Tech Drawings

What do FIRGELLI technical drawings cover?

FIRGELLI technical drawings are CAD-quality dimensional documents that specify mounting hole patterns, retracted and extended lengths, motor housing dimensions, and electrical connection points for every actuator, lift system, and slide rail in the product line. They are the reference data you use to integrate a motion component into a real assembly without clearance errors or mounting mistakes.

Selecting the right linear motion component for your project requires more than just knowing the force and stroke length. Proper integration depends on having access to detailed technical drawings that show mounting dimensions, connection points, stroke measurements, and clearance requirements. Whether you're designing an automated cabinet system, building a standing desk, or engineering a custom lifting mechanism, having accurate dimensional data is essential for successful implementation.

This comprehensive resource provides access to technical drawings for FIRGELLI Automations' complete product line. Each drawing includes critical specifications needed for mechanical integration, including mounting hole patterns, extended and retracted dimensions, motor housing measurements, and electrical connection details. These CAD-quality drawings enable precise project planning and help prevent costly installation errors or clearance issues during assembly.

From compact micro linear actuators to heavy-duty industrial actuators and complete lift systems, you'll find the dimensional information needed to confidently specify and integrate motion control solutions into your designs.

Motion design starts with geometry, not force alone. A drawing answers the geometry question — where the mounting points sit, how the clevises rotate, what clearance the motor housing needs. Force ratings only matter once the geometry works.

"A technical drawing isn't a sales sheet — it's the integration tool. The force and stroke numbers tell you whether the actuator can do the job. The mounting hole pattern, retracted length, and clevis arc tell you whether your assembly can actually hold it. Get the mounting wrong and even the right actuator will bind, side-load itself, and fail early." — Robbie Dickson, Founder and Chief Engineer of FIRGELLI Automations

What is in a linear actuator technical drawing?

Linear actuators form the backbone of countless automation projects, from simple DIY applications to complex industrial systems. Understanding the precise dimensions of these actuators is critical for proper mounting, ensuring adequate clearance during extension and retraction, and planning electrical connections.

Bullet Series Actuators

The Bullet Series actuators represent FIRGELLI's most compact and streamlined design, ideal for applications where space is at a premium. These actuators feature a sleek cylindrical profile that minimizes the installation footprint while delivering substantial force capabilities.

Bullet Series 23 Cal: The smallest in the Bullet lineup, the 23 caliber series provides forces up to 150 lbs in a remarkably compact package. The technical drawings for this series include detailed dimensions for the 23mm diameter barrel, mounting clevis specifications, and stroke-specific extended lengths. Critical measurements include the retracted length, which varies by stroke option, and the motor housing diameter. These drawings are essential when designing enclosures or mechanisms where every millimeter counts.

Bullet Series 36 Cal: Stepping up in both size and capability, the 36 caliber series delivers forces up to 200 lbs. The technical documentation shows the increased 36mm barrel diameter, reinforced mounting points, and the relationship between stroke length and overall actuator dimensions. Pay particular attention to the mounting clevis pin diameter and spacing, as these determine compatibility with standard mounting brackets and custom fixtures.

Bullet Series 50 Cal: The largest Bullet Series actuator provides forces up to 400 lbs, making it suitable for heavier lifting applications. The 50mm barrel diameter requires more substantial mounting provisions, and the technical drawings clearly indicate the increased motor housing dimensions and electrical connection locations. These drawings are particularly important for applications requiring multiple actuators synchronized together, as precise mounting alignment ensures smooth, binding-free operation.

Bullet Series at a glance:

Series	Barrel diameter	Max force	Typical use
Bullet 23 Cal	23 mm	up to 150 lbs	Tight-space, small-load mechanisms
Bullet 36 Cal	36 mm	up to 200 lbs	Mid-range applications, compatible with standard mounting brackets
Bullet 50 Cal	50 mm	up to 400 lbs	Heavier lifting; multi-actuator synchronized systems

Note: each unit's retracted and extended length depends on the stroke option chosen — confirm against the specific drawing.

