How to Choose a Long Stroke Electric Actuator: A Comprehensive Guide
Picture this: You stand on your tiptoes, stretching for a shelf that’s just out of reach. Or you wrestle with an “adjustable” desk that’s anything but easy to move, leaving you sore and frustrated. Maybe you push and pull heavy carts in your warehouse. These tasks waste your time, zap your energy, and sometimes leave you wishing for a better way to get things done.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a one-touch solution to these everyday hassles, you’re not alone. The physical strain and wasted effort add up, whether you’re at home, at work, or in an industrial setting. So here’s the good news: Automation technology has evolved. Today, you can say goodbye to manual labor and hello to a world of smooth, smart movement. Electrical linear actuators—especially long stroke ones—are here to save the day.
Understanding Long Stroke Electric Actuators
So, what exactly is a “long stroke” actuator? Simply put, it’s a device that pushes, pulls, or lifts objects over big distances—usually more than 500 millimeters. You might need them to move a heavy solar array, adjust an ergonomic office desk, or shift packaging machinery with precision.
Why choose an electric actuator? Here’s why:
- Accuracy: They move things right where you want, every time.
- Programmability: You set the speed, stop points, and actions with total control.
- Clean & Efficient Operation: No leaks, no noisy compressors, no fuss.
- Energy Savings: Electric actuators use far less power than hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Those benefits shine brightest in applications where you need long, reliable travel and repeated precision.
Step 1: Define Your Application Requirements
Choosing the perfect actuator starts with understanding your needs. Here’s your blueprint:
1. Required Stroke Length
- Estimate how far you need things to move. Is it 800 mm across a workbench, 2500 mm to position materials, or something in between?
- Always add a safety margin—you don’t want to max out every time.
- Longer strokes may call for belt drives or supported mechanisms. Consider rigidity!
2. Load and Force Requirements
- Will you be lifting, pushing, pulling, or holding?
- Figure out the weight and force needed. Static loads just sit there, while dynamic loads move and shift.
- Calculate both the peak force (for quick moves) and the continuous force (for steady holding).
- Overestimating force can make your system bulky and expensive.
3. Speed and Acceleration
- Do you want lightning speed for fast cycles (say, 1.5 meters per second for packaging), or careful control for precise tasks (maybe 100 mm/s for medical devices)?
- Acceleration profiles matter for smooth starts and stops.
- Remember, heavier loads often slow things down.
4. Duty Cycle and Lifetime
- Will your actuator run all day, or just once in a while?
- For nonstop operation (100% duty cycle), choose robust motors and strong components.
- Lifetime counts—look for systems rated for thousands of hours or millions of cycles.
5. Precision and Repeatability
- How exact must your movements be? Some jobs need positioning as tight as ±0.02mm. Most just need consistency to ±0.5mm.
- Feedback tools like encoders make all the difference. They “tell” the system exactly where the actuator is at all times.
6. Environmental Conditions
- Is your workspace hot, cold, dusty, or wet?
- IP rating protects against water and dust. Food and pharma need IP67 or IP69K for tough washdowns.
- If vibrations, chemicals, or hazardous areas are present, you may need ATEX-certified or shock-resistant models.
Step 2: Key Actuator Specifications and Components
Now let’s talk about the nuts and bolts—the stuff that turns your needs into solutions.
Drive Mechanism Options
Ball Screw:
- High efficiency and load capacity
- Great for precision. Moderate speed.
Lead Screw:
- Self-locking, holds positions without extra brakes
- Lower cost and precise at slow speeds
Belt Drive:
- Super long travel and high speed
- Less precise, but ideal for moving light loads quickly
Rack and Pinion:
- Handles big force
- Good for extra-long strokes in tough conditions
Motor Type and Sizing
DC Motors:
- Simple and affordable
- Easy to control speed
Stepper Motors:
- Good for fixed, precise positions
- No sensors needed for simple jobs
Servo Motors:
- High performance, precise, and dynamic
- Closed-loop control for top accuracy
You’ll size your motor based on force, speed, and duty cycle. Start with a linear actuator sizing calculator to make the right pick.
Feedback and Control Systems
- Encoders: Give pin-point position
- Potentiometers: Basic feedback
- Limit switches: Prevent over-travel
- Integrate easily with PLC or HMI for smart, flexible control. See our actuator controllers for options.
Mounting and Orientation
- Inline or parallel motor setups suit different spaces
- Rod attachments (like clevis or spherical eyes) make things easy to fit
- Mounting choices affect how well the actuator takes loads. Check out mounting brackets for your options.
Braking and Self-Locking
- Dynamic brakes slow things down
- Mechanical brakes can hold heavy loads safely
- Lead screws have natural self-locking—great for vertical lifts
Step 3: Practical Factors and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Smart buyers look past the price tag. Here’s what else to consider:
Budget and Cost Implications
- Electric actuators cost more upfront than pneumatics. But over time? You’ll save big on energy and maintenance.
- Energy efficiency ranges from 70% to 90%. You may cut power use by up to 80% compared to fluid-power alternatives.
- Maintenance is low. No leaky hoses, no compressors, no downtime.
Manufacturer Reputation and Support
- Pick a partner with deep experience. We at Jimi Technology have years helping customers automate in tough settings—factories, hospitals, warehouses, and homes.
- Strong technical support and warranty matter. You want expert help and quick fixes if something goes wrong.
- For trusted quality, look to top global standards and local expertise. Explore our full portfolio, from quiet linear actuators to electric cylinders.
Customization and Lead Times
- Need something special? Our engineers can design custom solutions for almost any project.
- Fast turnaround is key—standard models usually ship quickly, but tailored builds need more time.
Safety Features
- Overload protection, emergency stop, and manual override features boost reliability.
- Compliance with CE mark and ATEX certification keeps your systems safe and legal.
Long Stroke Actuator Selection Checklist
Here’s your quick reference:
- Stroke length: Know your min/max travel needs
- Load and force: Calculate push, pull, lift, and hold
- Speed: Set productivity goals
- Duty cycle: Plan how often it will work
- Precision: Match accuracy to your job
- Environment: Check temperature, moisture, dust, and shock
- Drive type: Ball screw, lead screw, belt, or rack-and-pinion
- Motor type: DC, servo, or stepper
- Control: Need feedback? PLC integration?
- Mounting: Pick the right brackets and orientation
- Safety: Overload, stop, and manual features
- Cost: Account for TCO, not just initial price
- Reputation: Choose a proven supplier like Jimi
Jimi Technology: Your Intelligent Automation Partner
We at Jimi don’t just sell actuators—we solve your toughest movement problems. Our team guides you from idea to installation. You get expert advice, robust engineering, and a smooth buying experience. Our electric linear actuators work in factories, labs, smart offices, and solar farms around the world.
The result? You reclaim your time, lift more, move faster, and automate with confidence. Want to go deeper? Explore our Linear Motion Systems, DC motors, and full collection at our China Linear Actuator Manufacturer.
Ready to make life easier? Click, compare, and start building your smarter tomorrow. No more craning, bending, or fumbling. With Jimi, it’s one touch—and done.
Conclusion: Make Your Next Move Count
Don’t let everyday struggles slow you down. Take the guesswork out of actuator selection. Define your needs. Compare the options. Lean on trusted experts. And invest in proven technology that delivers—today, tomorrow, and for years to come.
The future is automated. Choose your long stroke electric actuator wisely. Let Jimi help make your automation journey smooth and worry-free. Ready to move your world? Contact us now to get started.
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