Linear Actuators

Linear actuators are linear guide systems that produce controlled straight-line motion by integrating a drive mechanism and power source, making them a core building block in modern automation. They are commonly classified as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or purely mechanical, with electric and mechanical designs increasingly favored for their precision, cleanliness, and ease of integration. PBC Linear focuses on mechanical and electric linear actuators built around lead screws, ball screws, and belt drives, including motor-driven and hand crank configurations. Each drive type serves distinct application needs: belt-driven actuators support long strokes and high speeds with minimal maintenance; ball screw-driven designs provide high accuracy and load capacity for demanding positioning; and lead screw-driven actuators offer a cost-effective, quiet solution with options such as anti-backlash nuts for improved repeatability. These systems are available in a wide range of screw diameters, lead sizes, and lengths, and can be configured for manual operation using hand brakes or cranks, or for automated operation with NEMA electric motors. Carriage guidance is provided by either self-lubricating Gliding Surface Technology for low-maintenance operation or ball bearing profile rails for higher moment capacity and cantilevered loads. Together these configurations span applications from miniature to heavy-duty systems, supporting loads up to 83,400 N (18,750 lb) and strokes up to 6,000mm (236 in).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a linear actuator?

A linear actuator is a device that produces controlled straight-line motion by converting rotational or input force into linear movement. It is commonly used in automation, machinery, and positioning systems to move or position loads.

How does a linear actuator work?

A linear actuator works by converting motion from a motor, screw, or belt drive into linear movement. As the drive mechanism rotates or moves, it advances a carriage or rod along a guided path to produce controlled motion.

What are the main types of linear actuators?

The main types of linear actuators are electric, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic. Electric and mechanical actuators are often preferred for their precision, cleanliness, and ease of integration, while pneumatic and hydraulic actuators are typically used for higher force applications.

What is the difference between a lead screw and a ball screw actuator?

Lead screw actuators use sliding contact between the screw and nut, making them quieter and more cost-effective, while ball screw actuators use rolling elements to reduce friction, providing higher efficiency, accuracy, and load capacity.

What is the difference between belt-driven and screw-driven actuators?

Belt-driven actuators are designed for long travel distances and higher speeds with lower cost and maintenance, while screw-driven actuators provide greater accuracy, stiffness, and load capacity for precise positioning applications.

When should a linear actuator be used instead of a cylinder?

Linear actuators are preferred when precise positioning, repeatability, and controlled motion are required, while pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders are typically used for simple extension and retraction with higher force but less control.

Do linear actuators require maintenance?

Maintenance depends on the design. Screw-driven actuators may require periodic lubrication, while some systems use self-lubricating materials or low-maintenance designs to reduce service requirements.

What factors should be considered when selecting a linear actuator?

Key factors include load capacity, speed, stroke length, required precision, environmental conditions, mounting configuration, and the type of drive mechanism used.

What provides guidance in a linear actuator?

Guidance in a linear actuator is provided by linear bearings or guide systems that support the carriage and maintain alignment. These may include sliding-contact guides for low maintenance or rolling-element guides for higher load and rigidity.

What are linear actuators used for?

Linear actuators are used in applications such as automation, material handling, packaging equipment, medical devices, and positioning systems where controlled linear motion is required.

Back to Shop

MAX Horiz Payload	1,202 lb (5,350 N)
MAX Stroke	1,000 mm (39 in)
MAX Speed	1.25 m/s (4 ft/s)

MAX Horiz Payload	360 lb (1,600 N)
MAX Stroke	1,400 mm (55 in)
MAX Speed	5.5 m/s (18 ft/s)

MAX Horiz Payload	285 lb (1,268 N)
MAX Stroke	2,710 mm (107 in)
MAX Speed	0.8 m/s (2.62 ft/s)

Max Horiz Payload	20,200 N (4,541 lb)
Max stroke	6,700mm (263.78 in)

MAX Horiz Payload	2,517 lb (11,200 N)
MAX Stoke	2,710 mm (107 mm)
MAX Speed	0.8 m/s (2.6 ft/s)

Ways to Order

Compact Linear Actuators

Lead Screw and Belt-Driven Linear Actuators - SIMO UG Series

Ball Screw Linear Actuators with V-Roller Guides

Linear Actuators with Profile Rail Guides – MT Series

Ball Screw Linear Actuators with Profile Rail Guides - MUK Series

Plain Linear Bearing Slide Assembly Actuators

Ball Screw Linear Actuators with NEMA Motors

Lead Screw Linear Actuators – Captive & Non-Captive

BE Ball Screw Linear Actuators

G UniGuide Sliding Linear Actuators

MR LS Min Rail Actuator

MR MS Min Rail Actuator

MS Linear Actuators

Ball Screw Assemblies with/without Motors