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.
An Electric Linear Actuator is a motion-controlled system that is able to push or pull, Lift or drop, but basically move something in a linear motion or rotational motion if the device you are pushing is able to pivot. But the main motion of the Actuator is in a linear form. These Actuators are able to create linear motion by converting the rotary motion of an electric motor into linear motion via a lead screw that turns in either direction. Other types of Linear Actuators exist in the form of Hydraulic, pneumatic, and solenoid actuators which offer themselves different benefits and drawbacks. FIRGELLI® has focussed its primary business on Electrically drivel Linear Actuators that are easy to use, user friendly, and simple to install for all applications in a cost-effective manner. We go a lot more into depth on this subject in our Blog if you are interested in learning more.
Types of Linear Actuators
There are many different types of Linear Actuators available, each has its own unique features and functions. The main features however are the Stroke length (How far the actuator rod will move in and out). Then there are different forces to choose from, in our case we have Actuators from 5-lbs to 2,200lbs force. And then there are speeds, which trade-off against forces. It is worth noting that speed and force do trade-off against each other, so that the faster the Actuator the lower the force will be. This is just a function of the Gear Ratio's inside the Actuators. Other features such as voltage and IP-rating are just a few other examples that differentiate each other. To give an example on differences in Linear Actuator view the video above to get an idea on the possible differences
About FIRGELLI®
FIRGELLI® started its life around 2002 when we created our first Micro Linear Actuators called the PQ12 and L12 Actuator for the Robotics and RC industry for model planes, boats, and cars. Eventually, our product rage grew to larger Electric Actuators for Automotive, Industrial, Home Automation, and general recreational automation applications globally. Now our range of Actuators has grown significantly to include Actuators with positional control via the built-in sensors those have such as Hall sensors, Optical, and Potentiometer feedback Actuators. Our stroke and force range has grown too, which now include 2,200-lbs actuators and 60" stroke models too. We are always developing new products depending on customers' demands and always looking to fill in industry voids where possible.
Our website offers a self-help Actuator selecting tool to help you find the correct Actuator for you're application. You can try our Linear Actuator Calculator link here. This will really make your search much easier, saving you time and effort as our calculator can do the calculations for you.
We carry a very large amount of inventory in stock at all times. Our Actuators range from strokes as low as 1" to 60" with custom strokes available upon request. Forces range from 5lbs to 2,200lbs force in many different Actuator styles, shapes and configurations such as:
Our Actuators can be found in just about any application and industry you can imagine. We regularly sell to companies like NASA and SpaceX and we also have customers that make Halloween costumes. From the Safehouses to Space-Crafts, from Trains to Tractors, from Trucks to tractors. We have Actuators for any application and all industries. Give our helpful and knowledgeable staff a call today to see what we have for you. Need something custom? perfect, we love custom projects.
We have 3 main distribution centers, Our main warehouse is based in Washington State close to Amazon and Microsoft, which supports all our USA-based customers. We also have a warehouse based in Canada and one in Australia. Depending on your geographic location we can ship anywhere in the world very economically.
All Our Products come with an 18-month failure Guarantee and are the preferred solution when you need simple reliable, safe, motion control.
Resources and Help
Our Resources tab at the top of the screen will take you to our Linear Actuator calculator tool. which is a handy tool that helps you select the ideal actuator based on some inputs such as weights, distances and installation. Simply follow the questions and answers section to get a suggested Actuator based on those assumptions.
Our wiring Diagram Generator is a helpful tool that gets you the correct wiring diagram for each device depending on what it is you want to achieve. Let's say you want to control 2 Linear Actuators with wireless remote control and a switch. This widget will give you the correct wiring diagram based on asking you a few simple questions.
If there is something we have missed, our helpful technically trained staff are here to help. You can call our tech team at 1-866-226-0465 or email us at support@firgelliauto.com and please feel free to send us any drawings or ideas you have.
Frequently Asked Questions
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, its is what you do with that Linear Motion that counts. Actuators are able to create linear motion by converting 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.
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, slide up and down the lead-screw. This is what converts rotary motion into linear motion.
Actuators use either an AC or DC motors and the size of those motors are 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.
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.
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 slower down the actuator, however these cannot speed up the actuator faster than it can already go.
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.
Yes we do. Our discount structure is based on volumes, so the more you buy the more you save its that simple. Simply give us a call to get volume discounted pricing, but these volumes start at 10pcs or more.
The most common method to mount your linear actuator is to use what is called the Clevis end mounting brackets. These common mounting methods consist of mounting the Brackets at each end of the linear...
In more technical terms, an Actuator is a mechanical device that provides control, movement and positioning of objects. This can be done manually or with...
