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Adam Morissette
How Are Linear Actuators Made?
 A linear actuator creates motion in a straight line. It is widely used in machine tools and industrial applications. Recently, with the ...
Adam Morissette
How Are Linear Actuators Made?
 A linear actuator creates motion in a straight line. It is widely used in machine tools and industrial applications. Recently, with the ...
Adam Morissette
Japanese Style Hidden Table Lift Project
As you probably know by now, we love showing off what our customers can do with our products. This time we have something really impressi...
Adam Morissette
Japanese Style Hidden Table Lift Project
As you probably know by now, we love showing off what our customers can do with our products. This time we have something really impressi...
Nathan Bong
Components of an Electric Linear Actuator
Progressive Automations is an expert on linear motion. We design, manufacture, and distribute a wide variety of electric linear actuators...
Nathan Bong
Components of an Electric Linear Actuator
Progressive Automations is an expert on linear motion. We design, manufacture, and distribute a wide variety of electric linear actuators...
Anna Sapiga
How to Build an Adjustable Standing Desk
Sitting for long periods of time is never a good idea; it can lead or contribute to many health issues including obesity, increased risk ...
Anna Sapiga
How to Build an Adjustable Standing Desk
Sitting for long periods of time is never a good idea; it can lead or contribute to many health issues including obesity, increased risk ...
Electric Reverse for Jet Ski using Linear Actuators
Jet skiing is a fun activity that many water sports enthusiasts enjoy and can introduce the opportunity to test out different models of jet skis on the market. Jet skis can come in a range of different shapes, sizes, and price points, with unique features to choose from. This is where some users could benefit from modifying and personalizing their jet skis according to their preferences while also enjoying the build process along the way. In t...
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Universal Lavatory Test Stand by RIT University
Using the bathroom is a common part of everyone’s day, however, users with mobility limitations, injuries, or disabilities may find the standard bathroom challenging to use. At most, standard bathrooms may occasionally come with railings or wider stalls, however, these are still not a complete solution for all users with mobility issues. The toilet height adjustability and accessibility are specific areas that larger public settings could impr...
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Hairdresser Robotic Arm Assistant by Joseph Dukes
Innovation is a crucial aspect of promoting growth in any business and a fresh customer experience. Besides drawing the interest of customers, innovative ideas can also offer other benefits such as improved operational efficiency, greater productivity, and better-quality service. The Hairdresser Robotic Arm Assistant known as ‘Maurice 2.0’ by Joseph Dukes is a perfect example of keeping things fresh and innovative! In this article, we will tak...
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How to Assemble and Use Our TY-05 Drop-Down TV Lifts
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 by hiding your TV when it is no longer needed. Prior to the assembly of our TV lift, Chad from Broke OverLand had previously used our products for a Bed Lift System and Dinette Table for an LMTV camper which also helped him to save space in a s...
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Tracking Heliostats using Industrial Linear Actuators
Heliostats and solar panels are among the most notable devices found in the harvesting of solar power for renewable energy and reducing carbon footprint. While both technologies are used in solar energy systems, they serve different purposes and have distinct characteristics which offer different benefits in certain conditions. This article will cover the important aspects of tracking heliostats using industrial linear actuators such as their ...
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Using Our Calculator Tool to Select Linear Actuators
Choosing suitable linear actuators to open a trapdoor application can be a tricky process, especially during the early stages of a new project. While it is possible to make estimations for how much force is needed and rough space requirements, using a calculator tool with a trapdoor simulator can truly improve the convenience of making adjustments to the initial design ideas. In this article, we will cover how to use our linear actuator calcul...
article_time: 5.8|related_heading: Actuator Calculator Tool
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The Difference Between Amps, Volts, and Watts for Actuators
The electrical industry has many different terms used to describe the ratings and requirements of electronic devices. For example, you may have seen a power supply label with a current rating of "20 A", an output voltage of "12 VDC", and a description indicating "240 W" in watts. Understanding the meaning behind these types of ratings is especially crucial to ensure proper operation and meet electrical safety requirements when integrating actu...
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Understanding The Precision and Accuracy of Linear Actuators
Nearly every mechanical application we encounter involves moving parts and components that have a certain level of precision and accuracy requirements to ensure proper operation. This is especially the case when it comes to equipment and machinery involving electric linear actuators. Factors such as backlash, build tolerance, mounting alignment, and application dynamics can greatly affect the precision and accuracy of linear motion systems usi...
