A linear actuator can be used to move a lot of things at your home or workshop for automation. Unlike a standard motor, these linear actuator motors move forward and backward.
This allows you to use them for lifting things or moving things as needed. If you are also looking for these, consider getting one of the best linear actuators stated down below that have been selected based on these factors:
- Maximum Load: Since linear actuators get used for moving all kinds of objects, they should be able to withstand a heavy load. Thankfully, almost all linear actuators have a maximum load rating of 225 lbs. Some of them even offer a maximum load rating of 600 lbs which is much higher than what you will need.
- Stroke Length: Apart from being able to handle a heavy load, your linear actuators should also move a decent amount of distance for practical usage. This can be checked by taking a look at their stroke length. You can find different stroke length ratings like 300 mm, 500 mm, and even 700 mm in some cases where a higher stroke length is more practical.
- Travel Speed: While using a linear actuator, you would want yours to quickly move from its close position to open position and vice versa. This becomes even more important for linear actuators with a high stroke length. Fortunately, most of them offer a travel speed of 10 mm/s which is quite good for most users.
Apart from these factors, there is still much more to consider before getting a linear actuator. This includes things like their significant specifications and other details along with a comprehensive “Buying Guide” that we have explained in this article.
Best Linear Actuators Table
| Best Linear Actuators | Capacity | Length | Warranty | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homend Stroke Linear Actuator | 225 lbs | 300 mm | 6 months | Check On Amazon |
| ECO-WORTHY Solar Tracker Linear Actuator | 330 lbs | 450 mm | 30 days | Check On Amazon |
| Justech Linear Actuator Motor | 160 lbs | 100 mm | --- | Check On Amazon |
| WindyNation Stroke Linear Actuator | 225 lbs | 750 mm | 30 days | Check On Amazon |
| KZNANZN DIY Design Linear Actuator | --- | 125 mm | --- | Check On Amazon |
| ECO LLC Linear Actuator Motor | 600 lbs | 250 mm | 1.5 years | Check On Amazon |
| SOViK 12V Heavy-Duty Linear Actuator | 225 lbs | 150 mm | --- | Check On Amazon |
Best Linear Actuators Reviews
1. Homend Stroke Linear Actuator
Homend is one of the cheapest options out there when you are buying something like linear actuators for use with various furniture at your home.
The Homend linear actuator comes at the 1st position of this list since it is the cheapest option stated here making it ideal for budget buyers. Despite having a low price tag, you still get a maximum load capacity of 225 lbs with it.
This is combined along with a 300 mm stroke length which should be good enough for those who are on a budget. To ensure that this linear actuator can be used quickly, it uses a travel speed of 10 mm/s. While you do get a 6-month warranty with this budget option, its build quality is a bit on the average side which is to be expected from an entry-level offering.
Best Features
- Supports up to 225 lbs of maximum load
- Comes with a stroke length of 300 mm
- Rated travel speed of up to 10 mm/s
- Offers a warranty period of 6 month
Pros
- Viable affordable option
- Pretty good stroke length
- High travel speed for quick movement
Cons
- Build quality is a bit on the average side
2. ECO-WORTHY Solar Tracker Linear Actuator
As you can tell by its name, Eco Worthy makes products related to green power solutions like its linear actuators made for solar panels that offer great performance.
Eco Worthy’s linear actuator comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as you get great performance out of it. Starting with its maximum load capacity, this linear actuator is designed to handle up to 330 lbs of weight with ease.
However, the higher load capacity does result in a lower travel speed of 5.7 mm/s. This travel speed can be an issue when you consider the given stroke length rating of 450 mm. As for the warranty, Eco Worthy includes a 30-day warranty with this linear actuator.
Best Features
- Supports up to 330 lbs of maximum load
- Comes with a stroke length of 450 mm
- Rated travel speed of up to 5.7 mm/s
- Offers a warranty period of 30 day
Pros
- Great maximum load capacity
- Quite a good stroke length
- Ideal for solar panels
Cons
- Travel speed is a bit low
3. Justech Linear Actuator
From automobile accessories to home improvement tools, the Justech brand has all kinds of products at pocket-friendly prices.
This linear actuator from the brand works with a rated power of 20W that goes up to the maximum of 30W, making it a reliable tool.
Made of aluminum alloy, this sturdy actuator has a 4-inch stroke length and a 10mm fast speed, which is ideal for most actuators in the market. It runs with an input voltage of 12V DC and has a load capacity of 160 lbs. Also, this IP54 waterproof actuator makes noise even lesser than 42 dB and is ideal for use in industrial, agricultural, and domestic purposes.
