Linear Actuators

Linear Actuators

A linear actuator is a mechanical device that integrates a linear guide with a drive mechanism (such as a screw, belt, or piston) and a power source to convert rotary or fluid power into controlled straight-line motion, enabling precise positioning of loads. They are typically classified as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical, with electric and mechanical designs increasingly favored for their higher positioning accuracy, repeatability, cleanliness, and ease of system integration. At PBC Linear, our engineers specialize in mechanical and electric linear actuators, building them around high-performance drive systems such as ball screws, lead screws, and belt drives, in both NEMA motor-driven and hand-crank assemblies.

Belt-driven actuators support long strokes and high speeds with minimal maintenance; ball screw-driven designs provide high accuracy and load capacity for demanding positioning; and lead screw-driven actuators offer a cost-effective, quiet solution with options such as anti-backlash nuts for improved repeatability. These systems are available in a wide range of configurations, including multiple screw diameters, lead sizes, NEMA frame options, and actuator lengths to meet specific force, speed, and travel requirements. Carriage guidance is provided by either self-lubricating Gliding Surface Technology for low-maintenance operation in harsh environments such as with dirt, heat and vibration, or ball bearing profile rails for higher moment capacity and cantilevered loads. Together these configurations span applications from miniature to heavy-duty systems, supporting loads up to 83,400 N (18,750 lb) and strokes up to 6,000mm (236 in).

More About Linear Actuators

Ways to Order

Catalog Preview
Web Catalog Web Catalog Download PDF Download PDF Video Video Features Features

Browse Categories

Linear Actuators

188 products
Close filters
188 products
Miniature linear ball screw actuator with a screw diameter of 8mm, a lead of 2.5mm and a length of 250mm. Includes a NEMA 17 single stack motor and a flanged nut, it’s tailored for applications where space is at a premium but precision cannot be compromised. The assembly is delivered..
$293.98
Lead Screw Driven Linear Actuator including a NEMA 17 motor. This actuator utilizes a Gliding Surface Technology™ (GST) carriage with a self-lubricating FrelonGold® underliner on a 140mm length rail with a tall profile. It features a 2mm screw lead and an anti-backlash screw nut. GST carriage with self-lubricating FrelonGold® liner..
$789.83
Belt-driven linear actuator with a 55 x 55 mm base and 6300 mm body length suits various setups. It features a 16 mm left male shaft for compatibility and a single carriage with two runner blocks on a profile rail. Part Number MTB055D-6300-16L12 Series MTB Drive Type Belt-Driven Base Size..
$9,342.32
Belt-driven linear actuator with a length of 2250 mm and a compact profile of 42 mm x 42 mm. It is designed for smooth operation and stability. Equipped with a left male shaft that has a diameter of 12 mm, this actuator supports a profile rail with two runner blocks per..
$3,267.05
Belt-driven linear actuator with a length of 1000mm and a compact profile of 42mm x 42mm. It is designed for smooth operation and stability. Equipped with a left male shaft that has a diameter of 12 mm, this actuator supports a profile rail with two runner blocks per carriage, ensuring..
$2,149.79
Lead Screw Linear Actuator with a 16mm screw diameter, 1mm lead, and 300mm length, featuring a Round Anti-Backlash Nut and a NEMA 23 Single Stack Motor (56mm), pairing a quality screw made of stainless steel with a PTFE coating to minimize friction and prevent flaking with an innovative Anti-Backlash Nut..
$228.17
Non-Captive Lead Screw Linear Actuator 200mm long, 6mm screw diameter with a NEMA 14 Motor, Round Anti-Backlash Nut, 1mm lead, and the screw is made from precision-rolled 300 Series Stainless Steel and coated with PTFE to prevent flaking. The Round Constant Force™ Anti-Backlash nut uses a spring to maintain uniform..
$191.99
Belt-driven linear actuator with a length of 2,500mm and a compact profile of 80mm x 80mm. Equipped with a left male shaft with a diameter of 19mm, the MTE has two ball guides – one internal and one external with the external guide on the left.•    Belt-driven linear actuator•..
$7,075.96
Belt-driven linear actuator with a length of 1,000mm and a compact profile of 80mm x 80mm. Equipped with a female shaft with a diameter of 16mm, the MTE has two ball guides – one internal and one external with the external guide on the left.•    Belt-driven linear actuator•  ..
$4,114.96
Belt-driven linear actuator with a length of 500mm and a compact profile of 80mm x 80mm. Equipped with a left male shaft with a diameter of 16mm, the MTE has two ball guides – one internal and one external with the external guide on the left.•    Belt-driven linear actuator•..
$3,127.96
Belt-driven linear actuator with a length of 4000mm and a compact profile of 55mm x 55mm. Equipped with a left male shaft with a diameter of 16mm, the MTE has two ball guides – one internal and one external with the external guide on the left.•    Belt-driven linear actuator•..
$7,408.00
Belt-driven linear actuator with a length of 1000mm and a compact profile of 55mm x 55mm. Equipped with a female shaft with a diameter of 12mm, the MTE has two ball guides – one internal and one external with the external guide on the left.•    Belt-driven linear actuator•  ..
$3,029.50
Belt-driven linear actuator with a length of 250 mm and a compact profile of 55mm x 55mm. Equipped with a left male shaft that has a diameter of 16mm, the MTE has two ball guides – one internal and one external with the external guide on the right. •    Belt-driven..
$1,934.88
Belt-driven linear actuator, 80×80mm profile, external dual rail guidance, 2500mm length. Designed for smooth, stable operation, it features a left male shaft (19mm diameter) and supports two profile rails with two runner blocks per carriage for reliable, efficient performance. Belt-driven linear actuator External dual rail guidance Supports two profile rails..
$6,965.26
Belt-driven linear actuator, 80×80mm profile, with external dual rail guidance and 1000mm length. Designed for smooth, stable operation, it features a female shaft (16mm diameter) and supports two profile rails with two runner blocks per carriage for reliable, efficient performance. Belt-driven linear actuator External dual rail guidance Supports two profile..
$4,051.51
Belt-driven linear actuator, 80×80mm profile, 500mm length with external dual rail guidance. Designed for smooth, stable operation, it features a female shaft (16mm diameter) and supports two profile rails with two runner blocks per carriage for reliable, efficient performance. Belt-driven linear actuator External dual rail guidance Supports two profile rails..
$3,080.26
Belt-driven linear actuator, 55×55mm profile, 4000mm length with external dual rail guidance. Designed for smooth, stable operation, it features a left male shaft (16mm diameter) and supports two profile rails with two runner blocks per carriage for reliable, efficient performance. Belt-driven linear actuator External dual rail guidance Supports two profile..
$7,300.57
Belt-driven linear actuator, 55×55mm profile, with external dual rail guidance and 1000mm length. Designed for smooth, stable operation, it features a female shaft (12mm diameter) and supports two profile rails with two runner blocks per carriage for reliable, efficient performance. Belt-driven linear actuator External dual rail guidance Supports two profile..
$2,985.07
Belt-driven linear actuator with a 55×55mm profile, 250mm length with external dual rail guidance. Designed for smooth, stable operation, it features a left male shaft (16mm diameter) and supports two profile rails with two runner blocks per carriage for reliable, efficient performance. Belt-driven linear actuator External dual rail guidance Supports..
$1,906.19
Belt-driven linear actuator, designed for high-speed operation, uses a timing belt to convert rotary motion into linear movement along guided rails. This actuator boasts a substantial length of 2250 mm and features a male shaft of 25 mm diameter, mounted on the left side. It excels in supporting heavy payloads in..
$7,677.06
188 products

