Having a TV lift can be useful for concealing and protecting a TV from unwanted scratches, dust and accidental damage from pets or kids. The TV lift mechanism is also what allows for extra space saving, as essentially hides your TV when no longer needed. In this article, we will be covering the step-by-step instructions to assemble a TV lift – although our motorized TY-05 can come with different stroke length options to better suit certain siz...
Studies have shown that sitting for long periods is detrimental to your health and well-being. Automated lift table solutions have revolutionized the way we use and interact with desks and provide a way to increase the number of hours we stand in a day, whether it is whilst working, preparing food, or socializing. But what automated table lift is right for you and your intended application? Do you intend on making a hidden bar cabinet lift or ...
A topper lift system is what is used to extend a truck cap up into the air. It uses linear actuators to allow for the top of the lift to be raised up as far as is necessary. A truck topper lift can be used for anything from turning your truck into a camper van, to making more room for equipment and supplies, or even just to make things easier when opening the back door to remove things. This article focuses on the basics behind a truck topper ...
March was a busy month for future developments, but on the quieter side for product releases. However, the one product we did release is going to be hugely useful for 24 VDC applications, and we’re very excited to finally introduce it to our product line. Keep reading to learn more about this addition!
PA-40-24VDC Control Box
Based off of our PA-40 control box, the PA-40-24VDC Control Box is the exact same concept, but catered towards 24 ...
The world of linear motion is fast paced, and constantly evolving. Progressive Automations is determined to remain at the forefront of these technological changes. Remote controlled actuators have become more diverse and dynamic. With this in mind, one of our engineers, Jake, decided to undertake an experiment to determine whether our linear actuators could be controlled from alternative networks. This is indeed possible. Thus, this article wi...
There is currently a huge assortment of linear actuators available in our range, each with varying speeds. This variety allows you to select an option with capabilities that match your project exactly, with varying methods used in regulating these speeds. Many projects require high-speed actuators to achieve faster motion for their project. In this article, we will take you through which high-speed models we have available in our range, and wh...
This article is dedicated to walking you through the process of calculating the force of an actuator required to successfully lift the load of your application. There are a couple of factors involved to find the right force, including the load, the angle at which it is being pushed and the size of the load.
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Most of our actuators have customizable force!
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Calculating the Required Force of a Linear Act...
Automated mechanisms are becoming more and more popular. They have even moved inside our homes by adjusting the height of desks and hiding a computer monitor below it or lifting a spice rack from under the kitchen counter. In most of these operations, linear actuators are applied.
In this article, we will be going over how to use relay boards to control the motion of linear actuators. We have 2-channel, 4-channel and 8-channel relay boards ava...
Electromechanical linear actuators play a critical role in making vehicle power window automation as powerful and seamless as possible. Power windows do not need to be restricted to cars alone, however, as window actuators can be widely used in a variety of settings. This article will discuss how automated power windows work and aim to highlight the importance and benefits of window automation.
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The Internet of Things is something that has been growing in the public eye for the past half-decade or so. It is mostly seen as the next logical step from home automation which has been extremely popular. We are only now beginning to understand the application of the Internet of Things, as the connectivity which it implies has the potential to change almost everything we do. Being connected to our homes is one thing but being connected to som...
12v Actuators|Actuator|Linear Actuator|Micro Linear Actuators|Robot Arms|Robotics|robots
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.
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Linear actuators have totally revolutionized the way things move around us. This invention of modern technology has allowed automated mechanization to replace manual work in performing routine, motional operations. By transforming pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric energy into linear displacement, actuators are perfect for automating any object. Their universality of these components has found ideas virtually in all aspects of life – from agric...
At Progressive Automations, we love to receive feedback from clients who have used our linear actuators in innovative and interesting ways! One such project involved our customer, Sam, who built an automated bed with linear actuators to fit inside his tiny house build. Space and head room are always an issue in structures like this, so being able to raise the bed above head height was a great way to utilize the available space.
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Arduino is a specific open-source community\company\project in one, which specializes in microcontrollers, specifically the building and programming of them. Arduino also offers simple kits made for easy assembly. Arduino controllers are small controllers of microchips and boards which allow for remote control of certain pieces of equipment. These microcontrollers are both digital and analog, meaning they can be used for a wide variety of equi...
It is very important to pick the appropriate 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 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 the right power supply for your linear actuator.
Voltage Input
The power input of the power suppl...
