No more heavy lifting, no more stubborn machinery, no more guessing games—welcome to a world where a push of a button moves the heavy, the hard-to-reach, or the out-of-place with smooth precision. If you’ve ever wondered how to move something big, far, or awkward without breaking a sweat, you’re in the right place. Let’s peel back the curtain on long stroke electric actuators and show you how to choose the right one to power up your world with ease.

Why Long Stroke Electric Actuators Matter

Imagine a workshop where doors swing open without a clang, work tables glide up or down for any worker’s comfort, and conveyor lines move parts from one end of the factory to the next without missing a beat. That’s the magic of long stroke electric actuators—devices that transform electrical energy into powerful pushing or pulling motion, traveling hundreds or even thousands of millimeters, all at the flip of a switch.

Why pick electric actuators over hydraulic or pneumatic systems? The answer sits right at your fingertips:

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  • Precision control: Hit your mark every time, thanks to built-in feedback and programmable stops.
  • Energy efficiency: No more running noisy pumps all day. Electric actuators use power only when needed.
  • Clean operation: No leaking oil, no clouds of dust, just smooth, quiet motion.
  • Ease of integration: Hook them into your existing PLC, HMI, or digital control system using modern protocols like Ethernet, Modbus, or CAN bus.

Modern manufacturing, material handling, renewable energy systems, and even home automation now depend on the reach, control, and reliability that electric actuators provide.

What is a Long Stroke Electric Actuator?

A long stroke electric actuator is an electromechanical device that makes things move straight forward or backward—across a long distance. Take a look under the hood and you’ll find:

  • A motor (DC, AC, or brushless)
  • A gearbox that multiplies force
  • A long lead screw or ball screw that turns spinning motion into push or pull
  • A rod or slider that moves your load
  • A sturdy, sealed housing to protect everything inside
  • Feedback systems (like encoders or potentiometers) so you always know where things sit

But what makes it “long stroke”? Actuators that travel more than 300mm (12 inches) are usually called long stroke; some shoot out to 2,000mm, 6,000mm, or more. That’s as much as twenty feet—a whole wall’s worth of movement!

Key Benefits of Choosing Long Stroke Electric Actuators

Let’s dig deeper into why going electric for long travel pays off:

Precision and Control

  • Electric actuators can hit the same spot with every move, repeat after repeat, even down to 0.02mm accuracy.
  • You can set custom routines using programmable controllers, giving you full creative power over speed, distance, and stopping points.

Energy Efficiency

  • Unlike hydraulics or pneumatics, electric actuators draw power only when they move—cutting standby costs by up to 80-90%, especially in applications with lots of starts and stops.

Clean, Quiet, and Green

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  • No risk of oil spills or air leaks.
  • Less noise—keep a conversation going next to your running machinery.
  • Environmentally friendly, reducing both maintenance work and carbon footprint.

Integration Made Simple

  • Electric actuators speak today’s industrial languages: PROFINET, EtherCAT, Modbus, and more.
  • Fewer hoses or pipes mean neater installs. Check out the full linear motion system solutions from China Electric Cylinder Factory.

Low Maintenance, Longer Life

  • With fewer moving parts inside sealed housings, expect years—even decades—of trouble-free service.
  • Many units advertise L10 life (the distance at which 90% of units will operate with no failures) of 10,000 to 100,000 kilometers.

Versatility Across Industries

You’ll find long stroke actuators working in:

  • Industrial automation—robotic arms, sorting conveyors, material lifts
  • Packaging lines—carton sealers, tray handlers
  • Medical/ergonomic gear—hospital beds, patient lifts, adjustable desks
  • Solar and renewable energy—panel trackers, wind turbine blades
  • Marine, agriculture, and even aerospace

Got an odd challenge? Electric actuators can probably solve it.

Critical Factors for Selecting Your Long Stroke Electric Actuator

Choosing a long stroke actuator isn’t just about size. Here’s what you need to consider:

  1. Stroke Length

How far do you really need to travel? Standard actuators stretch from 300mm up to 2,000mm, but custom options hit 6,000mm or more.

  1. Force Capacity

How heavy is that load? Actuators range from pushing 500N (about 110lb) up to 200,000N (over 45,000lb). Always factor in a safety margin—1.5x your actual load is a smart bet.

  1. Speed and Acceleration

Need smooth, slow moves or rapid-fire speed? A typical range is 10mm/sec to 1,500mm/sec. Keep in mind, more speed often means less force.

