What is a Linear Actuator
Introduction
An actuator is the muscle behind any system that moves. It’s the device responsible for driving motion—whether it’s lifting a load, rotating a gear, or vibrating a surface. Motion comes in many flavors: linear, rotary, vibratory, circular, and more. Each type requires a specialized actuator to get the job done. At FIRGELLI, we’re passionate about actuators—especially linear actuators—and we’ve spent years perfecting them to empower DIYers, engineers, and innovators worldwide.
So, what’s a linear actuator? It’s a specific type of actuator designed to create motion in a straight line—think pushing a drawer open, pulling a lever, or lifting a TV out of a cabinet. Unlike rotary actuators that spin, linear actuators move back and forth along a single axis. They take energy from a system—be it electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic—and transform it into precise, controlled linear motion to tackle tasks big and small. Whether you need to hoist a heavy load or nudge a tiny component, linear actuators are the go-to solution.
Linear actuators are incredibly versatile. They can push, pull, or do both, depending on the design. Their motion can range from rough-and-ready (like a car jack) to ultra-precise (like a piezoelectric actuator adjusting a microscope lens). At FIRGELLI, our electric linear actuators—like the Deluxe Rod Actuators—strike a balance between power and precision, making them ideal for everything from home automation to industrial machinery. They’re found in everyday gadgets like printers and valves, as well as cutting-edge projects like robotic arms and smart furniture. In short, if a system needs to move something in a straight line, a linear actuator is likely the hand doing the work.
Curious about how they work, what types exist, and how to pick the right one? Let’s break it down step-by-step and explore why FIRGELLI linear actuators are leading the charge in 2025 and beyond.
Function
A linear actuator isn’t just a single gizmo—it’s a system of components working together to turn energy into motion. Whether you’re automating a window or lifting a solar panel, these parts ensure smooth, reliable performance. Here’s how they come together.
Every linear actuator needs fuel to move. The power supply provides that energy, and it varies by actuator type. Electric linear actuators—like FIRGELLI’s Mini Linear Actuators—run on electricity (typically 12V or 24V DC), making them plug-and-play for most DIY projects. Mechanical actuators rely on human muscle (e.g., turning a crank), while hydraulic and pneumatic actuators use pressurized fluid or air. The beauty of FIRGELLI’s electric models? They’re quiet, efficient, and don’t need a compressor or pump—just a battery or outlet.
Raw power isn’t enough—it needs shaping. The power converter translates the input energy into a form the actuator can use. In electric linear actuators, this might be a motor that spins a gear or screw. For example, FIRGELLI’s Heavy Duty Linear Actuators use an electric motor to drive a lead screw, converting rotational energy into linear thrust. Hydraulic systems use pistons, while pneumatic ones rely on air pressure. Inverters or control boxes—like FIRGELLI’s Control Boxes—fine-tune this process for precision.
This is the “work” part—the object or force the actuator moves. It could be a TV, a window, or a 500-lb trapdoor. The load dictates the actuator’s specs: too weak, and it won’t budge; too strong, and you’re wasting power. FIRGELLI’s range, from micro actuators (20 lbs) to heavy-duty models (400+ lbs), ensures you’ve got options for any load—check out our Actuator Calculator to nail the perfect match.
Motion without control is chaos. The control device—switches, remotes, or smart systems—tells the actuator when and how to move. A simple rocker switch can toggle a FIRGELLI actuator back and forth (learn more in our guide: How to Control a Linear Actuator with a Switch). For fancier setups, pair it with an Arduino or FIRGELLI’s Control Systems for timed or sensor-driven action.
Together, these components make linear actuators the backbone of motion. From opening a skylight to lifting a bed, FIRGELLI actuators handle it all with finesse.
Types of Linear Actuators
Not all linear actuators are created equal. They come in different flavors, each with unique strengths, inputs, and outputs. Here’s a deep dive into the main types—and why FIRGELLI’s electric options often steal the show.
Old-school but reliable, mechanical linear actuators turn rotary motion into linear motion without electricity. You crank a handle or knob, and internal mechanisms—like lead screws, cams, or wheel-and-axle setups—do the rest. Lead screws are the MVPs here, offering smooth, repeatable motion. Think of a car jack: you turn the handle, and the car rises. They’re low-maintenance and don’t need power, but they’re slow and rely on your elbow grease—FIRGELLI focuses on powered options for modern needs.
· Electro-Mechanical Linear Actuators
Take a mechanical actuator, swap the hand-crank for an electric motor, and you’ve got an electro-mechanical linear actuator—FIRGELLI’s bread and butter. The motor spins a gear assembly, which drives a lead screw or rod to create linear motion. These are the workhorses of automation, found in FIRGELLI’s Linear Actuators Collection. They’re precise, repeatable, and versatile—perfect for DIY projects like TV lifts (FIRGELLI TV Lifts) or standing desks (E-Desk Sit-Stand Desks). Bonus: they’re quieter than a whisper and easy to control.
