A linear actuator creates motion in a straight line. It is widely used in machine tools and industrial applications. Recently, with the rise of electric linear actuators, more and more industries have begun to use them to automate their applications. For example, linear actuators are used in the renewable energy industry to tilt panels towards the sun for optimal exposure and in the medical industry to actuate hospital beds.
Progressive Automations is an expert on linear motion. We design, manufacture, and distribute a wide variety of electric linear actuators for almost any industry, as well as controls and accessories. In this article, we will dissect one of our most popular units, the PA-14 Mini Linear Actuator to show you the basics components inside an electric linear actuator.
Large-scale interactive sculptures are truly a work of art that can brighten anyone’s day, lift our spirits, and bring inspiration. Behind every large-scale masterpiece, there is a journey of a team working together to ensure a successful project for the community to enjoy. If you were looking for design inspirations and ideas for your next art project, this is just the article for you! We will be showcasing the Fleur De LUX giant metallic flo...
Overlanding is an exciting way for people to explore remote trails and enjoy a memorable journey outdoors with their families. Adventure vehicles and trailers need to have a durable and well-thought-out configuration to ensure a family with safety, comfort, and shelter that can handle any outdoor conditions. If you were looking for project ideas and inspirations for your next camping adventures, this is just the article for you! We will be loo...
Plasma cutter machines are designed to efficiently handle our cutting tasks with incredible accuracy and precision; however, certain materials require more clearance height than others to make proper cuts. For example, tall steel tubing will require much more clearance height than one layer of sheet metal to fit underneath the cutting area of a plasma cutter machine. In this article, we will learn how one of our customers used lifting columns ...
Automated rovers are an advanced yet exciting technology for learning about our neighboring planets. Building a Rover for Mars can be a challenging task for any team, especially in the face of global uncertainties such as the pandemic. From supply chain issues and delayed shipments to limited communication and restricted in-person team interactions, team DJS Antariksh has proven that they can create a very successful Mars Rover while enduring ...
Hidden TV cabinets are popular for home automation applications as they offer many different benefits for TVs such as TV protection, extra storage, and a stylish appearance. There are all sorts of ambient modes used by manufacturers to make TVs look better when not in use, however, custom made TV lift cabinets offer a new level of style to elevate the TV as the centerpiece of a room. If you were thinking of building your own homemade DIY TV li...
Outdoor camping is a fun and exciting activity that many of us enjoy, however, space constraints can make the process of bringing all our favorite luxuries quite challenging. This is where innovation and creativity can help us in building a comfortable yet space-efficient camping environment. If you were thinking of making projects similar to an RV dinette table or an RV bed lift system, this article is just for you! We will be covering how Ch...
Introducing the PA-10
An actuator may sometimes be used in applications that experience harsh environments such as saltwater, heavy rain, underwater submissions, or acidic/ corrosive substances. Due to these demanding requirements, it is best to find the right actuator with the proper ratings to handle these applications. In this product overview, we will be taking a look at the PA-10 actuator which has the highest Ingress Protection from our ...
Every day, linear actuators in medical devices are making a global impact by saving lives as they continue to advance with our improving technologies. Aside from the versatility of linear actuators being available in many different sizes and force ratings, our technological advancements have also allowed for reliable accuracy and repeatability through micro precision servo actuators. In this article, we will cover the most popular use cases of...
Having a fun, passion-driven, and hardworking team is crucial for building a strong and sustainable company. You might have already noticed, but we absolutely love what we do here at Progressive Automations! Our team is full of people from various backgrounds and has a keen interest in bringing innovative ideas to the table. While working hard is a great trait to have, we like to enjoy ourselves too – at Progressive Automations, mixing work wi...
Halloween projects are an excellent way of promoting fun and creativity for everyone to get into the festive mood! Whether you like dressing up in costumes, decorating your home, or just working on electronic projects, Halloween is a great time to express your creative side. If you needed some new ideas for your DIY Halloween decorations or just wanted some inspiration from other Halloween projects by our customers, this is just the article fo...
A home theater experience is something many seek to have for the comfort and convenience of enjoying their favorite movies at anytime. Projectors and TVs offer different benefits and drawbacks; however, most homes will typically use projectors to replicate the theater experience as close as possible. By using a projector lift, users can further enhance the value of their home theater setup. In this article, we will cover the important aspects ...
In every application, there are a variety of alternative solutions that can be considered to help increase the overall value of your project. This is especially the case in applications that require linear actuators for driving the motion of a system. Finding the right balance of performance and costs helps ensure value in your final product to promote the success of your project and overall business. We will be covering the important aspects ...
