Linear Actuators

Linear Actuators

A linear actuator is a mechanical device that integrates a linear guide with a drive mechanism (such as a screw, belt, or piston) and a power source to convert rotary or fluid power into controlled straight-line motion, enabling precise positioning of loads. They are typically classified as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical, with electric and mechanical designs increasingly favored for their higher positioning accuracy, repeatability, cleanliness, and ease of system integration. At PBC Linear, our engineers specialize in mechanical and electric linear actuators, building them around high-performance drive systems such as ball screws, lead screws, and belt drives, in both NEMA motor-driven and hand-crank assemblies.

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 configurations, including multiple screw diameters, lead sizes, NEMA frame options, and actuator lengths to meet specific force, speed, and travel requirements. Carriage guidance is provided by either self-lubricating Gliding Surface Technology for low-maintenance operation in harsh environments such as with dirt, heat and vibration, 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).

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Linear Actuators

188 products
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188 products
Belt-driven linear actuator with a 1,250mm body length, 105mm x 105mm base profile, and one carriage guided by a single recirculating ball profile rail with two runner blocks for high-speed linear motion. This MTB Series actuator uses a steel-reinforced timing belt with adjustable tensioning and a 25mm female drive shaft..
$5,283.49
Belt-driven linear actuator with an 850mm body length, 105mm x 105mm base profile, and one carriage guided by a single recirculating ball profile rail with two runner blocks for high-speed linear motion. This MTB Series actuator is engineered for medium to high payload applications and uses a steel-reinforced timing belt..
$4,326.06
Miniature Ball Screw Linear Actuator designed for NEMA 23 Power Plus motors. The flanged nut and extended length make it perfect for high-torque applications in compact setups. The screw diameter is 10mm, the lead is 2mm and the length is 500mm.  Grade 10 Quality Diameter: 10 mm; Lead: 2 mm;..
$467.11
Ball Screw Linear Actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm and a lead of 2mm and a length of 500mm. Optimized for NEMA 23 single stack motors. The flanged nut promotes straightforward installation, ideal for systems where space is limited but extended linear motion is needed. Grade 10 = Part..
$336.02
Ball Screw Linear Actuator, Grade 10, with a screw diameter of 10mm and a lead of 2mm and a length of 200mm. This is a critical component of our miniature metric ball screw motor series, providing an efficient linear motion solution tailored for NEMA 23 Power Plus motors. Featuring a..
$431.82
Ball Screw Linear Actuator, Grade 10, with a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 200mm, designed for integration with NEMA 23 single stack motors. It features a flanged nut for efficient installation and is ideal for applications requiring precise linear motion in small footprints...
$300.73
Ball Screw Linear Actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 500mm. Offers an extended length and high torque. Including a NEMA 17 double stack motor, the screw assembly features a flanged nut for straightforward integration into sophisticated projects. The assembly is delivered..
$349.43
Flanged Nut Ball Screw Linear Actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 500mm. Designed for use with NEMA 17 single stack motors. It offers the compactness required for tight spaces combined with the extended reach needed for various applications. The assembly is..
$323.38
Miniature ball screw actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 200m. Paired with a NEMA 17 double stack motor. The flanged nut ensures easy integration into your systems, making it ideal for challenging projects requiring precision and strength. The assembly is delivered..
$314.14
Ball Screw Actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 200mm, providing high precision linear motion in a compact design. Including a NEMA 17 single stack motor and equipped with a flanged nut, it's designed for applications where space is limited but accuracy..
$288.09
Miniature ball screw actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 250mm. integrated with a NEMA 17 single stack motor. Featuring a flanged nut, it provides an efficient solution for linear motion requirements in tight spaces. Essential to the miniature metric ball screw..
$293.98
Miniature ball screw actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 150mm. Marries precision with a compact design. Includes a NEMA 17 single stack motor and featuring a flanged nut, it is perfect for precise operations in limited spaces. The assembly is delivered..
$282.20
Miniature ball screw linear actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2.5mm and a length of 150mm. Designed for compact applications. Includes a NEMA 17 single stack motor. Features a flanged nut for straightforward integration, ideal for scenarios requiring precise linear motion. The assembly is delivered fully..
$282.20
Ball Screw Actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 1mm and a length of 250mm, including a NEMA 17 single stack motor. The flanged nut enhances ease of use, ensuring high precision in compact applications. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Integral to the miniature metric ball..
$293.98
Ball Screw Linear Actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 1mm and a length of 150mm. Includes a NEMA 17 single stack motor and equipped with a flanged nut, it's perfect for precise movements in confined setups. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Part of the miniature..
$282.20
Ball screw linear actuator with a 6mm screw diameter, a lead of 1mm and a length of 250mm. The assembly includes a NEMA 17 single stack motor. The flanged nut allows for straightforward assembly and maintenance, making it ideal for applications demanding precision and compactness. The assembly is delivered fully..
$293.98
Linear actuator from our miniature metric ball screw motor series, with a screw diameter of 6mm, a lead of 1mm and a length of 150mm. Including a NEMA 17 single stack motor, this assembly features a user-friendly flanged nut for quick installation and superior performance in limited spaces. The assembly..
$282.20
Miniature ball screw linear actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 500mm. Offers an extended length for applications requiring precise linear motion over greater distances. Includes a NEMA 14 motor. Equipped with a convenient flanged nut, it delivers exceptional performance in compact..
$342.76
Miniature ball screw linear actuator with a NEMA 14 motor, a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 200mm. The flanged nut ensures easy installation, providing a compact and efficient solution for applications requiring precise linear motion. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Belongs to..
$307.46
Ball screw linear actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 250mm. This is part of our miniature metric ball screw series. Includes a NEMA 14 motor. Features a flanged nut for easy integration and is perfect for space-sensitive, precision-oriented tasks. The assembly..
$313.35

Linear Actuators

188 products
Linear Actuators Overview

A linear actuator is a mechanical device that integrates a linear guide with a drive mechanism (such as a screw, belt, or piston) and a power source to convert rotary or fluid power into controlled straight-line motion, enabling precise positioning of loads. They are typically classified as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical, with electric and mechanical designs increasingly favored for their higher positioning accuracy, repeatability, cleanliness, and ease of system integration. At PBC Linear, our engineers specialize in mechanical and electric linear actuators, building them around high-performance drive systems such as ball screws, lead screws, and belt drives, in both NEMA motor-driven and hand-crank assemblies.

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 configurations, including multiple screw diameters, lead sizes, NEMA frame options, and actuator lengths to meet specific force, speed, and travel requirements. Carriage guidance is provided by either self-lubricating Gliding Surface Technology for low-maintenance operation in harsh environments such as with dirt, heat and vibration, 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.