Built on Pascal’s Law, hydraulic linear actuators use pressurized fluid to move a piston between two cylinders. Push fluid into one cylinder, and the other lifts the load—simple, yet powerful. Because liquids don’t compress much, they’re insanely precise and can handle massive forces (think thousands of pounds). They’re common in heavy machinery like excavators, but they need pumps and can leak—not ideal for home use. FIRGELLI sticks to electric actuators for cleaner, simpler solutions.
Swap the fluid for compressed air, and you’ve got pneumatic linear actuators. They work like hydraulics but use air pressure—lightweight and fast, with no messy liquids. You’ll see them in factories powering quick, repetitive tasks (e.g., assembly lines). The catch? Air compresses, so they’re less precise, and leaks can kill efficiency. They also struggle with heavy loads. FIRGELLI’s electric actuators outshine them for home and hobbyist projects.
Other niche types—like piezoelectric actuators (tiny, precise, vibration-based)—exist, but the big four above cover most bases. FIRGELLI’s electro-mechanical actuators strike the sweet spot: powerful, precise, and user-friendly.
Performance Criteria
How do you judge a linear actuator? It’s all about performance—and these key metrics help you pick the right one for the job.
Force is the star of the show—how much weight can the actuator push, pull, or hold? It’s measured in pounds or newtons and split into two types: static load (holding still) and dynamic load (moving). FIRGELLI’s Heavy Duty Linear Actuators can handle 400+ lbs dynamically, while our Micro Linear Actuators tackle lighter 20-lb tasks. Match the force to your project—too little, and it stalls; too much, and it’s overkill.
Speed measures how fast the actuator moves—typically in inches per second. It’s a trade-off with force: more load slows it down. FIRGELLI specs speed at no-load conditions (e.g., 0.5-2 inches/sec for our Deluxe Rod Actuators). Need a quick window opener? Go fast. Lifting a bed? Prioritize power over pace.
Durability is about longevity—how long can it run before wearing out? It depends on build quality (FIRGELLI uses premium materials like aluminum and steel) and usage. A trapdoor actuator might last decades with occasional use, while a factory conveyor needs rugged endurance. Check IP ratings—FIRGELLI’s IP66-rated Track Actuators laugh at dust and water.
Other factors like stroke length (travel distance) and noise level matter too—FIRGELLI’s actuators are whisper-quiet, a bonus for home use.
Selecting a Linear Actuator
Choosing the right linear actuator can feel daunting, but FIRGELLI simplifies it with our 5 Steps to Choosing the Right Linear Actuator. Here’s the expanded breakdown.
1. How Much Force Do You Need?
Start with the load. Lifting a 50-lb TV? A FIRGELLI TV Lift actuator fits. Moving 200 lbs for a desk? Our E-Desk Actuators have you covered. Check the max force rating—FIRGELLI lists it clearly for every model.
2. How Much Travel (Stroke) Do You Need?
Stroke is the distance the actuator moves—1 inch for a pet door, 40 inches for a TV lift. FIRGELLI offers customizable strokes across our Linear Actuators Collection. Measure your project’s range and pick accordingly.
3. How Fast Do You Need It to Move?
Speed varies by model and load. FIRGELLI’s Mini Actuators zip at 1 inch/sec unloaded, while heavier models trade speed for grunt. Test your needs—speedy for windows, steady for furniture.
4. What Should Be the Duty Cycle?
Duty cycle is uptime—how long it runs before resting. FIRGELLI actuators handle 20-25% duty cycles (e.g., 2 minutes on, 8 off), perfect for home use. Constant motion? Go industrial-grade. Check specs on our Control Systems page.
Size, mounting, and conditions matter. Tight space? Try FIRGELLI’s Micro Actuators. Outdoors? Our IP66-rated Track Actuators resist weather. Mounting options abound—FIRGELLI’s got brackets galore.
The Bottom Line
Linear actuators are everywhere in 2025—from your printer’s paper feed to a factory’s robotic arm. They’re compact, powerful, and endlessly adaptable, making them a staple in automation. FIRGELLI’s electric linear actuators lead the pack, blending precision, durability, and ease of use for home DIYers and pros alike. Whether you’re building a smart desk, hiding a TV, or tracking the sun, we’ve got the actuator to make it happen.
Browse our full range at FIRGELLI Linear Actuators, and use our Actuator Calculator to find your perfect fit. Questions? Hit up our Blog for more tips and tricks.