You can stop it at any time by just cutting off its power source and it halts just the way it is with a sophisticated self-locking system. This actuator has a 20% duty cycle which means for every minute of work it needs to rest for 4 minutes.
Best Features
- 160 lbs load capacity
- 4-inch stroke length
- 10mm fast speed
- 12V input voltage
Pros
- Value for money
- Decent stroke length
- Good travel speed
Cons
- Not durable enough for heavy work
4. WindyNation Stroke Linear Actuator
Windy Nation is known for making high-performance linear actuators for use with windmills or any other furniture in your home as per your needs.
The Windy Nation linear actuator offers the highest stroke length in this listicle which is much higher than others. To be precise, you get a stroke length of 750 mm with it. This makes it ideal for all kinds of uses including installing with a windmill.
Coming to its maximum load capacity, it is similar to other smaller linear actuators at 225 lbs. Another similarity between this and other options is the given travel speed of 10 mm/s. However, despite having a pretty sturdy build quality, you only get a 30-day warranty with it.
Best Features
- Supports up to 225 lbs of maximum load
- Comes with a stroke length of 750 mm
- Rated travel speed of up to 10 mm/s
- Offers a warranty period of 30 day
Pros
- Excellent stroke length rating
- Standard maximum load capacity
- Great build quality
Cons
- Poor manufacturer’s warranty period
5. KZNANZN DIY Design Linear Actuator
KZNANZN is a relatively small brand that develops a wide range of products for your DIY home improvement needs. It is an ideal option if you are looking for affordable products that get your job done.
This linear actuator has a rated speed of 8 rpm and a no-load speed of up to 10 rpm. While it comes with a 20mm stroke in default, you can adjust the stroke length of 12 mm & 16 mm using the stroke-adjusted spanner that’s included in the package. You can set strokes of 12 mm and 16 mm for diverse applications including spraying machines, vibrating screen, pellet machines, incense machine squirt machines, shale shaker, lifespan lab testing, and particle-making experiment.
The bracket is made of aluminum for sturdy construction. The outside shell is durable as well with easy access to mounting screws. You will have to add lubrication oil to the axle at regular intervals to prevent overheating and prolonging its life. You can also add a PWM DC motor speed controller to adjust the speed of the linear actuator.
Best Features
- Speed rating of 8 RPM
- Default stroke size of 20 mm
- Wider applications
- Requires 24V DC voltage and gives 5W power output
Pros
- Adjustable stroke size
- Sturdy construction
- Portable and compact
Cons
- Not the most powerful option
- Lacks warranty information.
6. ECO LLC Linear Actuator Motor
ECO LLC is relatively new brand in the market but its product has made to our list because of its efficient performance.
This linear actuator motor is suitable for wide range of industries that include electric power, chemical industry, construction, mining, lifting, petroleum, chicken coop door and others.
It is made up of aluminium alloy housing which makes them durable. It comes with an internal switch which turns off automatically in case of motor idling. It has IP54 rating which provides protection against water, dust and corrosion.
Best Features
- Aluminium alloy housing
- 12 inches stroke length
- 620mm extended length
- IP54 rated protection
Pros
- Reliable performance
- Suitable for outdoor use
- Wide range of applications
- 1-year warranty
Cons
- It is a bit slower
7. SOViK 12V Heavy-Duty Linear Actuator
This is yet another new brand in the market that provides good quality products at an affordable price range.
This linear actuator comes with a stroke length of 6 inches, retracted length of 10 inches and extended length of 16 inches.
It has maximum load capacity of 156 pounds and maximum self-locking force of 2300N. Its operating temperature range is -20 to +65 degree Celsius.
As it is made up of high-quality aluminium alloy, it is durable and lasts pretty long. It comes with 6mm diameter of mounting holes.
Best Features
- 165 lbs maximum load
- 6-inches stroke length
- IP54 waterproof
Pros
- Decent load capacity
- Ideal stroke length
- In-built switches
Cons
- Cannot endure for long duration
Factors to Consider When Choosing Linear Actuators
Linear actuators play a crucial role in many projects, both big and small. They help control movement very accurately. These devices change spinning motion into straight-line motion. This action is used to move things in machines, make adjustable desks, and more.
1. Types of Linear Actuators
Linear actuators play a pivotal role in numerous industries, enabling precise and controlled linear motion in a variety of applications.
a. Mechanical Linear Actuators
Mechanical linear actuators are devices that convert rotary motion into linear motion using mechanical mechanisms. They are known for their simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Various types of mechanical linear actuators exist, such as:
- Screw-Driven Actuators: These actuators use a screw and nut to turn round movement into straight movement. They are very precise and accurate, often used in CNC machines, 3D printers, and precision manufacturing.
