What Information Do You Need to Select a Linear Actuator?

Choosing a suitable linear actuator starts with clear technical requirements.

Before contacting a linear actuator supplier, preparing the key specifications below can make product evaluation faster and more accurate.

6 Key Specifications to Prepare

These six specifications provide the basic information needed to identify whether an existing linear actuator model may be suitable.

Additional Information for Technical Evaluation

For a more complete evaluation, it is also helpful to provide:

If the application has a specific static load or self-locking force requirement, please provide this value separately. The operating load and the required holding capacity are not necessarily the same.

The more complete the technical requirements are, the faster a supplier can evaluate whether an actuator is suitable for the application.

Three Specifications That Are Easy to Confuse

1. Load

Load refers to the required operating force of the linear actuator and is normally specified in N (Newton).

For example:

Required Load: 2,000N

The required load should be confirmed according to the equipment design and actual operating conditions before actuator selection.

2. Stroke vs. Installation Length

Stroke is the distance the actuator travels from the retracted position to the extended position.

For example:

Stroke: 300mm

However, a 300mm stroke does not mean that the actuator itself is 300mm long.

The available installation length should therefore also be confirmed, especially when mounting space is limited.

For example:

Stroke: 300mm
Maximum Retracted Length: 500mm

Providing both dimensions makes it easier to check whether an actuator can fit the equipment.

3. IP Rating

The IP rating indicates the required level of protection against dust and water.

For outdoor or harsh-environment applications, please specify the required protection level, such as:

IP65 / IP66 / IP68

Operating conditions such as temperature, humidity, dust, rain or corrosive environments can also be provided as additional information for technical evaluation.

Linear Actuator RFQ Checklist

When sending an inquiry, you can prepare the information in this format:

Application:
Load:
Stroke:
Speed:
Installation Length:
Voltage:
IP Rating:
Duty Cycle:
Operating Temperature:
Feedback:
Static Load / Self-locking Force (if required):
Mounting Dimensions:
Quantity:
Drawing:

Clear and complete technical requirements can reduce unnecessary back-and-forth communication and help both the customer and the actuator manufacturer evaluate product suitability more efficiently.