  1. Duty Cycle and Life Expectancy

Will your actuator run 24/7, or just an hour a day? Higher-duty actuators last longer under constant motion.

  1. Accuracy and Repeatability

For fine-tuning or automated assembly, pick actuators with high position repeatability.

  1. Environment

Will your actuator get wet or dirty? Look for the right IP rating—IP65 for dust and water, IP67 for submersion.

  1. Mounting and Orientation

Do you need a flange mount, a trunnion, or a simple clevis? Space and safety matter.

  1. Motor and Control

Choose from AC or DC motors, stepper or servo, integrated or external controllers, and the right feedback for your needs.

  1. Screw Type

Ball screws for high speed/efficiency, lead screws for lower cost and self-locking, roller screws for the toughest loads.

  1. Power Supply

Match actuator voltage to your setup—common are 12V, 24V DC, and 120V/230V AC.

  1. Safety Features

Built-in limit switches, overload protection, and emergency stops make your system safer.

Explore more on selecting the right accessory package with resources like Actuator Controllers or Mounting Brackets.

Common Applications for Long Stroke Electric Actuators

Where do all these specs come together? In the real world:

  • Robot assembly lines: Spot welding arms with 1,500mm reach and 25kN of force cut production time by 15%.
  • Solar farms: Actuators with weather-tight housings and 1,200mm stroke increase sun-tracking efficiency by 25%.
  • Material handling: Move hefty loads on conveyors or through automated gates.

From farming to flight simulation, the uses grow every year. Visit our Industrial Solar Tracker Linear Actuator Manufacturer page for specialized renewable energy solutions.

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Installation, Maintenance, and Longevity Considerations

Ask any engineer—the right install makes all the difference:

  • Align everything. Misalignment means wear, noise, and early failures.
  • Secure mounting. Use dedicated parts from our Mounting Brackets range.
  • Organized cabling. Keep cords clear and safe from snagging.

For maintenance, most units need only basic checks. Lubricate screws when recommended, check for wear every few months, and keep software or firmware up-to-date if you use programmable models.

If an actuator starts running hot, grows noisy, or moves unevenly, check for obstructions or worn parts—and keep spare parts handy for quick swaps.

Leading Manufacturers and Brands

A market this important draws the best. Trusted names include Thomson Industries, Linak, Tolomatic, Parker Hannifin, and SKF. But for true expertise and a balance of cost, quality, and customization, Jimi Technology stands tall. With years of hands-on experience, global supply strength, and ongoing innovation, we’re the partner you need for every challenge.

How To Make Your Final Decision: A Checklist

Bring order to the specs jungle with this no-nonsense checklist:

  1. List your app’s needs—stroke, force, speed, environment.
  2. Feature priorities: Do you prize precision, cost-efficiency, or longevity most?
  3. Compare apples to apples: Look at detailed specs, not just price tags.
  4. Total Cost Awareness: Add up initial price, setup, energy, and upkeep.
  5. Get tech support: Never buy blind—ask us for help and clarifications.
  6. Warranties and support: Good service means peace of mind for years.

Spin through more buying tips and comparisons on our China Linear Actuator Manufacturer and Electric Cylinders pages.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the longest stroke I can buy? Standard units go up to 2,000mm, with specials to 6,000mm or more.

How do I size the force needed? Take your load’s weight, multiply by gravity (9.81), factor angles and friction, then add 50% for safety.

Can electric actuators replace hydraulic cylinders? Yes! You’ll often gain precision, cleaner ops, and lower daily costs.

Which feedback system gives best accuracy? Encoders lead for precision, but potentiometers work fine for less critical cases.

What’s the right IP rating for outdoors? Aim for IP65 or better (IP67 for wet or washdown zones).

Are long stroke electric actuators efficient? Very—up to 90% more so than pneumatic or hydraulic gear in on-off workloads.

Powering Your Automation with the Right Choice

A long stroke electric actuator doesn’t just move parts—it moves your whole process forward. With better precision, higher energy efficiency, and less downtime, you get more done with less hassle, noise, or waste.

Ready to put our years of experience to work for you? At Jimi Technology, we don’t just sell actuators—we help design, deliver, and support solutions that last. Check out our Linear motion systems, lean on our expertise, and let’s build a smarter, easier-to-move world together.

Contact our team today for a personalized consultation—and take the guesswork out of getting it right.