- Belt-Driven Actuators: Belt-driven actuators use belts and pulleys to move linearly from a motor’s rotation. They’re fast and move smoothly, perfect for pick-and-place systems, packaging, and handling equipment.
- Chain-Driven Actuators: Chain-driven actuators use chains and sprockets to turn round movement into straight movement. They are strong and can handle heavy things, good for lifting platforms, cranes, and industrial machines.
b. Hydraulic Linear Actuators
Hydraulic linear actuators are machines that use the pressure from hydraulic fluid to move in a straight line. They’re good at pushing with a lot of force and can handle heavy things. People use them a lot in construction machines, farming equipment, and machines that squash things using hydraulics.
c. Pneumatic Linear Actuators
Pneumatic linear actuators work by using compressed air to move back and forth in a straight line. They’re liked because they’re fast, simple, and easy to use. These actuators are used in industries like making cars, packaging, and putting things together on assembly lines.
d. Electric Linear Actuators
Electric linear actuators are devices that use electric motors to move in a straight line. They’re great because they let you control how fast they move, where they stop, and how much force they exert. People use them in lots of different fields like robots, medical tools, and making homes smarter.
2. Load Capacity
Load capacity means how much force the actuator can handle. It’s important to know the weight or force the actuator will deal with in your project. If you pick an actuator that can handle more weight than you need, it might cost you more and make your equipment too big. But if you choose one that can’t handle enough weight, it might not work well and break early.
3. Speed and Stroke Length
Linear actuators have a speed and stroke length determining their extension or retraction rate. Speed is measured in inches per minute (IPM) or millimeters per second (mm/s), while stroke length is the maximum travel distance. Choosing one suitable for your application requires considering factors like cycle time and travel distance.
4. Power Source
Linear actuators move things using different types of power like electricity, liquids, or air. The choice depends on power availability, surroundings, and control needs. Electric ones are precise and good for accuracy. Hydraulic ones are strong but need fluid and gear. Pneumatic ones are fast but less precise than electric or hydraulic ones.
5. Size and Mounting Options
It’s important to think about its size and how it can be mounted. This is especially important when there’s not much space or when specific mounting needs are there. Pick an actuator that fits in the space you have and can be added to your system without hassle. Also, look at the different ways it can be mounted, like fixed, clevis, or trunnion mounts, to make sure it works well with what you’re doing.
6. Environmental Considerations
Consider the environment where your actuator will operate. Extreme temperatures, moisture, dirt, and corrosive substances can impact its performance and longevity. Choose an actuator designed to withstand these conditions to ensure reliable operation. Also, think about things like IP ratings (which tell you how well it’s protected from dust and water) and materials that don’t rust to make sure it doesn’t break too soon.
Best Linear Actuators – FAQs
Ans: The most common types of linear actuators are mechanical or electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and piezoelectric.
Ans: Linear-motor actuators, serving as servo devices with programmable features, have a longer lifespan of up to 100 million cycles compared to air cylinders or ball screw actuators. To achieve higher speeds, a current in the 5-A+ range is required due to the mass of the moving magnet.
Ans: Pneumatic actuators are faster, but electric linear actuators provide more precise control since managing electricity is easier than controlling air and fluid pressure.
Ans: Typically, a linear actuator cannot be moved without power, unless there is a specific mechanism designed for that purpose.
Conclusion
As per the name, a linear actuator is essentially a motor where the post moves forward and backward instead of having a rotational movement like standard motors. This allows you to easily move and automate the movement of different furniture around your home. Even if you are new to these, you can easily pick one by going through the best linear actuators discussed up above.
Here are some of our preferred recommendations for the best linear actuators that you can consider getting:
- In case you want to move something quite heavy, then you can use the Progressive Automations’s linear actuator. It’s given maximum load capacity of 600 lbs is much higher than all other options in this article. You also get a decent stroke length of 250 mm and a 1.5-year warranty included with it making it ideal for heavy-duty usage.
- However, if you simply want a linear actuator with a pretty high stroke length, then the Windy Nation linear actuator is just for you. You get a stroke length of 750 mm with it which is much higher than most other offerings out there. This is combined along with a standard maximum load capacity of 225 lbs for moving heavy objects if needed.
- Those of you who are on a budget can go with the Homend linear actuator since it is the cheapest option here. Even at the given price tag, you get a standard maximum load capacity of 225 lbs along with a stroke length of 300 mm. This budget offering even includes a 6-month warranty making it quite reliable for a budget option.
