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question about linear actuators

Creation date: Oct 8, 2025 6:31am     Last modified date: Oct 8, 2025 6:31am   Last visit date: Nov 6, 2025 4:17am
3 / 20 posts
Oct 8, 2025  ( 1 post, 2 replies latest Oct 10, 2025 )  
10/8/2025
6:31am
Derick Shaw (derickshaw)

Hi! I'd like to ask you a question about linear actuators, as I'm currently researching them and have encountered a number of nuances. I'm curious to hear your experience: how did you determine which linear actuator is best for a specific application? For example, when choosing a linear actuator for furniture automation, solar panels, or industrial machinery, what parameters do you primarily consider—stroke, load, speed, noise level, or power supply (12V, 24V)? And have you encountered any installation or connection issues, especially if the system required high precision and synchronization of multiple actuators?

7:03am
Harry Foster (harryfoster)

Great question! I went through a similar process when I was first choosing linear actuator for my projects. My first experience was in furniture automation—I installed actuators for a table lift mechanism and a ventilation system in a workshop. That's when I realized how important it is to carefully select the right parameters for the specific task. I primarily paid attention to stroke and load, as these determine how powerful and smooth the device will operate. For household applications, 12V models were suitable, but for more serious tasks, such as solar panel adjustment, 24V actuators proved to be better. The Progressive Automations website was very helpful—they have detailed specifications, making it easy to find the right option. Installation was almost hassle-free: everything is well-thought-out, with mounting brackets and clear wiring diagrams. I was particularly impressed with the synchronization of multiple actuators—it works precisely and reliably.

10/10/2025
4:03am
Donald Parsons (sejorim967)

I'm happy to share my experience using linear actuators, as I recently went through this process myself when automating several projects—from adjusting furniture to installing solar panels. For me, parameters such as load and stroke were paramount: I carefully calculated the force and distance the actuator needed to generate to ensure smooth and reliable operation. Speed ​​was also important—for furniture, smoothness and comfort are essential, while for industrial applications, the optimal balance of speed and power is crucial. I selected the power supply voltage based on the availability of power sources: 12 V is convenient for small projects, while 24 V is suitable for more powerful systems. Noise level proved critical for home use, so I opted for quiet, well-built models. As for installation, synchronizing multiple actuators initially raised questions, but thanks to detailed documentation and careful setup, I was able to achieve precise, error-free movement. Overall, through experimentation and attention to key characteristics, I was able to find the ideal solutions for each specific application, and all systems have been operating flawlessly for several months now.