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).

More About Linear Actuators

Ways to Order

Catalog Preview
Web Catalog Web Catalog Download PDF Download PDF Video Video Features Features

Browse Categories

Linear Actuators

188 products
Close filters
188 products
Ball Screw Linear Actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 200mm. The actuator marries the compactness required for small spaces with the high performance of single stack NEMA 17 motors. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Part of the compact metric ball..
$243.72
Miniature ball screw actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 250mm. Designed for those who require linear precision without compromise, includes a single stack NEMA 17 motor and a cylindrical nut. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Component of the miniature metric..
$249.61
Ball screw driven linear actuator, part of our miniature ball screw series, with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 150mm. Includes a NEMA 17 motor. The high precision assembly is delivered fully constructed. Integral part of the miniature metric ball screw family. Diameter:..
$237.84
Ball Screw Actuator with a cylindrical nut, a diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2.5mm and a length of 250mm. Combines the precision required for delicate applications with the compact design essential for space-restricted environments. Comes with a single stack NEMA 17 motor. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Miniature..
$249.61
Miniature ball screw actuator features an 8mm screw diameter, 2.5mm lead, and 150mm length. It's designed for high-accuracy applications in compact spaces, perfectly complementing our single stack NEMA 17 motor with its unique lead and cylindrical nut design. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Miniature metric ball screw assembly. Diameter:..
$237.84
Ball screw linear actuator with a cylindrical nut, a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 250mm. Includes a single stack NEMA 17 motor, ensuring optimal performance in tight spaces. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Integrated into the miniature metric ball screw lineup. Diameter:..
$249.61
Ball Screw Linear Actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2mm and 150mm length. Designed for space-sensitive applications, it provides unparalleled accuracy and efficiency when combined with our single stack NEMA 17 motor. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Part of the miniature metric ball screw series...
$237.84
Compact ball screw linear actuator with a 6mm screw diameter, a lead of 1mm and length of 250mm. This is part of our specialized series that provides precise and efficient performance. It includes a NEMA 17 motor in a streamlined package. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Miniature metric ball..
$249.61
Miniature Ball Screw actuator with a screw diameter of 6mm, a cylindrical nut, a lead of 1mm and length of 150mm, ideal for applications requiring precision in limited spaces. This model includes a NEMA 17 motor. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Cylindrical Nut Miniature metric ball screw assembly. Diameter:..
$237.84
Ball screw linear actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm, lead of 2mm and length of 500mm. Meant for extended-length applications requiring precision linear motion in a compact design, the assembly includes a NEMA 14 motor and provides unparalleled performance. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Extended length option in..
$298.39
Miniature ball screw linear actuator with a screw diameter of 10mm, a lead of 2mm and length of 200mm. Designed for larger diameter applications that require precise linear motion in compact spaces, it includes a NEMA 14 motor, offering enhanced capacity and precision. A larger variant in the miniature metric..
$263.10
Small Ball Screw Actuator with a diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2mm and a length of 250mm. Designed for high precision in tight spaces, and includes a NEMA 14 motor. This part of our miniature ball screw series brings efficiency and precision to demanding tasks. Cylindrical Nut Part of..
$268.98
Miniature ball screw actuator with a cylindrical nut that has a NEMA 14 motor which is designed for space-sensitive applications with its unique dimensions and lead of 2mm. The screw diameter is 8mm and the length is 150mm. Cylindrical Nut Component of the miniature metric ball screw collection. Diameter: 8..
$257.21
Ball screw linear actuator with a cylindrical nut, 250mm in length with an 8mm diameter and 2.5mm lead. Includes a NEMA 14 motor. Integral part of the miniature metric ball screw lineup. Diameter: 8 mm; Lead: 2.5 mm; Length: 250 mm. Includes a NEMA 14 motor. Cylindrical-style nut for a..
$268.98
Ball Screw Linear Actuator optimized for applications requiring precise and compact linear motion solutions, includes a NEMA 14 motor and featuring a unique lead for specialized requirements. The screw has an 8mm diameter, a lead of 2.5mm and a length of 150mm. A specialized component of the miniature metric ball..
$257.21
Miniature Ball Screw Actuator BSR0801AXRU-0250-CSN-140-NNN-N with a NEMA 14 motor and cylindrical nut. The screw diameter is 8mm, the lead 1mm and the length is 250mm. Belongs to the miniature metric ball screw series. Diameter: 8 mm; Lead: 1 mm; Length: 250 mm. Includes a NEMA 14 motor. Streamlined design..
$268.98
Miniature ball screw linear actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 1mm and a length of 150mm. Includes a NEMA 14 motor and brings enhanced precision to compact spaces. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Part of the miniature metric ball screw collection. Diameter: 8 mm; Lead:..
$257.21
Small Ball Screw Linear Actuator with a NEMA 14 motor and a Cylindrical Nut in which small ball bearings roll along the screw's helical grooves. The ball screw has a diameter of 6mm, a lead of 1mm and a length of 250mm. The assembly is delivered fully constructed. Diameter: 6..
$268.98
Miniature ball screw linear actuator with a NEMA 14 motor, a screw diameter of 6mm, a lead of 1mm, and a length of 150mm. Optimized for compact applications requiring precise linear motion. It includes a NEMA 14 motor, designed for streamlined integration in tight spaces. Part of the miniature metric..
$257.21
Ball Screw Linear Actuator with a cylindrical nut, a screw diameter of 6mm, a lead of 1mm and a length of 250mm. This is part of the miniature metric ball screw series and includes a NEMA 11 motor. This assembly excels in applications requiring precise, compact, and efficient linear motion...
$291.04

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.