Compact screw actuators are motorized or hand crank linear guides that combine a small diameter screw-driven carriage with guided support to deliver smooth, repeatable motion in constrained spaces. Compact Series linear actuators feature a low-profile 23 mm height, making them well suited for tight machine designs, automation equipment, positioning systems, and applications where space savings are critical. Carriages can be driven by lead screws or ball screws, with lead screw diameters available in 6, 8, and 10 mm and ball screw diameters available up to 8 mm. The CNC precision-rolled screws provide accurate, consistent travel, with 300 series stainless steel lead screws using a PTFE coating to reduce friction and wear, while ball screws are made from 1050 hardened steel for efficient, low-friction motion. Constant Force™ anti-backlash nuts provide consistent preload to help reduce play and maintain positioning accuracy over time.
Compact Series actuators are available with either profile rail guidance or gliding surface technology™. Profile rail versions use ball bearings for high rigidity, speed, precision, and support of cantilevered loads, with a dynamic coefficient of friction below 0.010. Gliding surface versions use self-lubricating FrelonGOLD® under-carriage liners for quiet, maintenance-free motion with vibration damping, wide temperature performance, and durability in dirty or contaminated environments. FrelonGOLD® carriage systems must follow the 2:1 ratio rule, but they offer strong reliability without the risk of catastrophic ball-bearing failure.
Drive options include NEMA 17 and NEMA 23 motors, manual hand knobs, or stub shafts for customer-supplied drive systems. Available as motorized or hand-crank linear actuators, Compact Series units can be configured for accurate and repeatable motion control in space-constrained applications requiring smooth travel, durable guidance, and flexible integration.
