to be at par with global quality standards. A manufacturer who has an established name as a lead in mechanical motion technology should certainly be your preferred choice.

As an OEM or contract manufacturer, it is imperative for you to be closely associated with the sales and technology teams of the linear actuator manufacturer. This helps in building the right prototype and end product. In order to understand the applicability of actuators, let's take a quick look at the varieties of actuators typically offered by a leading industry player:

Commercial DC actuators:
There are two main varieties under this category, such as ball screw actuators and acme screw actuators. These actuators are used for a variety of applications ranging from commercial satellite tracking to agriculture to medical to ATVs. You might even find these actuators being used in dental and fitness products, proving their versatility.

DC actuators:
You could opt for ball screw DC actuators or acme screw DC actuators. The supreme responsiveness of the ball screw movement creates the need for an integrated mechanical or electrical brake to minimize any back-driving potential. On the other hand, the geometry of the acme screw thread is slightly less efficient than the ball screw. However this also means that you don't need to employ an electric or mechanical brake.

Satellite actuators:
The home satellite TVRO industry heavily relies on such actuators. They are preferred because they are user friendly and easy to install, providing long lasting service. You can choose between different types of linear actuators that are suitable for heavy as well as light-weight dishes.

Solar actuators:
With the increasing awareness and preference for renewable energy, the demand for solar actuators has been on the rise. These actuators are built especially to meet the needs of the solar industry and are available as acme screw and ball screw type actuators.

Stepper motor actuator:
These actuators and brush-less DC motors can be chosen as a motor option on certain actuator models. When a superior level of controllable is needed these actuators should be used. DC gear motors should be highly compatible with your chosen model of actuators.

Whether you need linear actuators for commercial, industrial or home-based use, the marketplace offers a wide variety. All you need to do is search for the best manufacturer and make an informed choice.

Being a professional Technical Engineer I am always writing articles about the latest technology used in industrial usage has been my forte over the last few years. Follow my write ups to know more about the latest technologies in mechanical industry. This fall Linear Actuators, DC Actuators, Stepper Motor Actuator are very much in demand among the mechanical industries across the world. Keep yourself updated on these products exclusively from USA.

How Are Electric Linear Actuators Better Than Manual Actuators?

Many of us take linear actuators to be a synonym for electric actuators or dc motors. But in reality, any device or equipment assisting in the linear motion is called a linear actuator. Linear actuators are widely used in industrial settings and various mechanical systems such as hospital desks, office desks, adjustable levers etc.

But what is important to understand is that there are two types of the linear form of actuators: Manual and Electric. The manual form of actuators help in initiating a linear motion or in its assistance with the effort of the user or manual force; whereas, electric forms are automatic or semi-automatic and do not require any manual assistance. Electric actuators help in reducing the effort required in manual actuators and also perform the task more efficiently.

The electric actuators are the common actuators in use in the industrial sectors. Most industrial application are dependent on electric actuators that have a DC motor that is required to use the electrical energy and convert the same into linear motion energy. They are ideal for lifting light loads and function in tandem with the use of lifting columns, switches, brackets etc. In most industrial set ups and application systems, electric form of actuators are preferred over their manual counterparts, let's find out why and in what respect:

Reduces manual effort
The use of the electric form of actuators reduces manual effort to a considerable extent. One is not required to use extra effort in terms of operating a system or machinery that has actuators operational on electric DC motors. The use of the 12v DC motor in the actuator helps in the conversion of electrical energy into linear motion; hence, reducing the force or strain required to make that motion possible.

Better position control
The use of electric motors in actuators helps in having a better control of position in a mechanical or electrical industrial system. Most linear form of actuators working on electrical mechanism using 12V DC motors, help in easier position control than their manual counterpart. These actuators are available in different strokes as well as different sizes. There is difference in the force applied as well as the size.

Versatile and flexible
Most electric actuators find usage in different types of industrial as well as routine life usage. They may not be as common as the manual form of actuator; however, electric linear actuators are used by different industries and profession in order to improve their efficiency and performance. The properties such as high performance and time-saving aspect of these actuators make them an industry favorite for production and different industrial mechanisms.

Progressive Automations is a North American linear actuators manufacturer and distributor offering a wide range of electric linear actuators, DC actuators, lifting columns etc on its wholesale online store.