These days, there are many micro linear actuator options on the market. A quick Google search will show you that there are many different types out there. These range from inexpensive models found on ebay that are targeted towards hobbyists and the DIY crowd through to high precision devices that can cost upwards of $1000 per unit.
Among these, you may notice a trend - many of these actuators look similar, or even identical. Why is this? Well today, we’re going to address that question and help you better understand the linear actuator market, and why there are so many similar products available from different manufacturers.
A Bit of History
When we developed our PQ12 actuator back in 2004, there was nothing else like it on the market. At that time, the technology to scale production of micro actuators was not yet mature, and a sub-$100 actuator with a 50mm stroke length was unheard of. We worked hard to develop those early products, while focusing on keeping our prices affordable for startups, educational institutions, and OEMs. Since then our business has grown from a small facility to a modern commercial space outside of Victoria, BC. Our product offerings have grown to more than 250 unique actuator models.
Why Do So Many Micro Actuators Look Alike?
In late 2016, we noticed a trend developing in the actuator market. We were seeing micro actuators for sale in various places around the web that looked nearly identical to our L16 line. We purchased a few of these copycat devices to tear them down and see if the internals were a copy of our actuators, and sure enough, they were. Here we are, a number of years later, and the number of sellers offering copies of our products has only increased.
Somewhere along the line, we learned that a competitor had sent one of our products to a Chinese factory to be torn down and reproduced with a slightly different appearance. The resultant product is still being produced by that factory to this day. While variations of this product can be found across the web under different names, they’re all the same generic copied actuator.
In the image above, on top is our L16 micro linear actuator, the device below is the knockoff model available from a few different outfits online.
Online retailers that claim to ‘manufacture’ these units are misleading their customers. They did not design nor manufacture their actuators, they simply order the units from a factory listed on Alibaba and apply their company sticker. That’s why there are so many different outfits selling these identical copies of our product, whereas the original Actuonix actuators have our name molded into the plastic housing, and are only sold under our name.
Where We Fit into the Market
At Actuonix, our mission is simple: We want to give clients the greatest range of affordable micro actuators to choose from. As a mid-volume supplier, we aim to work with companies developing new products. Using a micro linear actuator from Actuonix can save the product designers the hassle associated with developing custom linear motion solutions and free their time to work on other aspects of the product.
While we have over 250 unique actuator models at this time, we always have new models in development. The effort to create new products is guided by feedback from our clients and a desire to meet their evolving needs. As most products get smaller and more efficient, we’re regularly asked for smaller actuators. Most of our upcoming models are even smaller than our current offerings.
What Makes Us Different
Quality
Every actuator you receive from Actuonix has been built according to our meticulous standards. We source and review every component for quality. Once assembled, our actuators are tested at our facility in Western Canada. While it is standard practice to batch test large volumes of product, we test every single unit. This helps us keep our failure rates extremely low, and is the only way to be 100% certain that the item you receive is a high-quality actuator that will function as intended.
Additionally, we are always improving the quality and usability of our products. We’re always testing new materials and new component suppliers to ensure that you’re getting the best possible end product.
Service
When you phone Actuonix during business hours, you get a real person to help you with actuator selection and product support. If you choose to contact us by email, our sales or service staff will respond to you quickly within business hours. Many companies have made it difficult to access a live person, and we continue to offer this high level of service to support our valued customers.
Selection
We are the one-stop shop when it comes to micro actuators. With over 250 models currently available and more in production, you won’t find a better selection of micro actuators anywhere else. We keep our stock levels high so that no matter what you need, we can get it out to you by the next business day.
Pricing
We are committed to pricing our actuators affordably. When the L12 line first launched back in 2005, we priced them at under $100, positioning Actuonix, then Firgelli Technologies, as the highest quality, low-cost actuator manufacturer on the market. Over 20 years in business and our prices haven’t changed much. Our most expensive L12 actuator still costs just $90.
Project and Team Sponsorships
Actuonix is always looking for new ways to give back to the engineering community. We do so through a variety of programs including our FIRST Robotics Challenge team sponsorship, FIRST Robotics product discounts and other sponsorships. Additionally, we are always on the hunt for interesting humanitarian, student and hobbyist projects to sponsor.
Conclusion
It can be frustrating to watch competitors shamelessly sell copied versions of our products. That said, we focus our energy on creating more models to meet the needs of our clients, as well as ensuring that our quality and service cannot be beaten. It’s a commitment that has helped us maintain our position as the industry leader in what is becoming a competitive space. We want to thank our loyal clients for continuing to choose Actuonix Motion Devices.
Common Questions About Micro Linear Actuators
How do you keep your prices low?
Over the decades, we have refined our processes over and over to ensure that we are selling a high quality product, while maintaining our low prices a manufacturer, we control every step of the process. We purchase all of our parts direct and can negotiate the best prices on high-quality components.
Can I replace a different actuator with Actuonix?
Yes. We can help you select a high-quality Actuonix actuator to replace your existing unit.
Why should I choose Actuonix over cheaper alternatives?
In a nutshell: quality, reliability, support and the peace of mind you get knowing that you're purchasing from a manufacturer, rather than a reseller.
Explore Actuonix Linear Actuators Today
We hope this article has helped you better understand the key differences between genuine Actuonix Motion Devices actuators and knockoff products.. To find out more about our actuators and explore our full range of products, visit our actuators by model page. As a leading manufacturer and innovator in the micro motion marketplace, Actuonix services companies big and small in a number of industries including aerospace, medical, robotics, and more. Get in touch with us today to submit an order or to submit an inquiry.