Rod-Style Linear Actuators

Rod-style linear actuators feature a traditional design with an extending chrome-plated rod, offering excellent versatility and robust performance across a wide range of applications.

Classic Rod Linear Actuator: This workhorse design has proven itself in thousands of installations worldwide. The technical drawings detail the actuator body dimensions, rod diameter, mounting clevis configurations at both ends, and the critical centerline-to-centerline measurement when fully retracted and extended. Understanding these dimensions is essential for calculating the exact mounting points needed to achieve your desired stroke. The drawings also indicate the motor housing profile, which is important when planning for rotating loads or side-mounted installations.

Heavy Duty Rod Linear Actuator: Engineered for demanding applications requiring forces up to 2,200 lbs, the Heavy Duty series features reinforced construction throughout. The technical specifications show the increased body diameter, larger rod size, and beefier mounting clevises designed to handle the substantial forces these actuators generate. The drawings include critical information about the minimum retracted length and how it relates to available stroke options—an important consideration when space is limited. Gear motor dimensions and mounting provisions are also detailed, as these actuators often require custom control box installations.

How do track actuator drawings differ from rod actuator drawings?

Track actuators provide a different approach to linear motion, with the moving carriage riding along a fixed track rather than extending a rod. This design offers superior side-load resistance and a more compact retracted length relative to stroke.

The technical drawings for track actuators include several critical dimensions not found in rod-style actuator specs. These include the track profile dimensions, carriage width and height, mounting hole patterns along the track length, and the electrical connection location. The drawings show both the track mounting holes (typically on the bottom or sides) and the carriage mounting surface, which accepts the load being moved.

Understanding the relationship between track length and actual stroke is essential—the carriage dimensions must be subtracted from the track length to determine usable travel. The technical specifications also detail minimum and maximum extension limits, preventing the carriage from running off the track ends. For applications requiring precise positioning, the drawings indicate mounting locations for optional feedback sensors that provide real-time position data.

What do TV lift and pop-up mechanism drawings show?

Complete lift systems like TV lifts and pop-up mechanisms require comprehensive technical documentation covering the entire assembly, not just the actuator component. These drawings are essential for cabinet makers, furniture designers, and installers who need to create precise cutouts and mounting provisions.

Mini TV Lift Systems

Mini TV lifts are designed for smaller displays, typically up to 32 inches. The technical drawings show the complete mechanism including the mounting plate dimensions, stroke height, base footprint, and clearance requirements. Critical specifications include the minimum cabinet depth required, the cutout dimensions for the lifting mechanism, and the location of the power supply and control connections. The drawings also indicate the TV mounting hole patterns (VESA standards) supported by the top plate (VESA Flat Display Mounting Interface Standard / VESA FDMI / MIS).

Drop-Down TV Lift Mechanisms

Drop-down lifts, which lower a TV from a ceiling-mounted position, require careful attention to mounting provisions and clearances. The technical specifications detail the ceiling mounting plate dimensions, the dropped height at various stages, and the fully raised (stored) position. These measurements are critical for ensuring adequate ceiling cavity depth and preventing interference with ceiling joists or other structural elements. The drawings show the pivoting mechanism geometry and the space required for the TV to swing clear as it lowers.

UTVL-200 Under-Table Lift System

The UTVL-200 represents a specialized under-table lifting mechanism designed for conference rooms and collaborative spaces where displays need to emerge from within furniture. The technical documentation includes detailed cross-sections showing the mechanism in raised, partially raised, and lowered positions. These drawings are essential for furniture manufacturers who need to create the internal cavity and support structure. Mounting hole patterns, electrical routing provisions, and the relationship between tabletop thickness and available lift height are all clearly detailed.

What do standing desk and height-adjustable system drawings include?

