What is a linear actuator?

A Linear Actuator is a device that requires an energy source input and an external signal input. These inputs create an output usually in the form of motion that can be either rotary or linear. An Electric Linear Actuator is a device that converts the rotational motion of an AC or DC motor into linear motion. It can provide both push and pull movements. This movement makes it possible to lift, drop, slide, adjust, tilt, push, or pull objects with the simple push of a button. Today there are hundreds of millions of Actuators used in the world to perform many different tasks. An Electric Linear Actuator consists of a DC or AC motor, a series of gears, and a lead screw with a driving nut that pushes the main rod shaft in and out. FIRGELLI sells 12v Linear Actuators and 24v Linear Actuators.

How does a Linear Actuator Work?

The first thing to know is that a linear actuator does exactly what its name implies: it actuates (or 'moves') in a linear (or 'straight') fashion. There are many different ways that a motor can do this, and their motion is commonly achieved with a rod extending and retracting, or a slider that moves on a track. The linear motion is created by using a Lead-screw. The screw turns either clockwise or counter-clockwise and this causes the shaft, which is basically a nut on the screw to move up and down the screw as the screw turns. This is what converts rotary motion from the electric motor to Linear motion.The motors used are either AC or DC motors, most however run on 12v dc. To make a Linear Actuator go the opposite direction you simple reverse the wires from the Actuator (reverse polarity) from the battery or power supply. This is typically done through a switch that automatically reverses the polarity to the motor for you. Different speeds and forces are achieved by using different gear ratio's inside the Linear Actuator gearbox system. Please remember in a Linear Actuator, force and speed trade-off against each other. That means if you want high force you have to settle for a lower speed than if you require lower force. This is because the only constant in a Linear Actuator is the Motor speed and force for a given input voltage.To make the shaft stop when it gets to the end of the stroke, our products have built-in limit switches or micro switches as they are sometimes known. These limit switches are inside the main shaft and are nothing more than a small switch that is triggered by the nut inside that slides up and down the screw. There is one for the top extended position and one for the lower retracted position. For more information on this, check out our Blogs page .

How do I choose the right actuator for my application?

There are a few variables to consider, but we can simplify this greatly for you, by using our calculator we built. This Calculator is based on the physics calculations our in-house team uses every day, we just decided to simplify it and make it available to everyone. If this calculator does not cover your application please please email us any diagrams, sketches, etc, and we will be glad to help.

How do you make a Linear Actuator faster?

FIRGELLI has made it possible to make a Linear Actuator faster with its speed controller which allows you to choose from 16 different speed settings. Firgelli's FA-SC1 speed controller enables you to adjust the speed using either manually set DIP switches or an external voltage signal. We have created an in-depth easy to follow tutorial on how to make your Linear Actuator Faster. Contact us if you have any questions.

Is the specific unit I need in stock?

When selecting the product which you want to order, only the in-stock items will be listed under the options. For example, if you are looking for a 3 inch, 150lb actuator and it is out of stock, 3" will not show under the available stroke options.

Do you do Bulk Discounts?

Yes, you can save on your order when purchasing our Actuators in large volumes. Discounts will be calculated at checkout. Our base discount is 20% when you purchase a minimum quantity of 11 units of an actuator, and then the discount scales up as you purchase more. The full discount information table can be found on each actuator product page.

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FIRGELLI - IDEAS IN MOTION

Now shipping from our Australia Warehouse in Sydney

We offer a wide selection of universal Electric Linear Actuators for every application imaginable. Our stroke range options go from 1" (Inch) to 50", and force from 15-lbs to 500-lbs which should support any product integration. We keep everything in stock and ship out the following business day.

FIRGELLI has been developing Linear Actuators of many different types for over two decades. For a larger selection of Actuator, you can also order from our USA website that offers a greater selection and we offer favorable shipping pricing from our USA warehouse, try FIRGELLI USA Linear Actuators.

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Linear Actuators for Reliable Push, Pull, Lift, and Positioning Control

Now shipping from our Australia Warehouse in Sydney

A linear actuator converts motor rotation into controlled straight-line motion. In practical terms, it lets you lift a hatch, slide a panel, open a vent, adjust a workstation, move a machine guard, or automate a mechanism with repeatable extension and retraction.

FIRGELLI Automations has supplied electric linear actuators and motion-control hardware for more than 20 years. This collection is built to help Australian buyers compare actuator types by force, stroke length, speed, feedback, duty cycle, mounting style, and control requirements before choosing a product.

Selection tip: start with the load, stroke, speed, available space, and how accurately the actuator needs to stop or synchronize.

Inside an electric linear actuator showing motor, screw drive, and sliding shaft

How to Choose the Right Linear Actuator

The right actuator is not simply the strongest one. Oversizing can add cost, current draw, and bulk, while undersizing can shorten service life or prevent the mechanism from moving safely.

Force: calculate the real load at the mounting angle, including friction and safety margin.
Stroke length: match the required travel distance without bottoming out the mechanism.
Speed: choose fast movement for light loads or slower, higher-force movement for demanding jobs.
Feedback: use potentiometer, Hall sensor, or optical feedback when position tracking or synchronization is required.

Actuator Types for Different Applications

Rod-style actuators are the most common choice for lifting, pushing, pulling, and tilting. Track actuators keep the moving carriage inside the body, which helps where a rod cannot protrude. Mini actuators fit compact designs, while feedback actuators support position-aware control systems.

Explore related categories such as rod actuators, track actuators, mini actuators, and feedback actuators when narrowing your shortlist.

Premium and classic FIRGELLI linear actuator styles

Linear actuator application examples for automation projects

Control, Mounting, and Power Matter

A dependable actuator setup also needs the right brackets, switch, controller, wiring, and power supply. For simple motion, a polarity-reversing switch may be enough. For synchronized movement, adjustable limits, speed control, or timed operation, choose a controller such as FCB-1 or FCB-2.

For sizing help, use the Linear Actuator Calculator, or contact FIRGELLI with sketches, dimensions, load details, and movement goals.

Linear Actuator FAQ

What does a linear actuator do?

It creates straight-line motion from an electric motor, allowing a mechanism to lift, slide, tilt, open, close, push, or pull with controlled travel.

How do I size a linear actuator?

Measure the required stroke, calculate the load at the mounting angle, confirm speed requirements, and add a safety margin. The actuator must fit the available space at both retracted and extended lengths.

Do I need feedback?

Use feedback when you need position tracking, repeatable stops, automation logic, or synchronized movement between multiple actuators. For basic open-close movement, feedback may not be required.

Can I control actuator speed?

Yes. Speed can be managed with compatible controllers depending on actuator type and wiring. FCB-2 and selected speed controllers can help with speed, timing, and limit-control requirements.

Which voltage should I choose?

Most small and medium DC actuator systems use 12V DC, while some applications use 24V DC for lower current draw or system compatibility. Match the actuator, controller, and power supply voltage.

What brackets do I need?

Use brackets designed for the actuator body and clevis ends. Correct bracket alignment reduces side loading, which helps protect the actuator and mounting points.

FIRGELLI® Provides

Top Grade Quality

Our products are tested rigorously to provide you with a reliable care-free experience

Custom Orders

We create custom linear actuators to suit specific application requirements of our customers

Lifetime Customer Support

We provide first class service with our friendly and helpful staff who can help you achieve quick and simple solutions for your project