What is a linear actuator?

What is a linear actuator？
A linear actuator is a device or machine that converts rotational motion into linear motion and linear movement (in a straight line). This can be done through electric AC and DC motors, or the movement could be powered by hydraulics and pneumatics.

Electric linear actuators are a preferred option when precise and clean movement is needed. They are used for all types of applications where tilting, lifting, pulling or pushing with force is needed.

How do linear actuators work
A common type of linear actuator is an electric linear actuator. It is made up of three main components: spindle, motor and gears. The motor can be AC or DC depending on the power needs and other influencing factors.

Once a signal is sent by the operator, which can be through a control as simple as a button, the motor converts the electric energy into mechanical energy, rotating the gears connected to the spindle. This rotates the spindle and causes the spindle nut and piston rod to travel outwards or inwards depending on the signal to the actuator.

As a rule of thumb, a high thread count and smaller spindle pitch will cause slow movement but a much higher load capacity. On the other hand, a low thread count, and higher spindle pitch, will favour fast movement of lower loads.

what-is-a-linear-actuator-used-for
Actuators can be found anywhere, in homes, offices, hospitals, factories, farms, and many other places. Our electric actuators bring movement to the office and home with adjustable options for desks, kitchens, beds, and couches. In hospitals and medical centres, you will find actuators adding movement to hospital beds, patient lifts, surgery tables and more.

For industrial and rugged environments, electric linear actuators can replace hydraulic and pneumatic solutions found in agriculture, construction, and in industrial automation equipment.