Linear Actuators

Compare electric linear actuators by the specifications that matter

FIRGELLI electric linear actuators convert motor rotation into controlled push-pull travel. Use the product filters and specification tables above to compare models by stroke, dynamic force, loaded speed, duty cycle, feedback, IP rating, and physical size. The correct choice depends on the complete mechanism, not force or stroke alone.

Start with the motion you need, then confirm the worst-case load and mounting geometry. Product-level drawings, data sheets, and load-speed information take precedence over the general guidance on this page.

How to choose a linear actuator

1. Stroke and installed length: measure the required travel, retracted length, extended length, and available bracket space.
2. Dynamic force: calculate the load at the hardest point in the motion, including linkage geometry, friction, and acceleration where relevant.
3. Speed under load: compare the required travel time with the model's loaded speed, not only its no-load speed.
4. Duty cycle and power: check the expected run-rest pattern, current draw, wire size, switching device, and power supply.
5. Environment: match the product's stated IP rating, temperature range, and materials to dust, water, and other site conditions.
6. Feedback and control: choose a compatible feedback option when the system needs measured position, closed-loop control, or synchronization.
7. Mounting: keep rod-style actuators axially loaded and use guides or rails to carry side loads.

Engineering note: hinged lids, levers, and linkages can require their highest actuator force near one end of travel. Check the full motion range before selecting a product.

Compare linear actuator families

• Micro linear actuators for compact mechanisms where package size is a primary constraint.
• Feedback linear actuators for measured position, closed-loop control, or synchronized systems.
• Track linear actuators for guided carriage motion without an extending rod.
• Industrial linear actuators for applications that require higher force or more rugged construction.
• Column lifts for vertically guided lifting and height-adjustment systems.

No single actuator family is best for every mechanism. A compact model may trade force or duty cycle for package size, while a higher-force model may move more slowly or require more installation space and current. Compare the complete operating point rather than selecting by one headline specification.

How electric linear actuators work

A typical electric linear actuator uses a DC motor, gearbox, lead screw, and traveling nut. The gearbox changes the motor's speed and torque. The screw and nut then convert rotation into linear travel, extending or retracting the output tube or carriage. Model-specific construction determines loaded speed, force, current, duty cycle, backlash, backdriving behavior, and service life.

Limit switches or other end-of-travel controls stop compatible models at their travel endpoints. Position feedback, where fitted, can provide a signal for measurement or closed-loop control. Always confirm the control and feedback features on the exact product page.

For a broader comparison of electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, linear, and rotary devices, read What Is an Actuator?

Common linear actuator applications

Linear actuators are used when a mechanism needs controlled straight-line movement for lifting, tilting, sliding, opening, closing, or positioning. Application examples are a starting point only: the actuator must still be selected for the real load, geometry, cycle rate, environment, and control method.

Home automation and furniture

Typical projects include TV lifts, appliance lifts, adjustable furniture, hidden compartments, cabinet doors, and access panels. Quiet operation, compact installed length, limit-switch behavior, and safe guarding often matter as much as force. A guided lift or rail should carry side loads rather than asking the actuator rod to act as the structural guide.

Industrial, mobile, and outdoor mechanisms

Actuators can position dampers, chutes, fixtures, machine guards, hatches, solar-panel mechanisms, and equipment attachments. These applications may introduce shock loads, vibration, contamination, water exposure, temperature changes, or long cable runs. Confirm the selected model's documented enclosure rating, wiring requirements, duty cycle, and load-speed point instead of assuming universal suitability for outdoor or industrial service.

Robotics and controlled positioning

Robotic and positioning systems may require feedback, repeatability, synchronization, and a controller that can stop at intermediate positions. Potentiometer, Hall-sensor, or encoder feedback options are not interchangeable without compatible electronics and control logic. Use the feedback documentation for the exact actuator and controller combination.

Installation and control considerations

• Mounting geometry: use pivoting brackets where the mechanism changes angle, and verify that the actuator does not bind through the full stroke.
• Load direction: support cantilevered or side-loaded mechanisms with rails, bearings, hinges, or other guides.
• Power: size the supply, fuse, switching device, connectors, and wire for the product's stated current and cable length.
• Reversing direction: many two-wire DC actuators reverse by changing polarity, but feedback and controller wiring vary by product.
• End-of-travel control: confirm whether the selected model includes internal limit switches or requires external sensing.
• Thermal operation: treat duty cycle as a model-specific operating limit under stated conditions, not as a universal run-time rule.

For wiring and control planning, use the Wiring Diagram Generator. For hinged mechanisms and changing lever geometry, use the Linear Actuator Calculator before finalizing the mounting points.

Selection tools and engineering resources

• Linear Actuator Selector Tools to narrow products by known stroke, force, and configuration requirements.
• Linear Actuator Calculator for mechanism and mounting calculations.
• Linear Actuator Selection Guide for a detailed engineering workflow.
• Wiring Diagram Generator for switches, relays, controls, and feedback wiring.
• Engineering Library for related calculators, mechanisms, and technical articles.

Checks before ordering

Confirm the exact product data sheet, stroke, retracted and extended dimensions, mounting hardware, cable requirements, controller compatibility, expected load-speed point, and power-supply capacity before purchase. IP ratings classify enclosure protection under defined tests; they do not by themselves establish corrosion, chemical, continuous-submersion, or safety-critical suitability.

If the mechanism can injure a person or damage equipment, include suitable guarding, mechanical stops, load support, emergency stopping, and an engineering safety review appropriate to the application.