What is a linear actuator?

An Actuator is a motion-controlled electrically driven system that is able to push/pull, Lift/drop, and essentially move an object in a linear motion or rotational motion if the device you are pushing is able to pivot around something. The main motion provided by the Actuator is in a linear form however, it is what you do with that Linear Motion that counts. Actuators are able to create linear motion by converting the rotary motion of an electric DC or AC motor into linear motion via a lead screw that turns in either direction, and the nut that slides up and down the Lead-screw is Linear.

How does a Linear Actuator Work?

Actuator's do exactly what their name implies, they actuate or move something in a straight line. There are many different ways that a motor can do this, and their motion is commonly achieved with the rod inside the actuator extending and retracting. The linear motion is created by using a Lead-screw, the lead screw turns either clockwise or counter-clockwise and this causes the shaft, which has a nut attached to it, to slide up and down the lead screw. This is what converts rotary motion into linear motion. Actuators use either AC or DC motors and the size of those motors is what gives the Linear Actuator their force. The larger the motor the more force can be used to create that linear force. In addition, the gear ratio is a very important feature. The gear ratio is what converts the speed of the Motors which can run as high as 15,000 RPM down to a slower output shaft speed of maybe 10RPM. Every time the gear ratio steps down the speed the force is increased. So as a rule of thump a 50% reduction gear ratio will drop the speed of the motor down from say 10,000 RPM to 5,000 RPM and increase the force as a result of that. Now the force is not increased by double but it can be used as an approximate guide to help understand how gearing works. When a LInear Actuator reaches the end of its stroke the motor stop running to allow the shaft to stop sliding outwards and damaging something. This is done via the built-in limit switches that most actuators have in them to stop the actuator at each end of its stroke. The wires are then reversed (polarity reversal) so that the Actuator can then run in its opposite direction. Controlling the actuator like this automatically is done using rocker switches, relays, or control boards to automate the task of reversing polarity to change the direction of the actuator.Input voltage of Actuators are typically 12-24V DC and some in AC which is less common. 24VDC is more common in industrial applications but 12vdc is more commonly used in automotive, home, mobile, and recreational applications because 12VDC has become the standard for DC voltage globally in most cases.

How do I choose the right actuator for my application?

You have a few options for selecting the ideal Linear Actuator for your application. You can call us to get some help or you can use our Actuator calculator, or you can browse through our many Actuator products pages to get a feel for all the different types we have available to you. Typically when choosing the ideal Actuator you start off with the force. This is the force you think you need to lift or move the object you require moving. As a rule of thumb we always suggest to people buy the actuator that offers double the force you think you need, thereby allowing for a 50% safety factor. From there you will also need to know the stroke length. This is the length you need to move your object in and out. If the exact Stroke length is not available then you can install an external limit switch to stop the actuator exactly where you want it to. We offer this kit also and the wiring diagram to go with it which is very easy to follow.

How do you make a Linear Actuator faster or slower?

Actuators run at their max speed out of the box when no force is applied to them. Actuators' speed is dependant on a few things like force, the gear ratio, and voltage. A 24vdc power supply will make a 12vdc Actuator run twice as fast, meaning that speed is directly proportional to voltage input. If you want to slow down your actuator we offer a speed controller for exactly that situation. The Speed controller lets you set different speeds of the actuator simply by adjusting the voltage automatically for you to slow down the actuator, however, these cannot speed up the actuator faster than it can already go.

Is the specific actuator I need in stock?

Our Website only shows what is in stock, those options that are out of stock are greyed out so that you know it is not available to purchase. So therefore only in-stock products can be purchased online. Drop us a line to enquire about when particular products will be returned.

Do you do quantity Discounts?

Yes we do. Our discount structure is based on volumes, so the more you buy the more you save it's that simple. Simply give us a call to get volume discounted pricing, but these volumes start at 10pcs or more.

Linear Actuators

FIRGELLI® - IDEAS IN MOTION

Linear Actuators are used in just about every application where you need to move or lift something electronically and even remotely. We offer Actuators for any application and industry because we have a huge range of strokes, speeds, forces and styles. Our Actuators go from 1" (Inch) strokes to 60" strokes with forces from 5lbs to 2,200-lbs force and voltages of 12-24vDC, giving our customers the most options and flexibility to be able to handle any application. We are able to create custom Actuators for those highly specific requirements too. Our stock is very large and we ship out the same day for orders we receive before 1 pm PST.