How to Choose a Linear Actuator

August 28, 2020

Thomas Urbach

Screw-driven or belt-driven linear actuator?

Linear actuators are an important element in automation and mechanical engineering and help with a variety of tasks, from simple to extremely complex ones. Picking the right one is very important, since linear actuators and linear slides can be driven in a wide variety of ways.

Lead screw driven actuators—for high accuracy

If a lower speed, yet a high level of accuracy, is required, linear actuators with trapezoidal threads are usually a good option. The linear axes with lead screw drives are also great options for high axial thrust forces. Due to the critical speed limit for lead screws, the travel path (max. 1,500 mm/5 feet), the speed, and thus the speed of the lead screw, are severely limited. The recommended speed limit depends on the lead screw diameter.

Trapezoidal thread

With our dryspin® high helix thread, accuracy and medium speeds can be combined due to the special thread pitch; however, a maximum travel distance of 1,000 mm/39 inches must be observed.

For format adjustments
In extreme environments (heat, cold)
When corrosion resistance is required
When it needs to be low-noise
For shorter travels up to 1.5 meters or 5 feet
For low to medium speed with high accuracy

Structure of a linear axis with spindle drive

Grease-free due to plastic bearings and plastic nuts
Shaft material (aluminum, stainless steel, carbon)
8 trapezoidal thread pitches, 4 high helix thread pitches
Base body made of stainless steel, aluminum, zinc or plastic
Spindle machining according to drawing or spindle journal
Accessories available

To learn more about lead screw driven actuators, click here.

Belt driven linear actuators—when things have to go fast

Belt drive linear actuators are particularly suitable for fast positioning and handling tasks. Long travels up to 3000 mm/9.8ft at high speeds are ideal requirements for this linear actuator.