Industrial Linear Actuator Definition and Application Guide

With the continuous improvement of automation, intelligent manufacturing, and production precision, industrial linear actuators are playing an increasingly important role in modern industry. With higher precision, stronger load capacity, more intelligent control methods, and lower maintenance costs, they are gradually replacing traditional cylinders and manual operation, playing a crucial role in improving production efficiency, reducing costs, enhancing stability, and increasing intelligence. With further technological development, future industrial linear actuators will be even more efficient and intelligent, becoming an indispensable part of automated production systems.

What is an Industrial Linear Actuator?

An industrial linear actuator is a linear drive device specifically designed for industrial environments. It converts energy into linear motion through electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic means. Industrial linear actuators are typically used in heavy-load, long-term operation, and industrial applications requiring high precision and durability.

Unlike ordinary linear actuators, industrial linear actuators generally have stronger thrust, higher speed, and longer service life, and are suitable for harsher working environments, such as high temperature, high humidity, dusty, or corrosive gas environments.

Electric VS Pneumatic VS Hydraulic

1.Electric Drive: Converts rotary motion into linear motion using an electric motor (usually a DC or AC motor) and a built-in transmission system (such as gears, lead screws, etc.).

Key Advantages:

Precise Control: Allows for precise speed, position, and force adjustment via electrical control, widely used in applications requiring high-precision positioning.

Low Maintenance: Electric actuators do not require hydraulic oil or gas, have a simpler structure, and require less maintenance.

Environmentally Friendly and Energy-Saving: Compared to hydraulic and pneumatic actuators, electric actuators are more energy-efficient and do not emit harmful substances during operation.

2.Hydraulic Drive: Utilizes pressure changes in a hydraulic system to generate linear motion, suitable for heavy-duty, high-thrust applications.

Key Advantages:

High Thrust: Hydraulic actuators can generate enormous thrust, suitable for heavy-duty working environments.

Smoothness: Hydraulic drives offer good smoothness and force control.

Harsh Environment Adaptability: Hydraulic actuators can operate normally in extreme temperature and high-pressure environments.

3.Pneumatic Drive: Powered by compressed air, linear motion is generated through cylinders and pistons.

Key Advantages:

High Speed: Pneumatic actuators offer high speeds, suitable for applications requiring rapid action.

Lightweight: Pneumatic systems are relatively lightweight, making them suitable for applications with lighter loads.

Fast Response: Pneumatic actuators can reach the target position in a short time, making them suitable for high-speed applications.

Applications of Industrial Linear Actuators

1. Medical Industry

Industrial linear actuators play a crucial role in medical equipment, particularly in the raising and lowering of hospital beds, the adjustment of operating table positions, and the adjustment of patient care equipment. They precisely control movement, ensuring patients achieve optimal posture and comfort during treatment.

Specific Applications:

Bed Adjustment: Linear actuators are commonly used for raising and lowering hospital beds, adjusting backrests, etc., improving patient comfort and ease of care.

Operating Table Adjustment: During surgery, the operating table needs to be adjusted in height and angle according to the surgeon's needs. Linear actuators precisely control these adjustments, ensuring the smooth progress of the surgery.

Medical Robots: Equipment such as surgical robots requires high-precision linear actuators to perform delicate operations, ensuring accuracy during the surgical process.

2. Energy and Petrochemical Industries

Industrial linear actuators are used to control the opening and closing of various valves, equipment, and pipelines.

Specific Applications:

Valve Control: Linear actuators can be used to automate the opening and closing of valves, especially in oil and gas pipeline systems, where they help control fluid flow and regulate pressure and temperature.

Power Generation: In energy facilities such as wind and solar power plants and traditional thermal power plants, linear actuators are used to adjust and control the movement of various equipment to ensure efficient system operation.

Environmental Monitoring Systems: Linear actuators are also used in environmental monitoring devices, such as automated gas emission monitoring systems and the regulation of wastewater treatment equipment.

3. Food Processing and Packaging Industry

With the help of linear actuators, the food and packaging industries can achieve high-speed, precise material handling and packaging processes, ensuring production efficiency and product quality.

Specific Applications:

Automated Packaging: Linear actuators are used to drive or adjust components in packaging machinery, such as sealing, closure, and cartoning, improving packaging efficiency and accuracy.

Food Handling Equipment: In food processing, linear actuators are used to control the movement of conveyor belts, sorting systems, and forming equipment, ensuring the efficient operation of the production line.

Quick Disassembly Equipment: Some food processing equipment requires regular disassembly and cleaning; linear actuators can be used to automate the disassembly process, reducing manual operation and improving hygiene.