Height-adjustable desk systems require precise coordination between multiple lifting columns and the desktop surface. The technical drawings for these systems include specifications for both the individual lifting columns and the complete assembled system.

Three-Leg Desk Lift Systems

Three-leg configurations provide excellent stability for wider desktops or L-shaped work surfaces. The technical documentation shows the recommended spacing between legs for optimal load distribution, the mounting footprint of each column lift, and the underside clearance required for the control box and cable management. The drawings indicate the minimum and maximum height ranges, which determine the overall desktop height when combined with the thickness of your work surface and any mounting plates.

Critical specifications include the synchronized lifting capacity (the total weight all three columns can raise together), the individual column dimensions, and the cable lengths between columns and the control system. Understanding these measurements ensures proper planning for cable routing and control box placement where it won't interfere with the user's leg space.

What do slide rail and drawer system drawings specify?

Slide rails and drawer slides provide smooth linear motion for pull-out components, keyboard trays, equipment racks, and storage drawers. The technical drawings for these systems differ significantly from actuator specifications, focusing on mounting provisions and load capacity at various extensions.

The technical specifications show the slide rail profile, mounting hole patterns, and the critical relationship between cabinet depth and drawer dimensions. For telescoping slides that provide full extension, the drawings detail each section of the slide assembly and how they nest together when retracted. This information is essential for determining the minimum cabinet depth required and ensuring the drawer front aligns properly with the cabinet face when closed.

Load capacity varies significantly based on extension distance, and the technical documentation includes charts showing the de-rated capacity as the drawer extends. This information prevents overloading the slides, which can lead to binding, premature wear, or failure. The drawings also show the clearance required on each side of the slide for proper operation and how to integrate optional soft-close mechanisms.

How to Interpret and Use Technical Drawings Effectively

Getting the most value from technical drawings requires understanding the conventions and measurements used in mechanical design documentation. These drawings follow standard engineering practices to communicate dimensions, tolerances, and assembly requirements clearly.

Understanding Dimension Lines and Measurements

Dimension lines with arrows indicate the measurement between two points. All FIRGELLI technical drawings use standard units, typically shown in both millimeters and inches for convenience. When planning your project, work in one unit system consistently to avoid conversion errors. Pay attention to which dimensions are external (overall size) versus internal (clearances or mounting provisions).

Mounting Hole Specifications and Patterns

Mounting holes are specified with their diameter and position relative to a reference point (usually the actuator centerline or a corner of the device). The drawings distinguish between clearance holes (which allow bolt adjustment) and threaded holes (which accept machine screws directly). Understanding these differences ensures you select the correct fasteners and mounting brackets for your application.

Stroke Length and Extension Calculations

For linear actuators, the most common installation error involves miscalculating the mounting point spacing needed to achieve the desired motion. The technical drawings show both the retracted dimension (the distance between mounting points when the actuator is fully compressed) and the extended dimension (the distance when fully extended). The difference between these two measurements is the stroke—the actual distance your application will move. Plan your mounting points so the actuator can reach both fully retracted and fully extended positions without bottoming out or overextending.

Worked example — a hatch lift needing 6 inches of motion:

• Desired stroke: 6 in.
• Pick an actuator with a 6 in stroke option. From the drawing, retracted length = 9.6 in (mounting clevis to mounting clevis), extended length = 15.6 in.
• Therefore mount the two clevis pins exactly 9.6 in apart at the closed/retracted position. The lift will swing through to an open position where the pin spacing is 15.6 in.
• Verify the geometry works at both endpoints — the hatch must physically permit the pin spacing to reach 15.6 in without obstruction.

If you mount the pins at less than 9.6 in apart, the actuator will bind at the retracted end and the motor will stall.

How do you apply technical drawings to a real installation?

Translating technical drawings into successful installations requires careful planning and attention to detail. These practical tips help ensure your project proceeds smoothly from design to implementation.