Electric linear actuators and PLCs are among the major pieces of electronic equipment which play a crucial role in the operation of nearly every machine, process, and equipment we encounter. In the industry, there is a large range of different PLCs and electric linear actuators to choose from. Because of this, compatibility between each device may not always be straightforward, especially if the components were from different manufacturers. We...
Everyday, we enjoy seeing the things we needed done being accomplished as fast and efficiently as possible while maintaining quality. Fast action can be a nice luxury to have, however, certain machines and operating systems need fast-acting components to ensure safety and proper operation. The PA-15 has been designed to be our fastest actuator to meet demanding use case requirements for fast travel speeds. This article will cover the important...
The safety of a patient in hospital beds is of the utmost importance, especially for patients experiencing serious health conditions requiring medical treatment. Through the integration of electric actuators and linear motion technology, electrically adjustable medical beds can accommodate different design and specification requirements while offering patients the comfort, safety, and convenience they need. In this article, we will cover how e...
Finding the most suitable electric linear actuator for your application can be challenging, especially when there are so many different variables to consider. Knowing your application requirements and having a detailed understanding of the available actuator solutions and their capabilities is critical during the designing stages of a project. This is because choosing the best linear actuator for a specific use case will ensure optimal operat...
Following a set of standards is crucial for businesses to ensure their products and services can meet a level of quality that promotes customer satisfaction. At Progressive Automations, we aim for nothing but the best for our customers and strive toward continual improvements. Because of this, we are excited to announce that Progressive Automations is now ISO 9001:2015 certified! This article will cover why our recent ISO 9001:2015 certificati...
Motion simulators are crucial assets for engineering analysis, training, education, and entertainment as they re-create a realistic feeling of things being in motion. Linear actuators are a popular solution for driving mechanical operations due to the significant benefits they can offer; however, motion simulators can integrate them through many different means for a variety of uses. In this article, we will be covering a few examples of motio...
We’re taking a look back at some of our most popular articles, revamping them and republishing them to be enjoyed again! Back in 2019 Progressive Automations met with Mike Senna and Michael McMaster to discuss all-thing’s robots!
Everyday, there is always something that we may find fascination from in life. Comic books, Disney movies, pop culture and cosplay are a few examples of what brings joy, imagination, and creativity to many. Events suc...
Having a workbench is essential for accomplishing hands-on work like carpentry, metalworking, and electronics repair. Modular workbenches offer the added versatility of being able to adapt to different conditions by changing the composition and arrangement of their smaller subdivided modules at any given time. If you’re looking for project ideas to help add value to modular workbenches, this is just the article for you! We will be covering exa...
Popular movies such as Star Wars often have fan favorite characters like R2-D2 which many would wish for the opportunity to see in real life. We had the privilege to speak with Michael McMaster in 2013 about his plans to use our actuators for a new R2-D2 life size model. When Mike McMaster got the itch to recreate a working model of R2-D2, like so many of us have contemplated in the past, he came upon the R2 Builder's Club Yahoo! Group. After ...
Linear motion can be found in nearly every machine, process, and equipment we use in our daily lives. From something as simple as mechanical pencils, all the way to heavy-duty agriculture equipment, there’s no doubt linear motion plays a crucial role in our society. If you wanted some inspiration for project ideas or were interested in learning about the popular applications which utilize linear motion, this is just the article for you! We wil...
Throughout the history of automation, the emergence of newer techniques, processes and machines eventually shaped a path for automation to play a larger role in our society. The main goals for the evolution of automation in everyday life has been to help improve efficiency, productivity, safety, and convenience. In this article, we will cover the history of industrial automation to gain a better understanding of how the different stages of aut...
Lead screws can be found in nearly every industry as they are one of the most basic linear electric actuator technologies available. In terms of matching cost with reliability, lead screws are notable components and can be found in quality electric linear actuators at affordable prices. In this article, we will cover the top 10 lead screw questions we frequently get asked which you will find useful to better understand lead screws and how they...
In an emergency, our machines and equipment are required to perform their function no matter the situation. Applications such as medical beds, patient lifts and security safes are a few examples of where optional fast deployment and functionality during an electrical power outage can be useful in emergencies. The PA-QR1 has been designed as the first quick release linear actuator by Progressive Automations to handle applications such as these....
Raising chickens at home is becoming more common and accepted for producing local fresh food. With that said, rearing chickens at home can be a lot more than just collecting the eggs. It does come with a set of responsibilities of ensuring they are well-fed, healthy; they have access to water, sunlight, ventilation and much more. But most of all, you need to be able to shut the chickens in and let them out of their coop daily, which does requi...