A speed controller is a circuit that is created to vary the speed of an electronic motor or to stop it entirely. Speed controllers are mostly found on electrical linear actuators and can either be a stand-alone unit or part of the linear actuator itself. Linear actuator speed control can be regulated without sacrificing the overall force that the linear actuator can bring to the task at hand. Speed controllers’ function by adjusting the voltag...
Ball screws and lead screws are used for different applications and are often not interchangeable. Both have alternate advantages and disadvantages. If you compare a ball screw and lead screw design yourself, the first thing you might notice is that they are designed to carry loads differently. The way ball screws move a load is through recirculating ball bearings to maximize efficiency and minimize friction. A lead screw relies on the amount ...
Automated products are becoming more popular in today’s households. Using our products to create useful devices, such as an automated kitchen spice rack, we aim to show you how linear actuators can help save space, provide innovative designs, and create an efficient home.
Bringing Automation into Your Home
Having its roots in the Middle Ages, automation started gathering significant momentum in the 1950s. Back then it was predominantly an in...
Height-adjustable workstations are known to improve your health and wellbeing. Research has shown that sitting or standing for long periods of time has been linked with multiple health problems, such as an increase in blood pressure or fluctuation of cholesterol levels. Height-adjustable workstations help you avoid working postures that could contribute to these health issues. The FLT-01 table lift gives you the option to build a personal, aut...
Actuator|Automation|Control|How To|lifting columns|Linear Actuator|Progressive Automations|Projects|single leg lift|standing desk|table lift
Precise linear motion is not only a crucial part of automotive factory automation, but it is also very beneficial. At Progressive Automations we produce high-force electromechanical actuators that can be used in a variety of applications. Our linear actuators are internally lubricated and do not require fluids or maintenance, allowing for extended lifespans as compared to hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Automotive manufacturers are quickly mov...
A linear actuator is a common electro-mechanical component used in many applications. The unit is highly customizable and can be modified to fit into different environments and meet various functional demands. There are many sensors available to utilize linear actuators positional feedback feature. In this article, we will discuss how a linear actuator with a limit switch works and linear actuator limit switch wiring to fully understand feedb...
There may be cases when you want to move an object a longer distance than what the actuator's stroke length is. You can achieve this by using a telescoping actuator or you can use the physics of mechanical leveraging to your advantage. Common examples of this are the scissor lift or what our friend Mike Senna, the creator of the Wall-E Robot, did with his DIY Chicken Coop Automatic Door Opener.
Mechanical Leveraging
The physics behind these ...
Linear actuators can be powered by electricity, pressurized fluid, or air. In this post, we will break down the key advantages and disadvantages (pros and cons) of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric linear actuators. Additionally, you will be able to see the key differences of an electric over hydraulic linear actuator or a pneumatic over electric linear actuator, for example.
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Electric Actuators|electric motors|hydraulic vs electric actuators|Linear Actuator|pneumatic actuator
Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive is to do with IP protection and ratings. What does an IP rating mean? What are the different IP ratings? How does the rating system work? We understand there are many questions regarding this topic, so to help you understand it better, we have created this guide.
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Check out our actuators rated above IP65!
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What Is an IP Rating?
An International Protection...
Sitting for long periods of time is never a good idea; it can lead or contribute to many health issues including obesity, increased risk of cancer, shorter life spans, and long-term posture problems. But for some, it’s a part of their daily life, primarily those working a desk job that requires sitting at a computer all day. While it is recommended to take breaks and walk away (literally) from your work throughout the day, some people just don...
At Progressive Automations, we quite often receive news of exciting new projects where clients have used our linear actuators in fun and interesting ways. Below is a guide on how Bruce McArdle, a Progressive Automations customer, designed and built his own automatic secret door, disguised as a bookcase!
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Our PA-14 was the core compenent for this project - click to learn more about it!
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Project Overview &...
Lead screws have been widely used to generate linear motion from a rotary motor. It can convert circular motion to linear motion by turning the screw with the nut fixed in place or turning the nut while the screw remains in place. Today, we will look at two of the most popular screw types in the automation industry, namely, ACME screws and ball screws. Also, how does a ball screw work and how does it compare to an ACME screw?
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Molex connectors date back to the 1950s. These easily configurable I/O connectors quickly became an industry standard, making assembly and reconfiguration easy and reliable. Adding connectors to wires helps with connectivity and allows for plug-and-play compatibility with electrical devices in consumer appliances, automobiles, or computers. This guide will provide an overview of how to install and remove these connectors, including crimping Mo...
