What is a Linear Actuator?

04 Aug.,2025

 

What is a Linear Actuator?

There are four main types of linear actuators: hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and mechanical. Hydraulic linear actuators rely on compressed fluid for movement while compressed air powers pneumatic actuators. PBC Linear specializes in electric and mechanical linear actuators meaning our actuators are driven by lead screws, ball screws, and belt drives as well as options for motor driven systems.

You can find more information on our web, so please take a look.

We offer a variety of carriage types, drive components and motor options so customers can customize the linear actuator solution that is best suited for their linear motion application. 

Carriage Options: 

  • Plain Bearings: Self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® surfaces ensure maintenance-free operation with smooth, quiet performance, vibration damping, shock resistance, and contamination resistance. 
  • Cam Roller: High-speed capability with support for cantilevered loads, corrosion-resistant stainless-steel raceways, and contamination resistance. 
  • Profile Rail: High precision, rigidity, and speed, offering increased stiffness, preloaded bearings, and low friction for enhanced support of cantilevered loads. 

Drive Options: 

  • Lead Screw: Delivers precise, smooth, and quiet operation with self-lubricating and maintenance-free properties, available with standard or anti-backlash nuts. 
  • Ball Screw: Designed for high-load applications, providing stiffness and support for cantilevered loads with various accuracy classes and preloaded nuts. 
  • Belt Drive: Ideal for high-speed, long-stroke tasks, offering contamination protection and minimal maintenance with lubrication-free operation. 

Motor Options: 

  • Integrated Lead Screw Stepper: Compact design eliminates the need for a coupler, reducing overall cost. 
  • Servo & Step Servo: High torque density, low inertia, and IoT compatibility for enhanced performance. 
  • Integrated Stepper (Smart): Space-saving design with built-in motor and drive, reducing wiring complexity and enabling IoT support. 
  • Hand Crank/Wheel: Cost-effective option for short-stroke, low-duty applications.  

Click here to learn more about the wide range of linear actuators offered by PBC Linear. 

Every linear actuator is a device which converts some type of rotary force and applies it to achieve an in-line or linear movement. This force could be coming from a hand crank or electric motor transferred through some type of screw for example. This motion can be used to move, position, or control various mechanical systems in applications ranging from industrial machinery to medical equipment. 

Linear actuators are advanced systems built with high-precision components and a durable design, making them ideal for heavy-duty applications. Their superior technology and engineering contribute to the higher cost, but they offer significant value. Most linear actuators are ready to use right out of the box, requiring minimal modifications, which helps reduce downtime and saves on installation costs, providing a seamless, plug-and-play solution for customers. 

Simplified and Flexible Mechanical Design

Combining the mechanical, electrical, and control elements of engineering creates a simplified design that is flexible and more user friendly. A one-unit, compact design reduces the number of components as well as space needed for installation. Less components means less labor invested, reduced time spent in setup and maintenance, and maximized operational uptime.

Optimized Performance, Productivity and Reliability

In a variety of situations, linear actuators have proven to be a more reliable solution due to their enhanced features and functionality. For example, in the internet of things (IoT), linear actuators provide the following benefits:

  • Reduced Troubleshooting
    With fewer components and less wire connections, the job of tracing down problems that may arise is greatly reduced.
  • Streamlined Commissioning
    Pre-programmed homing routines and distributed control reduces installation times and allows report progress via internet connectivity. It also allows an operator to make in-process adjustments at an individual axis without affecting the PLC or entire production line.
  • Automated Adjustments
    Increase manufacturing flexibility and speed. In addition, adaptive control is possible with conditions monitored and adjustments made locally, in real time, and right at the actuator level, without having to route instructions through the PLC.

Linear Actuators: Precision Movement for Diverse Applications

Linear actuators are devices that create linear motion using a variety of methods, including hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical. These devices are used extensively in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing.

Hydraulic linear actuators use fluid pressure to create linear motion. Pneumatic linear actuators use compressed air to create linear motion. Electrical linear actuators use an electric motor to create linear motion.

Linear actuators are used extensively in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing. In the automotive industry, they are used for opening and closing car doors, adjusting seats, and controlling windows. In the aerospace industry, they are used for moving aircraft control surfaces and operating landing gear. In manufacturing, they are used for moving heavy loads and positioning materials during assembly processes.