Electric linear actuators are popular in OEM and aftermarket vehicle customizations due to the significant improvements they can offer in operational convenience and aesthetics. Aside from their versatility of being available in many different sizes and specifications, most standard DC electric actuators also operate from 12 VDC which is a voltage found in standard automotive batteries. If you were looking for project ideas and recommendations...
Everyday, the machines and implements in our surroundings often make utilization of brushed and brushless DC motors to provide rotational motion. Both motors may look similar on the outside, however, their design and operation are quite different. It is important to select the right motor and ensure proper configuration for your application to have the best results. In this article, we will cover the difference between brushed and brushless mo...
Whether you are at home, on a road trip or living a mobile lifestyle, the benefits of having a comfortable and luxurious interior is something that many of us sought after. This is because an ergonomic and pleasant environment has long-term positive impacts to our mood, posture, and mental health. In some cases, it may be challenging to enjoy these benefits when there is a limited amount of space to work with. For example, sleeping in a tiny h...
Electric actuators typically operate at a higher voltage compared to Arduino and will generally draw more current than what the outputs of an Arduino can handle. Even with this challenge, Arduino boards are still popular for various projects that require programming logic because of their availability, ease of use and open-source nature. The solution here is to use an Arduino wired with relays that can handle the electric actuator’s higher pow...
The PA-15 High-Speed Linear actuator is one of the fastest actuators in our lineup and due to its unique tubular design, one of our most compact products. Over time, normal wear or misuse takes its toll on the actuators and the motor can fail. Repairing an actuator may be cheaper than a replacement as the actuator repair cost is usually lower. Therefore, this article aims to guide you through how to repair an actuator!
You may be wondering how...
The growing use of automation can be found in various industries due to all the different positive impacts automation has to offer. Businesses, industrial factories, offices, and smart homes are some of the many different industries which use automation for improving efficiency, convenience, safety, and work quality. If you’re interested in learning more about automation growth in recent years, this is just the article for you!  We will be dis...
Pinball machines are highly sought after for those who enjoy reliving their childhood, and is an entertaining game to play as a new hobby. Proudly sponsored by Progressive Automations, Project Pintable by Loren Browman aims to combine modern aesthetics and form factor with a traditional pinball machine. By integrating some top linear actuators in his project, Loren made his very own DIY pinball machine in a coffee table that is comfortable to ...
There are electrical and mechanical considerations that must be taken into account when implementing a linear actuator. It can sometimes be difficult to choose the right size and force. For example, the actuator may be rated to handle twice the weight of a trapdoor in terms of force, but still struggles to open it. This could happen because of the force application angle or insufficient leverage.
Automation can be found nearly everywhere we go because of all the comfort, convenience, safety, and operational efficiency it offers to society. With all the benefits automation has to offer, many have decided to make use of this technology in their homemade projects. If you needed some actuator DIY project ideas before going out to buy a linear actuator for a project, you’ve came to the right place! This article will cover our customer's top...
When looking for a partner to meet your OEM needs, it is crucial to choose a company you can trust with confidence. Since 2008, Progressive Automations has been offering industry leading flexibility, quality, support, and field experience to become the trusted partner for various OEMs worldwide. We will be covering the top 10 questions we get from our OEM customers which you will find useful in your search for a parts supplier of electric line...
Electric linear actuators are popular in marine OEM applications due to the significant improvement in operational convenience they can provide. Aside from their versatility of being available in many different sizes and specifications, electric actuators also offer key benefits that are not present in hydraulic and pneumatic alternatives. This article will cover the important aspects of boat actuators for marine OEMs to consider such as their...
The most common electrical linear actuator used in the industry today is the 12VDC version. The function of a linear actuator is quite simple; it moves an object in a linear motion. Depending on how the unit is wired, one can control it in many different ways. In this article, we will go over wiring a 12-volt linear actuator to a rocker switch and control box along with a basic understanding of how an actuator works.
It's that time of the year again where we just can't pass up the chance to experience some gorgeous fall scenery, crackling fires, roaring waterfalls, and whooshing rivers - all this that makes up nature's soundtrack. The Autumn months indeed provide the perfect atmosphere for camping.
For a perfect camping experience, a camping tent can make all the difference! Nowadays, we can choose from a variety of modern and technologically advanced tent...
Many control boxes require a wired or wireless remote to operate, however, the demand for an app controlled linear actuator has been rising the past few years. With the increased use of mobile devices, controlling linear actuators with an android app or iOS devices are now in high demand. The Wi-Fi Actuator App and PA-35 Wi-Fi Control Box were both introduced by Progressive Automations as the first of their kind to allow users the ability to c...
