Linear Actuator Selector tool - How to choose the ideal Actuator
Use these Selector calculators to help you chose the correct linear actuator for your application. We have 3 different options on how to find which actuator you need. Firstly you can search for actuators based on their force. Alternatively you can search using the force you require in a actuator. If you know the more specific specs you need for your actuator, then our last calculator is for you.
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How to choose the right actuator selector
The selector tools on this page are intended to narrow the decision before you buy hardware. Start with the physical motion, then confirm force, speed, duty cycle, and mounting geometry. A linear actuator that looks correct by stroke alone can still fail if the load is side-loaded, the bracket angle is poor, or the application needs synchronization.
For a first pass, measure the closed length, open length, required travel, and available mounting points. Then decide whether the motion is simple push-pull, a hinged door, a lever, a sliding tray, or a synchronized multi-actuator system. Those details determine which selector or calculator should be used first.
| Need | Best FIRGELLI tool | Check before choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Known stroke, unknown product | Stroke Selector | Confirm closed length, open length, available bracket space, and whether the actuator can stop at intermediate positions. |
| Known load, unknown force | Force Selector | Use the worst-case position, not the average load. Hinged doors often need their highest force near the closed position. |
| Full actuator recommendation | Actuator Configurator | Confirm voltage, feedback type, speed, duty cycle, environment, and control method before ordering. |
| Geometry or mechanism math | Linear Actuator Calculator | Use real mounting dimensions, center of gravity, load angle, and a realistic safety factor. |
| Engineering reference | Engineering Library | Compare calculators, diagrams, and mechanism examples when a project has more than one possible design. |
Selection workflow
First, define the motion in plain terms: lift, slide, tilt, open, rotate, clamp, or hold. Second, measure the stroke required to move from the fully closed position to the fully open position. Third, calculate the force at the hardest point in the motion. Fourth, check the actuator family against voltage, speed, duty cycle, ingress protection, noise, and feedback requirements. Finally, confirm the mounting brackets do not force the actuator into a bind.
For hinged covers, hatches, and trap doors, the load changes through the arc. The actuator may feel oversized when the door is open and undersized when it starts moving from closed. For sliding drawers, friction and guide alignment usually matter more than the static weight. For levers, the actuator position relative to the pivot changes the mechanical advantage, so force should be checked with a lever calculator rather than guessed.
Practical checks before ordering
- Measure with the mechanism fully closed and fully open; do not estimate from a drawing alone.
- Leave room for clevis rotation, bracket thickness, wire routing, and the actuator body at both ends of travel.
- Use a safety factor when people, vehicles, doors, or heavy panels are involved.
- Check duty cycle if the actuator will cycle repeatedly or hold load for long periods.
- Use feedback actuators or a control box when two or more actuators must stay synchronized.
Useful related pages
Questions this page answers
Which selector should I start with?
Start with the Stroke Selector if the motion distance is known, the Force Selector if load is the unknown, and the Actuator Configurator when you already know both stroke and force but need help matching product features.
Why can two projects with the same load need different actuators?
Mounting geometry changes leverage. A 100 lb panel can require far more than 100 lb of actuator force when the actuator pushes near the hinge or starts at a shallow angle.
When should I use a synchronized control system?
Use synchronization when multiple actuators lift the same rigid platform, hatch, or frame. It helps prevent racking, binding, uneven load sharing, and premature wear.