GEMING linear actuator selection guide helps OEM engineers choose electric linear actuators and lifting columns for industrial automation, outdoor equipment, medical systems, ergonomic workspaces, robotics, and custom motion projects.
Use this guide as a starting point before sending your project parameters to GEMING. Final selection should always be confirmed by load, stroke, speed, duty cycle, installation space, voltage, control method, and environmental requirements.
1. Define the Motion Requirement
Start with the required stroke, load, speed, and installation space. For linear actuators, confirm whether the application needs pushing, pulling, lifting, tilting, tracking, or positioning. For lifting columns, confirm whether the movement is single-column, two-column, four-column, or synchronized multi-column.
2. Confirm Load and Safety Margin
Do not select an actuator only by nominal load. Consider static load, dynamic load, side load, shock load, eccentric load, and expected safety margin. Heavy-duty applications may require reinforced guide structures, stronger aluminum profiles, or custom mounting brackets.
3. Match the Product Family
- Linear Actuators: best for pushing, pulling, tilting, solar tracking, agricultural machinery, industrial equipment, and outdoor motion systems.
- Lifting Columns: best for vertical lifting, medical beds, workstations, laboratory tables, robots, inspection devices, and automation platforms.
- Control Boxes: used for synchronized motion, multi-actuator systems, memory positions, and safety control logic.
- Controls: handsets, wired controls, wireless controls, and operator interfaces for adjustable systems.
4. Select Voltage, Feedback, and Control Logic
Common voltage choices include 12V DC, 24V DC, 36V DC, 48V DC, 110V AC, and 220V AC depending on the product family. For synchronized or automated motion, consider Hall sensor feedback, limit switches, potentiometer feedback, RS485, CANopen, EtherCAT, or PLC-compatible control methods.
5. Check Environmental Requirements
Outdoor and industrial applications may require higher IP protection, anti-corrosion treatment, sealed connectors, dust protection, water resistance, and wider temperature tolerance. Confirm whether the actuator will be used indoors, outdoors, near water, near dust, under vibration, or in continuous-duty equipment.
6. Prepare Parameters for Engineering Review
Before requesting a quote, prepare these details: load, stroke, speed, duty cycle, voltage, installation length, mounting direction, operating environment, control method, feedback requirement, cable length, connector type, quantity, and target application.
Related Engineering Tools
- Use the Linear Actuator and Lifting Mast Selection Calculator
- Download GEMING technical documents and product catalogs
- Read GEMING Technical Notes
- Send your actuator parameters to GEMING engineers
FAQ
What is the difference between a linear actuator and a lifting column?
A linear actuator is usually used for pushing, pulling, tilting, or positioning along one axis. A lifting column is designed for vertical lifting and normally includes a guided telescopic structure for stable height adjustment.
What information is needed for a custom linear actuator?
GEMING needs load, stroke, speed, voltage, duty cycle, installation space, mounting method, feedback signal, control method, environment, and expected annual quantity.
Can GEMING provide STEP or 3D models?
Yes. STEP or 3D model files can be provided for suitable products or custom projects after the engineering team confirms the required configuration.