DIY projects outside of your day-to-day can be one of the most rewarding aspects of our busy lives. The excitement of planning them out, the adrenaline of taking on a challenge, the not-so-enjoyable disappointments during execution, the improvements made along the way, and the uplifting sense of accomplishment at the end. Everything about them makes them inventive and completely worth it, and with the help of some useful gadgets, they can be m...
What are the physical characteristics you pay attention to, in an actuator? What are the most important parameters you consider? Although actuators are mainly responsible for linear motion, their rotational motion characteristics make a difference, too. The reason is simple: the actuators produce torque. When it’s transmitted to a drive system, it causes linear motion.Electric actuator torque calculation is a task thousands of engineers and te...
Motorized television systems have existed for a long time, but people perceive them as an expensive system that requires specific skills to install. The invention of do-it-yourself technology has provided inexpensive options for using an electric process that facilitate quick movements. With a broad range of do-it-yourself electronics constructing a drop-down TV lifts are available in many places. Space is one of the biggest problems within ma...
Over time, electronic components will require a repair or replacement as they age. Sometimes it may be due to frequent usage, harsh climates/environments, vibrations, or heavy loads. This would also be the case when it comes to electric linear actuators. Our PA-14 electric actuator repair cost for certain individual components is usually a lot lower than the cost of buying a brand-new actuator. Linear actuator repair practices can also help th...
An outdoor TV is a dream to many homeowners. Just imagine sitting outside enjoying the fresh air, wonderful weather, and watching an outdoor TV.
If you like this idea, you have two options to select from:
Purchasing a ready waterproof TV with all the needed equipment;
Installing a TV outside.
Putting a TV outside is not as complicated as you might believe. We have collected some TV setup ideas with detailed instructions. You need to prepare ...
12v Actuators|Actuator|Tv|Waterproof Electric Linear Actuator
At Progressive Automations, we offer many options for controlling your linear actuator. From simple solutions like rocker switches, to our more advanced controllers such as the PA-35 Wi-Fi Control Box, we have many plug-and-play choices. However, sometimes project requirements and customer needs are a little more unique than what these options can offer. This is where microcontrollers can really be our friends. In this article, we will be goin...
One of the mainstream trends in modern society is the drive for automation. Recent decades have witnessed tremendous advancements along the way of streamlining our environment. We ushered robotic technologies into areas such as agriculture, forestry, and healthcare, with these new technologies also now appearing in our homes and gardens. This progressive advancement of automation has also played a significant role in the automotive industry, b...
Progressive Automations is a manufacturer and distributor of electrical linear actuators. The range of use for linear actuators is staggeringly high, which is why we keep more than 1000 various models in stock, ready to ship out the same day. However, if our variety of stock options doesn’t quite meet your needs, we are able to offer you customized units.
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Find out exactly what we can do for you! Our sales team will work w...
2021 will be a particularly good year for improving your DIY skills thanks to many of us spending a lot more time at home. You might already have ideas to automate things we often do manually that you can finally get to, and we’re here to help if you need an actuator for a project! It could be converting the home office desk to be height adjustable, or the garage door that needs to be remotely opened so you can finally stop getting out of the ...
12v Actuators|Actuator|actuator project|DIY|Linear Actuators|Motorized TV Lift
Depending on where you live, it may be that time of the year when snow starts to fill your sidewalk and the front of your house, making it impossible to get anywhere without clearing a path. Using a snow blower can be the easiest, less labour intensive, option compared to picking up a shovel and spending hours working.
Although snow blowers are handy pieces of equipment, they can be made even better by actuating the chute. This would allow fo...
12v Actuators|Actuator|Actuators|Electric Actuators|Linear Actuator|Micro Linear Actuators|Power Supply
Progressive Automations has always been at the forefront in the global motion control market, leading the way with trendsetting innovations and new product releases. Our products are widely considered among the best of their class, which is a testament to our company’s dedication to design and customer service.
A new addition to our product line is the RT-18 Table Lift Hand Remote that allows you to control the height of your table lift/des...
Sometimes our projects need some added security. This can be the case in a variety of different applications such as door-lock mechanisms, prevention of unsafe or unauthorized use of machinery or getting even more niche, escape room props. In this article we will take you through a keypad actuator assembly and go over how you can password-protect the operation of your linear actuator.
Here is what we will be using:
Arduino Uno.
4x4 matrix key...
It is a regular practice that products manufactured by a reputable brand are characterized by a high level of quality and durability. For example, if customers see “Toyota”, they realize that the vehicle from that brand is a top-quality offer. Can we apply that concept to such categories of devices as linear actuators? To answer the question, first, it is necessary to introduce some manufacturers that enjoy popularity in the US market.
Progr...