4. Heavy Machinery and Engineering Equipment

Industrial linear actuators are commonly used to drive systems requiring high thrust and heavy loads.

Specific Applications:

Crane and Hoist: Hydraulic or electric linear actuators are used to drive the boom or other lifting components of cranes for lifting, moving, and unloading heavy loads.

Earthmoving Equipment and Excavators: Hydraulic actuators are commonly used in earthmoving machinery such as excavators and bulldozers to control the extension and retraction of the bucket and boom, supporting heavy-duty operations.

Large Doors and Windows and Access Control Systems: Large electric doors in industrial plants and automatic doors in parking systems require linear actuators to perform opening and closing actions.

How to Choose the Right Industrial Linear Actuator?

Key Considerations When Selecting an Industrial Linear Actuator:

Thrust Requirements: Select an appropriate thrust based on the size and weight of the load and the requirements of the application. Insufficient thrust may prevent the actuator from completing the task, while excessive thrust will waste energy and increase equipment costs.

Stroke Length: Select an appropriate stroke based on the required linear motion distance in the application. Excessive stroke may increase system complexity and cost.

Speed Requirements: Select an appropriate speed based on the requirements of the working environment. Lower speeds can increase accuracy and stability, while higher speeds are suitable for efficient automation tasks.

Environmental Adaptability: Consider factors such as temperature, humidity, dust, and corrosive gases in the operating environment, and select an actuator with an appropriate protection rating (e.g., IP65 or higher).

Control Method: Select a suitable control method (such as switch control, PLC control, digital signal control, etc.) to meet the needs of the automation system.

Reliability and Maintenance: Select actuators that have undergone reliability testing to ensure stable operation in industrial environments and minimize maintenance and downtime.

About JIECANG Industrial Linear Actuators

Linear Actuator JC35W8

Voltage: 12 /24/36V

Max. load: 1000N

The application of JIECANG linear actuators in packaging machinery enables functions such as positioning of packaging materials, opening and closing of clamping devices, and adjustment of packaging table height, thereby improving the production efficiency and flexibility of packaging machinery while ensuring the accuracy and quality of the packaging process.

Applying JIECANG linear actuators to excavators enables functions such as boom extension, bucket boom lifting, bucket tilting, and rotation, thereby improving operational precision, flexibility, and energy efficiency.

The JC35W8, used in construction machinery excavators, demonstrates excellent energy efficiency. Powered by electricity, it achieves higher energy conversion efficiency and lower energy loss. Furthermore, JIECANG linear actuators have relatively low maintenance costs, reducing operating costs for businesses.

Industrial Linear Actuator JC35FA2

Maximum Dynamic Load (kN): 10 / 6.8 / 4.5 / 2.6 / 1.7

Maximum Static Load (kN): 16

Loading Speed (mm/s): 9 / 14 / 19 / 32 / 58

Stroke/Installation (mm): L=255+S

Voltage (V): 12 / 24 / 48

JIECANG linear actuators require no hydraulic oil, thus eliminating the risk of hydraulic system leaks and ensuring a clean and safe working environment. Furthermore, JIECANG linear actuators require virtually no maintenance, reducing maintenance costs and downtime, and improving the reliability and continuity of garbage truck operations.

CONCLUSION

Industrial linear actuators are devices suitable for high-load, high-precision, and high-frequency operation, playing a crucial role in various industrial automation, manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics applications. They not only possess efficient power conversion capabilities but also ensure long-term stable operation in complex industrial environments. When selecting a suitable industrial linear actuator, multiple factors must be considered, including thrust, speed, control method, and operating environment, to ensure system efficiency and stability. JIECANG supports full-scenario customization, a global supply chain, and technical support. Contact us for engineering configuration advice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Industrial Linear Actuators

1.What should be checked when an actuator malfunctions?

Common troubleshooting steps:

Check if the power supply or signal lines are normal.

Check if the limit switches are triggered.

Check if the overload protection is activated.

Check if the lead screw is stuck or lacks lubrication.

Check if the controller output is correct.

2.Is the actuator suitable for outdoor or harsh environments?

Yes, but please note:

Choose models with high waterproof ratings (e.g., IP65, IP66, IP67).

Some actuators offer corrosion-resistant housings, stainless steel materials, and dustproof structures.

Extreme temperatures may affect performance; high/low temperature resistant versions should be selected.

3.Do Industrial actuators require maintenance?

General maintenance includes:

Regularly checking lead screw lubrication.

Checking motor temperature and noise.

Checking for loose connections.

Adding protective measures in harsh environments (dust, humidity, high temperature).