Actuator Selector Tool

This is the distance the actuator can move.  On our rod actuators this is how far the actuator shaft will extend from the body of the actuator.  On the Track actuators this is how far the carriage will slide on the track.  Keep in mind some of the control options need to be able to complete a full stroke.  For example, if the -S(limit switch) option is selected, the load you apply must not prevent the actuator from completing a full stroke.  On the other hand if you select a -R(internal position controller) option, you can command the actuator to stop at any point within the stroke, so a wider range of strokes may work for your application.

You can select a higher or lower gear ratio to find the best balance of force versus speed for your application.  Consult the datasheet load charts to find the best gear ratio, or move on to the other selectors.

This is the actuator's rated voltage.  Choose the voltage based on the power supply or battery you have available.  Check that your power supply has enough capacity to run the actuator.  A rough check is to look at the actuator's stall current, and make sure your power supply can supply that amount.  

Our I-Series actuator models feature an on-board software-based digital micro-controller. The controller is non programmable and will configure itself for one of 4 input modes depending on which leads are plugged in on power up. Available input modes are: RC servo, 0-5v, 4-20mA or PWM.

Our R-Series feature a standard hobby-type remote-control digital servo interface (CMOS logic) and are plug and play compatible with most RC receivers. These units can also be operated by most microcontroller systems, including Arduino via the Arduino servo library. 

All of our S-Series micro linear actuators have end-limit switches that will turn the unit off if it runs to it's end limit. These units are operated by reversing polarity on the actuator’s two leads. These can be run with a DPDT switch, relay or brushed DC motor controller.

The P-Series actuators have no built-in controller, but do provide an analog position feedback signal that can be input to an external controller. The P-Series can be used with our Linear Actuator Control Board (LAC) which allows you to control them with USB (via our Configuration Utility Software), 0-5v, 4-20mA, RC Servo or PWM. On board adjustment of speed, sensitivity, stroke limits, as well as stall protection are available via the LAC.

The ST-Series have no built in controller, but are compatible with a wide array of stepper motor drivers and controllers.  The Tic-T825 stepper controller is compatible with all our stepper motor based actuators.

The B-Series provides direct access to the motor wires, no limit switches, no feedback, and no internal controller.  This option can refer to brushed dc or stepper motor based actuators.  

This is the distance between mounting holes when the actuator is fully retracted.  Add the Stroke length to the closed length, to get the fully extended "open length".  Note, on track type actuators, there is no open length, since the carriage moves back and forth in between the mounting points, instead of the shaft mounting point moving in and out. 

This is the amount of force needed to manually move an unpowered actuator.  It is particularly important to ensure your maximum applied load is less that this value, when you have selected the -S limit switch type control.  Forces above this level will defeat the limit switch, causing the motor to rapidly turn on and off until motor failure, or power is removed.  Some margin is recommended, to ensure reliable limit switch operation.

This is the average maximum load the actuator can push or pull over a full stroke.   Operating at this load level is not recommended as actuator life can be significantly reduced.

This is the maximum speed of the actuator.  Speed is dependent on load for most of our actuators.  Refer to the datasheet load curves to confirm the speed at a particular load will meet your needs.  

For most applications, this is a good value to refer to for gear ratio selection.  For improved actuator life, select a gear ratio so your average applied load is at or below this value.

This is the weight of the actuator itself.  This does not include any of the nuts, bolts, or other optional mounting parts in the included accessory kit.

This is a comparative value to help identify longer life actuator options.  Standard life refers to all our DC motor based actuators, while extended life refers to all our brushless/stepper motor based actuators.  Note, if the gearbox is failing before the motor, moving to the P16/T16 planetary type gearbox, or to the S20(no gearbox) may increase actuator life further.

In stock actuators typically ship within 1-2 business days.   Out of stock actuators will typically ship within 1-2 weeks.  If the order is urgent, contact sales to see if our production team can expedite the order.  Sales can also quote lead time for larger orders.