Linear actuators are undeniably the star of the modern-day motion control industry. These elegant devices have widespread applications in a range of industries such as aerospace and health. They are equally important for the domestic consumer, finding applications in everyday-use equipment, for example, lawn care.
Owing to their extensive utility, linear actuators boast a myriad of customization options. They come in various sizes, performance...
12v Actuators|Actuator|Limit Switch|Limit switches|Linear Actuators|Micro Linear Actuators
Modern robotic technologies is an extremely dynamic branch of science, that develops rapidly and brings interesting break-through innovations almost every year. Robots are commonly used in our day to life to do all sorts of things. Human-like machines are implemented everywhere from medicine to householding and manufacturing. These robots can vary in their characteristics, functions, and outlook; some of them range from rather primal and simpl...
Linear actuators come in various sizes. The most commonly used is the industrial actuators with a high stroke, force, and speed. Although there are, lighter ones for home use. Industrial actuators assist in keeping workers safe and aid in heavy-duty tasks in factories, manufacturing plants, and construction.
Although there are currently manufacturers with different models, common ones stand out. Let’s go ahead and break them down to find out t...
In a technological world that continues to advance exponentially, the safety, convenience, and comfort of our homes and workplaces must increase with it as well. Proudly sponsored by Progressive Automations, the AutoWindows team is on a journey to create aesthetically pleasing automatic window systems for all. By combining some of the world's top linear actuators with windows, AutoWindows goal is to have their system installed into homes acros...
Christmas is around the corner, which means we have entered the festive season. What better way to celebrate this time of the year with some automation projects that will boost your Christmassy spirit – from a motorized Christmas tree to an animatronic figure, Progressive Automations will help you out. Let us get straight into 5 festive automation ideas to incorporate into your holiday season.
1. Motorized Christmas Tree
A Christmas tree ...
The art of motion control is epitomized in linear actuators, which have found applications in numerous areas of life. They used in many areas, from high-tech production lines and smart devices in our homes, to airplanes in the sky. What makes linear actuators exemplary motion control devices? Feedback: the remarkable ability to convey real-time information derived from motion (position, speed, direction) to sophisticated control systems. Contr...
12v Actuators|Actuator|Feedback Linear Actuators|Hall effect sensors|Heavy Duty Linear Actuator|Linear Actuator|Linear Actuator Control|Linear Actuators
A brushed DC electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy using Lorentz Law, which states that “a current-carrying conductor placed in a magnetic field will experience a force”. This force can be used in a variety of ways, such as in a linear actuator to convert rotational motion into linear motion.
Progressive Automations offers a variety of linear actuators containing either a cored or coreless DC motor, but which type sh...
12v Actuators|Cored DC Motor|Coreless DC Motor|Electric Actuators|Linear Actuator
Waterproof actuators are the ideal solution for environments that may expose an actuator to water or other hazardous fluids. In this article, we will be discussing when an actuator can be considered waterproof, the relevant IP classifications, how we make them waterproof, where we can use such actuators, and the solutions offered by Progressive Automations. This information provided in this blog should help you select the right linear actuator...
12v Actuators|Actuator|Linear Actuators|Waterproof Electric Linear Actuator
The PA-12 electric linear actuator is a fantastic example of lean design principles and represents the future of linear motion. If you are looking for a device that can deliver best-in-class performance in a compact package, look no further. The PA-12 is packed with modern solutions to recurring problems, and this article will provide a look into the main features of this actuator’s design. This linear actuator is purpose-built to provide the ...
The automation revolution, hailed as the leading trend of the modern-day tech industry, has transformed our lives all across the board. What started as a way of improving inefficient industrial processes is now embedded in our daily routines. Be it the innovative Smart Home concept or ergonomic TV furniture, automation is the ultimate comfort-giver in our personal abodes.
One of the central and busiest parts of our homes is the kitchen. The p...
Progressive Automations is pleased to share another sponsorship project! One of our innovative customers, John McGurk, has built a mechanism to raise and lower a grill rack above a charcoal or wooden-fired grill pit. The goal was to design a stylish cantilever-like apparatus so that it is easier to cook and manage, while socializing at the same time. This project was inspired by the traditional way of cooking paella over open-wood fire in Vale...
Since the development of the first silicon chip in 1961, technology has progressed significantly. Silicon-based chips, now embedded amongst an array of components on a board, have allowed for many microcontroller applications to come to fruition. These microcontroller boards are used to send and receive digital/analog signals from sensors and other circuitries. These signals are processed within the brain of microcontroller board (CPU - centra...