Progressive Automations is an expert on linear motion. We design, manufacture, and distribute a wide variety of electric linear actuators for almost any industry, as well as controls and accessories. In this article, we will dissect one of our most popular units, the PA-14 Mini Linear Actuator to show you the basics components inside an electric linear actuator.
When operating linear actuators, there are many product specifications which users need to understand. Some examples of the actuator specifications that are important may include speed, force, current draw, and dimensions. There is however one element of a linear actuator that can be tricky to gauge, the noise level. Many users often won’t know for sure the ideal noise levels or restrictions until their application with linear actuators are ru...
The most recent addition to our line of TV automation products is the TY-05 drop-down TV lift. The unit is designed to be installed as a drop down TV from the ceiling or against the wall. This lift is operated using a wireless remote and can raise your TV to hide it from plain sight and lower it when needed. In this article, we will discuss how to select the best TV lift mechanism for your application.
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Find your perfect au...
Do you need a control box to run linear actuators simultaneously and synchronously?
Parallel control boxes can cause 2 or more actuators to extend and retract at the same time, but they do not offer true synchronization. The extension and retraction speed can vary if one actuator pulls or pushes a heavier load than the other. Generally, actuators slow down when they experience a larger load. This can be disastrous in an application where the p...
It is very important to pick the right power supply for your electric linear actuator. You can have the perfect application design, the best actuator for your need, and a flawless mounting setup, but without choosing the right power supply your system will not function. In this article, we will be going over a few important points on how to choose a power supply for your linear actuator.
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Browse through our range of linear ac...
Are you in the market for a new linear actuator to use in your next project? If so, you may want to consider the factors affecting the price of a linear actuator. Purchasing cheap actuators is not a good idea if you want your project to last the distance, but purchasing overly expensive actuators may also not be worth your full investment.
Finding the right balance between cost/affordability and quality can be tricky since various factors affe...
Hall effect sensors are one of the feedback options we offer in our linear actuators to provide position and speed information. Our PA-04-HS and PA-100 have Hall effect sensors on the stock units. While several of our other actuators can be custom ordered with Hall effect sensors.
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Browse our range of Arduino microcontrollers for ultimate actuator control!
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WHAT IS A HALL EFFECT SENSOR?
A Hall effect sens...
Have you ever faced a situation where you must connect a lower voltage actuator with a higher voltage control unit, or wondered about the compatibility of a 24-volt relay for a 12-volt actuator? We offer the PA-VC1 for converting 12 VDC into 24 VDC, however, this device is unable to convert 24 VDC into 12 VDC. Most of our in-stock actuators are available with 12 VDC motors and would not be directly compatible with 24 VDC signals or power. Cust...
Smart home robots have made great advancements in the past several years, ushering in a new wave of robots for home use. Hollywood has been showing robots working shoulder to shoulder with humans since the Jetsons in the early 1960’s. While Rosey the robot maid is not yet reality, it can't be denied that today's technology is bringing us closer and closer to having robots in your home, and in your workplace.
According to recent research by ABI...
Some electric actuators have an in-line or tubular shaped design; however, many models have the motors protruding outwards from its side. Because of this, the mounting holes may need to be rotated depending on the mounting requirements of a project. This can sometimes be due to tight space requirement or a project’s framing being in the way of an actuator’s side motor housing. Please note that certain actuators may have slightly different proc...
Progressive Automations has a diverse product range that caters to all segments of the motion control market, from industrial-grade linear actuators to small-scale devices. We have established a strong brand identity through top-of-the-line products and unmatched customer service, part of which is this blog where we can update our clientele on what is going on in the industry. Â
This blog will focus on the very specialized market of mini actua...
Arduino microcontrollers are perfect for controlling a Progressive Automations linear actuator. However, like most microcontrollers, it has pin input/output current limitations. If these limitations are exceeded, it can cause instant and permanent damage to the Arduino, especially when operating a high-powered industrial linear actuator. Even a micro or mini linear actuator could be too much for the Arduino to power directly.
The solution is t...
Motion control is a versatile field with numerous utilities; synchronization is one of its most useful applications! The concept is in the name: motion control devices being actuated in a ‘synchronized’ manner and running at the same speed. On the surface, this may seem like an easy task, but it is actually the opposite. Synchronization is not just achieved by simply wiring multiple actuators to the same switch, as some might think. In an idea...
Nowadays, almost any robotics enthusiast can build an automated robot arm. While robotic solutions for manufacturing, medicine, and scientific work are better left to professionals, something small to impress your friends can be constructed by available means. Want to find out how to create a simple robot arm based on the Arduino microcontroller and servomotors? Read on!
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Technology meaning
A robotic arm is an automated mechanical device con...