Linear Actuators

188 products
Linear Actuators Overview

A linear actuator is a mechanical device that integrates a linear guide with a drive mechanism (such as a screw, belt, or piston) and a power source to convert rotary or fluid power into controlled straight-line motion, enabling precise positioning of loads. They are typically classified as pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, or mechanical, with electric and mechanical designs increasingly favored for their higher positioning accuracy, repeatability, cleanliness, and ease of system integration. At PBC Linear, our engineers specialize in mechanical and electric linear actuators, building them around high-performance drive systems such as ball screws, lead screws, and belt drives, in both NEMA motor-driven and hand-crank assemblies.

Belt-driven actuators support long strokes and high speeds with minimal maintenance; ball screw-driven designs provide high accuracy and load capacity for demanding positioning; and lead screw-driven actuators offer a cost-effective, quiet solution with options such as anti-backlash nuts for improved repeatability. These systems are available in a wide range of configurations, including multiple screw diameters, lead sizes, NEMA frame options, and actuator lengths to meet specific force, speed, and travel requirements. Carriage guidance is provided by either self-lubricating Gliding Surface Technology for low-maintenance operation in harsh environments such as with dirt, heat and vibration, or ball bearing profile rails for higher moment capacity and cantilevered loads. Together these configurations span applications from miniature to heavy-duty systems, supporting loads up to 83,400 N (18,750 lb) and strokes up to 6,000mm (236 in).

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a linear actuator?
A linear actuator is a device that produces controlled straight-line motion by converting rotational or input force into linear movement. It is commonly used in automation, machinery, and positioning systems to move or position loads.
How does a linear actuator work?
A linear actuator works by converting motion from a motor, screw, or belt drive into linear movement. As the drive mechanism rotates or moves, it advances a carriage or rod along a guided path to produce controlled motion.
What are the main types of linear actuators?
The main types of linear actuators are electric, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic. Electric and mechanical actuators are often preferred for their precision, cleanliness, and ease of integration, while pneumatic and hydraulic actuators are typically used for higher force applications.
What is the difference between a lead screw and a ball screw actuator?
Lead screw actuators use sliding contact between the screw and nut, making them quieter and more cost-effective, while ball screw actuators use rolling elements to reduce friction, providing higher efficiency, accuracy, and load capacity.
What is the difference between belt-driven and screw-driven actuators?
Belt-driven actuators are designed for long travel distances and higher speeds with lower cost and maintenance, while screw-driven actuators provide greater accuracy, stiffness, and load capacity for precise positioning applications.
When should a linear actuator be used instead of a cylinder?
Linear actuators are preferred when precise positioning, repeatability, and controlled motion are required, while pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders are typically used for simple extension and retraction with higher force but less control.
Do linear actuators require maintenance?
Maintenance depends on the design. Screw-driven actuators may require periodic lubrication, while some systems use self-lubricating materials or low-maintenance designs to reduce service requirements.
What factors should be considered when selecting a linear actuator?
Key factors include load capacity, speed, stroke length, required precision, environmental conditions, mounting configuration, and the type of drive mechanism used.
What provides guidance in a linear actuator?
Guidance in a linear actuator is provided by linear bearings or guide systems that support the carriage and maintain alignment. These may include sliding-contact guides for low maintenance or rolling-element guides for higher load and rigidity.
What are linear actuators used for?
Linear actuators are used in applications such as automation, material handling, packaging equipment, medical devices, and positioning systems where controlled linear motion is required.