There are three main types of linear actuators: pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages that make it more or less suitable for different applications.

Pneumatic linear actuators use compressed air to generate force. They are typically smaller and lighter than hydraulic or electric actuators, and can be used in environments where flammable liquids are present. However, they require a reliable source of compressed air, which can be expensive to maintain.

Hydraulic linear actuators use oil or water as the working fluid. They are more powerful than pneumatic actuators and can operate in very high temperatures. However, they are also much larger and heavier, making them less suitable for portable applications. In addition, hydraulic fluids can be messy and difficult to clean up if they leak.

Electric linear actuators use an electric motor to generate force. They are often smaller and lighter than hydraulic actuators, but can still provide a very high level of force. Electric actuators also have the advantage of being able to operate in both high and low temperatures. However, they require a power source, which may not be available in some industrial applications.

The type of linear actuator you choose will depend on your application and budget. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to consider all of the factors before making a final decision.

Link to PJM AUTOMATION

Applications of Linear Actuators in Different Industries

Linear actuators are devices that produce linear motion using a variety of methods including hydraulics, pneumatics, and electromechanics. These devices have a wide range of applications in different industries, and they are constantly being used to create new products and improve existing ones. Here are some of the ways linear actuators are being used in different industries:

In the automotive industry, linear actuators are used in car seats to adjust the height and angle of the seat. They are also used in electric windows to open and close them. In the aerospace industry, linear actuators are used in aircraft flight control systems. They are also used in satellite deployment systems and space station docking mechanisms. In the construction industry, linear actuators are used in cranes and lifting equipment. They are also used in door openers and automatic doors. In the food and beverage industry, linear actuators are used in packaging and labeling machines. They are also used in conveyor belts to move food products from one location to another.

Linear actuators have a wide range of applications in many different industries. Their versatility and reliability make them an invaluable tool for engineers who are looking to create new products or improve existing ones.

Linear actuators are used in a wide variety of industries to provide precise and efficient motion control. There are many advantages to using linear actuators over traditional methods of motion control, such as hydraulic cylinders or pneumatic cylinders.

Some of the advantages of using linear actuators include:

Precision: Linear actuators can provide very precise and repeatable motion, which is essential in many applications such as semiconductor manufacturing or medical equipment.

Efficiency: Linear actuators are much more efficient than traditional methods such as hydraulic cylinders, which can waste a lot of energy through heat loss.

Safety: Linear actuators are much safer than traditional methods, as they do not rely on high pressure fluids or gases which could leak and cause injury.

Environmentally friendly: Linear actuators do not use hydraulic fluids or gases, which can be harmful to the environment. They are also often made from recycled materials.

Cost effective: Linear actuators are typically more cost effective than traditional methods, due to their efficiency and lack of required maintenance.

Versatility: Linear actuators can be used in a variety of applications, from automotive to industrial. They are also relatively easy to install and maintain.

A linear actuator is a mechanical device that creates motion in a straight line. It is often used as an alternative to traditional hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, which can be more expensive and difficult to maintain. Linear actuators can be powered by electricity, compressed air, or hydraulics.

When an electric linear actuator receives power, it creates a magnetic field around the rod inside the housing. This magnetic field interacts with the rod, causing it to move. The amount of force generated by the actuator depends on the strength of the magnetic field and the length of the stroke (the distance the rod can travel).

Compressed air-powered linear actuators work similarly to electric ones, but use compressed air instead of electricity to create the magnetic field. Hydraulic linear actuators use fluid pressure to generate force. They are typically used for heavy-duty applications where high levels of force are required.

No matter which type of linear actuator is used, the resulting motion is usually converted into rotary motion through a crank or cam as necessary. Linear actuators are widely used in industrial automation and robotics applications, automotive systems, and medical devices.

A linear actuator works by converting energy into a linear motion which can be used to move or control an object. Linear actuators come in many shapes and sizes and they can be powered by electricity, compressed air, or hydraulics. Depending on the application, the force generated by the actuator is controlled using a magnetic field, fluid pressure, or other means of generating power. The resulting motion is then converted into a rotary motion as required. Linear actuators are versatile tools used in many industries for a variety of applications.

The company is the world’s best Stainless Steel Linear Actuator supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.