Creating Installation Templates

Print the technical drawing at 1:1 scale and use it as a template for marking mounting holes. Verify the print scale by measuring a known dimension with a ruler—printer settings sometimes reduce or enlarge drawings slightly. For critical applications, create a cardboard mock-up of the actuator or lift system and test-fit it in your installation space before drilling any holes.

Accounting for Clearances and Interference

The technical drawings show the device dimensions, but your installation must account for additional clearances. Allow space for electrical connections, which may protrude from the motor housing. Consider the arc of movement at the mounting clevises—they rotate as the actuator extends and retracts, requiring clearance around the mounting pins. For TV lifts and drop-down mechanisms, ensure adequate clearance for the entire travel path, including any intermediate positions.

Planning Multi-Actuator Synchronized Systems

When using multiple actuators together, precision in mounting becomes even more critical. Even small misalignments can cause binding, uneven load distribution, or premature wear. Use the technical drawings to create a master installation template showing all actuator positions relative to each other. Consider using feedback actuators for applications requiring precise synchronization, as these provide position data that enables electronic coordination between multiple units.

How do you integrate motion components into a custom design?

The technical drawings provide the foundation for integrating motion control components into custom designs. Whether you're building furniture, automating equipment, or creating a unique mechanism, understanding how to work with these specifications enables successful outcomes.

Structural Support and Load Path Analysis

Beyond the actuator dimensions, consider how forces transfer through your structure. The mounting points shown in technical drawings indicate where loads enter and exit the actuator. Your support structure must handle these forces without flexing or deforming. For heavy-duty applications using industrial actuators, consider consulting the force specifications alongside the dimensional drawings to ensure your mounting provisions can handle both the static load and dynamic forces during motion.

Electrical Integration Planning

Technical drawings show the location and type of electrical connections, but effective integration requires planning the complete electrical system. Consider wire routing from the actuator to the control box, mounting location for power supplies, and accessibility of control interfaces. For systems requiring feedback positioning, plan for additional control wiring and mounting provisions for external controllers or Arduino-based systems.

Serviceability and Maintenance Access

When designing your installation, use the technical drawings to ensure adequate access for future service. Actuators may eventually require replacement, and enclosed systems should provide a service path that doesn't require complete disassembly. Consider mounting the control electronics and power supplies where they can be accessed without disturbing the mechanical components.

How do you download and work with FIRGELLI drawing files?

FIRGELLI technical drawings are provided in formats suitable for both digital viewing and printing, enabling use across different design workflows and applications.

File Formats and Software Compatibility

Technical drawings are typically provided as PDF files for universal compatibility. PDF drawings maintain precise dimensions and scale across different viewing devices and operating systems. For more advanced CAD integration, some products may offer DXF or STEP files that can be imported directly into 3D modeling software. These files enable digital mock-ups and interference checking before physical installation.

Scaling and Printing Guidelines

When printing technical drawings, disable any "fit to page" or "scale to fit" options in your print settings. Select "actual size" or "100% scale" to ensure dimensional accuracy. After printing, verify the scale by measuring a known dimension on the drawing against the specified measurement. For large format drawings that exceed standard printer sizes, use a tile printing option or professional plotting service to maintain accuracy across multiple sheets.

What usually goes wrong when working from technical drawings?

1. Mounting points spaced incorrectly. The retracted length is the minimum distance between mounting points. Space them shorter than the retracted length and the actuator bottoms out before it ever reaches your assembly's starting position.
2. Printing the drawing at the wrong scale. "Fit to page" silently shrinks the print. If you don't verify scale against a known dimension before drilling, every hole will be off.
3. Forgetting the clevis arc. Clevises rotate as the rod extends and retracts. The drawing shows the actuator footprint, but the swept path needs clearance too.
4. Ignoring wire-connector projection. The motor housing dimension is not the full envelope — connectors typically add 20-30 mm beyond the housing.
5. Misaligning multi-actuator systems. Two actuators mounted even slightly out of parallel will bind, load one side more than the other, and wear out early.
6. Overloading slides at full extension. Slide load capacity drops as the drawer extends. The drawing's max load is at the rated extension, not at full pull-out.

