Firgelli Micro Linear Actuators
Micro Linear Actuators are used in applications where either space is limited or the stroke requirements are limited. If you need to move something small or not very far, then a Micro Linear Actuator would be ideal for your application. If you are looking for an actuator with more power and stroke, check out our Standard Linear Actuators. Not sure what type of actuator you need? Our Actuator Calculator will help you chose which actuator is best for your specific project.
Precision Micro Actuators
Stroke sizes for typical Micro Actuators start at 10mm and then increases by approximately 10mm increments up to about 100mm (4") after this stroke the Actuator probably can no longer be classified as a Micro Actuator and instead becomes simple a small compact actuator like the FIRGELLI Classic style Actuator.
Micro linear actuators are quite versatile with respect to the range of applications they are suited towards. Since most come with built-in feedback they are also suited towards applications requiring precision control and force capabilities which, while impressive compared to their size, is perfect for those who require it on a small scale.
Popular applications include the consumer electronics and automotive industry as well as Robotics, where these actuators can be seamlessly integrated into their interior and exterior systems.
Micro vs Standard Actuator
Micro Linear Actuators work the same way Standard linear actuators work but are compact making them designed for smaller tasks. The main reason you would choose a small micro actuator over a standard actuator is primarily its size. Firgelli actuators are easy to mount and set up, and we have many resources for you to use if you are having issues. If the force required is not an issue in your project, then Firgelli micro linear actuators are for you. Firgelli continues to research and develop its micro actuators, and because of this we can keep costs down and allow our customers to benefit from this.
Common Actuator Uses
linear actuators are essential in daily life and are continuing to improve our daily lives as well as making many jobs easier. Many industries take advantage of micro linear actuators when small precise movements are required. Most commonly, in the Automotive industry, actuators are required in allowing the car to be self-driving, as well as simple tasks such as swiveling car wing mirrors and automating car door opening.
Another common use would be in the Robotics sector. This sector is slowly integrating with the health sector to help improve lives. Robotic limbs and organs all require precise small movements to operate. it is the linear actuators that allow robotic arms to grip for example.
The Agricultural Industry is also taking advantage of linear actuators to help improve efficiency and reduce its costs. Thanks to linear actuators, agricultural machinery has never been more reliable. for example, the height and angle of sprayers can be controlled to provide consistency when used on crops. There are many other tasks that require pinpoint accuracy being done by micro linear actuators such as planting seeds to increase efficient use of land, being used in combine harvesters, and so on.
Resources and Help
We have split up our resource pages into two sections. Firstly our "Linear Actuators 101" to more detailed and advanced engineering articles such as "How to achieve Synchronized motion".
Our other big resource section is our Tutorials page. Here we get much more specific with some actuator controlling features for more advanced users and applications. If we don't cover anything that suits your needs then you can always call our tech team at 1-866-226-0465 or email us at support@firgelliauto.com and please feel free to send us drawings, sketches, napkin notes, or whatever you have that may help us help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Micro Linear Actuator is a device that requires an energy source input and an external signal input. These inputs create an output usually in the form of motion that can be either rotary or linear. An Electric Linear Actuator is a device that converts the rotational motion of an AC or DC motor into linear motion. It can provide both push and pull movements. This movement makes it possible to lift, drop, slide, adjust, tilt, push, or pull objects with the simple push of a button. Today there are hundreds of millions of Actuators used in the world to perform many different tasks. An Electric Micro Linear Actuator consists of a DC or AC motor, a series of gears, and a lead screw with a driving nut that pushes the main rod shaft in and out. FIRGELLI sells 12v Linear Actuators and 24v Linear Actuators.
There are many factors which you need to take into account when choosing which micro linear actuator you need for your project. Mainly the Stroke and Force. If you know the stroke and force that you need, then you can use our Actuator Calculator to work out which micro actuator is best. Other factors could include how much space you have available for the retracted actuator to take up, as well as the speed of the micro actuator. Compare our small actuator's dimensions to what you need to see which fits the best. If you are unsure our team at Firgelli is happy to help, give us a call.
Now that you have decided which actuator you will use, you will need to consider how you will control your actuator. At Firgelli we have many different Switches, Remotes, and Arduino which can all be used depending on your preference. Head over to our Actuator Controls page to find the right control option for you.
The first thing to know is that a micro linear actuator does exactly what its name implies: it actuates (or 'moves') in a linear (or 'straight') fashion. There are many different ways that a motor can do this, and their motion is commonly achieved with a rod extending and retracting, or a slider that moves on a track. The linear motion is created by using a Lead-screw. The screw turns either clockwise or counter-clockwise and this causes the shaft, which is basically a nut on the screw to move up and down the screw as the screw turns. This is what converts rotary motion from the electric motor to Linear motion.
The motors used are either AC or DC motors, most however run on 12v dc. To make a Linear Actuator go the opposite direction you simple reverse the wires from the Actuator (reverse polarity) from the battery or power supply. This is typically done through a switch that automatically reverses the polarity to the motor for you. Different speeds and forces are achieved by using different gear ratio's inside the Linear Actuator gearbox system. Please remember in a Linear Actuator, force and speed trade-off against each other. That means if you want high force you have to settle for a lower speed than if you require lower force. This is because the only constant in a Linear Actuator is the Motor speed and force for a given input voltage.
To make the shaft stop when it gets to the end of the stroke, our products have built-in limit switches or micro switches as they are sometimes known. These limit switches are inside the main shaft and are nothing more than a small switch that is triggered by the nut inside that slides up and down the screw. There is one for the top extended position and one for the lower retracted position. For more information on this, check out our Blogs page.
Yes, you can save on your order when purchasing our Actuators in large volumes. Discounts will be calculated at checkout. Our base discount is 20% when you purchase a minimum quantity of 11 units of an actuator, and then the discount scales up as you purchase more. The full discount information table can be found on each actuator product page.