2022/11/15

Part 1: What Is An Electric Linear Actuator?

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Maintenance-free and easy to install, the electric linear actuator is a must-have device in the manufacturing of equipment for all sectors. We will tell you all about the electric linear actuator, how it works, and the different types of electric actuators along with their advantages.

 

 

What is an actuator and how does an electric linear actuator work?

 

An electric linear actuator is an electromechanical device mainly composed of a motor, a set of gears, and a motion mechanism in the form of a worm and tube. It converts the motor’s rotary motion into linear motion by driving the gears and worm gear.

It can be integrated into any equipment to push, pull, lift, lower, position, or orient a load.

Easy to install and operate, electric linear actuators can be found in most everyday equipment. They are maintenance-free and provide a clean, highly controllable alternative to hydraulic and pneumatic systems

 

If you want to know more about the different components of an electric actuator, please read our dedicated article.

 

 

What are the different types of electric linear actuators?

 

There are many types of electric linear actuators. Actuators, columns, gear motors, and others all have their specificities and their strong points. Discover below the list of the different types of actuators that we produce and adapt to the needs of equipment manufacturers.

 

1. Parallel electric actuators

The motor is parallel to the worm gear. Parallel electric linear actuators are usually driven by spur gears, which offer a wider range of gear ratios. These actuators allow for a greater range of loads and speeds but aren’t as quiet as actuators with worm gearing.

 

MA2

TA16

Parallel electric actuators-MA2 Series-TiMOTION Parallel electric actuators-TA16 Series-TiMOTION

 

2. Right angle or "L" shaped electric actuators

The motor is placed perpendicular to the worm gear. A worm gear usually drives L-shaped electric linear actuators. These actuators offer fewer gear ratio choices than spur gear motors but are quieter and offer increased irreversible force.

 

TA23

TA43

Right angle or L shaped electric actuators-TA23 Series-TiMOTION Right angle or L shaped electric actuators-TA43 Series-TiMOTION

 

3. In-line electric actuators

The motor is in line with the worm gear. In-line electric linear actuators, therefore, have a longer retracted length. They are usually driven by a set of planetary gears and are specifically designed to fit into tight spaces. However, they have a higher noise level.

 

JP4

VN2

In-line electric actuators - JP4 Series In-line electric actuators - VN2 Series

 

4. Dual engines

Dual motors operate in two different directions, independently or simultaneously. They are usually driven by gears with a worm wheel and, therefore, offer a quieter movement.

 

TT1

Dual-motors linear actuator TT1 Series - TiMOTION

 

5. The electric sliding actuators

Electric slide actuators allow linear movement without the use of an outer tube. The front attachment is linked to the nut, which moves along the worm gear.

 

TA5P

TA25

Electric sliding actuators - TA5P Series - TiMOTION Electric sliding actuators - TA25 Series - TiMOTION

 

Discover our entire range of electric linear actuators.

 

6. Geared motors

Gearmotors allow the design of economic and versatile systems when combined with one or more worms. Compact, they are usually driven by gears with a worm wheel and are an ideal choice for achieving mechanical synchronization.

 

TGM3

TIG1

Geared motors - TGM3 Series - TiMOTION Geared motors - TIG1 Series - TiMOTION

 

Discover our entire range of geared motors.

 

7. Variable height electric columns

We manufacture lifting columns for industrial, medical, and ergonomic applications. They allow the vertical movement of high loads while maintaining a high level of stability. Our industrial and medical columns are designed for applications such as medical beds, bariatric beds, or industrial workstations with adjustable heights. Thus, they preserve the safety and comfort of all users.

We also offer a range of ergonomic columns that comply with the BIFMA standard for variable-height offices. This range offers different colors, shapes, orientations, and a 2 or 3-tier design.

 

TL18AC

TL31K

Electric Lifting Columns- TL18AC Series - TiMOTION Electric Lifting Columns- TL31K Series - TiMOTION

 

Discover our entire range of electrical columns.

 

8. Electric frames for standing desks

We provide electric frames for height adjustment of desks and worktops. Available in several shapes and colors, they allow the design of sit-stand, straight, parallel, angled, or 120° desks. Delivered in pre-assembled kits, they offer quick and easy assembly. With smooth, quiet movement, the electric frames are the ideal solution for ergonomic desks in the workplace and at home.

 

TEKaiir

TEK30

Electric Height-adjustable Desk Frames- TEKaiir Series - TiMOTION Electric Height-adjustable Desk Frames- TEK30 Series - TiMOTION

 

Discover our entire range of pre-assembled kits for ergonomic desks.

 

You now know more about how electric actuators work, the different types of actuators, and their advantages. Find out how to choose an electric actuator according to your needs and constraints.

 

With more than 15 years of experience in the manufacturing of electric actuation devices, TiMOTION supports equipment manufacturers from all sectors in their product development projects. Industry, medical, domestic, or professional furniture, we manufacture complete solutions and customize our devices to the specific needs of our customers.

 

Want to learn more about electric linear actuators? Contact a local sales representative

 

 

Further reading:

Part 2: Components Of An Electric Linear Actuator

Part 3: Electric Linear Actuators With Integrated Safety Option

Part 4: Load And Speed Characteristics Of An Actuator

Part 5: Dustproof And Waterproof Linear Actuator's IP Rating

Part 6: Electric Linear Actuators With Feedback Sensors

The Ultimate Guide To Actuators 

How To Choose An Electric Linear Actuator?

Advantages And Drawbacks Of Three Types Of Actuator Systems: Pneumatic, Hydraulic, And Electric

 

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