How should you verify a drawing before you drill any holes?

1. Verify print scale. Print at 100% (no "fit to page"). Measure a known dimension on the printed drawing against the dimensioned value. If it's off, fix the print settings before anything else.
2. Build a cardboard or foam-core mock-up. Cut the actuator footprint and motor housing out of cardboard at 1:1. Tape it into your installation space and check that the swept path clears.
3. Cycle the mock-up through the stroke. Move your cardboard "rod" from retracted to extended length and confirm the application end-point is where you expect it.
4. Mark hole centres but don't drill yet. Transfer marks from the template to the structure, then double-check the spacing matches the retracted length on the drawing.
5. For multi-actuator systems, build one master template covering all units at once so misalignment between actuators is impossible to introduce.

Why does the drawing matter as much as the spec sheet?

Accurate technical drawings form the foundation of successful motion control integration. By providing detailed dimensional information, mounting specifications, and clearance requirements, these documents enable confident design decisions and prevent costly installation errors. Whether you're working with compact micro actuators, heavy-duty lifting systems, or specialized mechanisms like drawer slides, taking time to study and properly apply technical specifications ensures your project functions as intended.

The combination of precise measurements, clear dimensional callouts, and comprehensive assembly information in FIRGELLI technical drawings supports applications ranging from hobbyist projects to professional industrial installations. Use these resources as your guide through the design and installation process, and don't hesitate to create physical templates or mock-ups when precision is critical to your application's success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find technical drawings for specific FIRGELLI products?

Technical drawings are available on individual product pages on the FIRGELLI website. Navigate to the specific actuator, lift system, or motion control product you're interested in, and look for the technical specifications or downloads section. You can also contact FIRGELLI technical support directly if you need drawings for multiple products or have questions about custom applications requiring dimensional verification.

How do I calculate the correct mounting point spacing for my linear actuator?

To determine mounting point spacing, you need to know your desired stroke (how far you want the object to move) and identify the actuator's retracted length from the technical drawing. The retracted length is the minimum distance between mounting points. Add your desired stroke to this dimension to get the required extended length, then verify this matches or is less than the actuator's maximum extended dimension shown in the drawings. This ensures the actuator can achieve your required motion without bottoming out or overextending.

What clearances should I allow around an actuator beyond the dimensions shown?

Beyond the physical dimensions in technical drawings, allow at least 10-15mm (approximately 0.5 inches) around the actuator body for air circulation and to prevent interference with adjacent components. Add extra clearance around the mounting clevises, as these rotate through an arc during operation. For the motor housing, ensure sufficient space for electrical connections—wire connectors typically add 20-30mm beyond the housing. In enclosed installations, also consider access for future service or replacement.

Can I use technical drawings to align multiple actuators that need to work together?

Yes, technical drawings are essential for multi-actuator installations. Use the mounting hole dimensions to create a master template showing all actuator positions precisely aligned. The accuracy of your installation directly impacts synchronization—even small misalignments can cause binding or uneven operation. For critical applications, consider using feedback actuators that provide position data, enabling electronic synchronization that can compensate for minor mechanical variations. The technical drawings show the reference points needed to align actuators parallel to each other and ensure equal load distribution.

Are CAD files available for importing into 3D design software?

Many FIRGELLI products offer CAD files in addition to PDF technical drawings. Common formats include STEP files for 3D modeling and DXF files for 2D CAD systems. These files allow you to import accurate digital models directly into your design software for interference checking, assembly visualization, and integration with your custom components. If CAD files aren't shown on a product page, contact FIRGELLI technical support to inquire about availability for your specific product. Having digital models is particularly valuable for complex assemblies or when designing custom enclosures and mounting systems.