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Meet the Team at Progressive Automations – Part Two
As previously covered in Part One of our two-part article, our hardworking team takes pride in what we do while also making sure to have fun during and outside work! This blog is the Part Two continuation of our Meet the Team article in which we introduce you to the people behind Progressive Automations, so you can learn more about who we are and what we do! While getting to know us better, you may even get some new hobby ideas and inspiration...
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How to Create a DIY Bar Cabinet with Hidden Storage
Making a DIY bar cabinet allows us to have a design, appearance, and storage configuration that is exactly to our personal preference. The integration of lifting mechanisms for hidden storage not only offers more security, but it also serves as a cool surprise factor for visitors. If you were thinking of building your own homemade DIY bar cabinet at an affordable cost, this article is just for you! We will be covering how April Wilkerson made ...
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Why is my DC motor whining at a lower PWM frequency?
Supplying PWM signals to the DC motor of an actuator is a common method for adjusting travel speed, however, some cases may result in acoustic noise through motor whining. At some point during the testing phase of your project, you may have noticed your same DC motor may generate motor whining at varying loudness when you connect it to different speed controller devices. This may be due to the different PWM frequencies that were set in each sp...
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How Ergonomic Workstations Benefit Packing and Assembly Lines
Employee well-being and proper ergonomics are just as important as following the safety standards in any workplace. Although the use of automation is growing in industrial production lines, many tasks still require manual intervention from workers. Because of this, an emphasis on ergonomic design for worker comfort and proper posture is crucial to reduce the high costs of worker injuries from excessive bending and heavy lifting while in awkwar...
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Fleur De LUX Giant Metallic Flower with Heavy Duty Actuators
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...
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Using Actuators on a Camping Trailer for Adventure Vehicles
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...
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Plasma Cutter Machine DIY Lift System using Lifting Columns
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 ...
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Using Linear Actuators in the European Mars Rover Challenge
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 ...
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DIY TV Lift Cabinet with Decorative Slats and A Moving Cover
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...
article_time: 8.5|related_heading: DIY TV Lift Cabinet
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Creating a Bed Lift System and Dinette Table for an LMTV camper
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...
article_time: 9.0|related_heading: Bed Lift and Dinette Table
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PA-10 Product Overview
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 ...
Actuators|Linear Actuator|Products
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Popular Micro Precision Actuator Use Cases in Medical Devices
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...
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Meet the Team at Progressive Automations - Part One
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...
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Top 5 Ideas for DIY Halloween Decorations & Animatronics
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...
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Creating a DIY Projector Lift with Electric Actuators
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 ...
12v Actuators|Mini Actuators|Projects
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The Ultimate Guide to Value Engineering Your Application
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 ...
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Integrating Electric Actuators with PLCs For Unified 2-Way Communication
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...
article_time: 7.0|related_heading: Integrating Actuators with PLCs
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What is Our Fastest Actuator? Learn About the PA-15 High Speed Linear Actuator
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...
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How to Ensure Patient Safety in Electric Medical Adjustable Beds
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...
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Top Actuator Tips for Design Engineers - Choosing the Right Electric Linear Actuator
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...
article_time: 5.68|related_heading: Choosing the Right Actuators
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Progressive Automations is ISO 9001:2015 Certified: Why It's Important
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...
article_time: 3.8|Progressive Automations|related_heading: We're ISO 9001:2015 Certified
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How do Motion Simulators and Linear Actuators Work Together?
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...
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Meet the Walking & Talking Wall-E and His Creators!
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...
Actuator|Featured|Linear Actuators|Progressive Automations|Sponsorship|Wondercon
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How Lift Kits Add Value to Modular Workbenches
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...
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How a Life-Sized R2-D2 Model was Built with Linear Actuators!
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 ...
Automation|Michael Mcmaster|Projects|R2-d2|R4-p17|Robotics|Star Wars
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10 Applications that Benefit the Most from Linear Motion
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...
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The Evolution of Automation
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...
12v Actuators|Actuator|Home Automation
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Top 10 Frequently Asked Lead Screw Questions
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...
General
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Introducing Our Quick Release Linear Actuator
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....
12v Actuators|Actuator
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How To Make an Automatic Chicken Coop Door Opener
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...
DIY|Featured|How To|Linear Actuator|Products
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Automotive Linear Actuators for Vehicle Customization
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...
Automation|Automotive Automation|Customization|General|Linear Actuators|Vehicle
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Using Brushed vs Brushless DC Motors
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...
General|How To
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Full Sprinter Van Conversion: Raising a Bed to Uncover the Living Room
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...
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How to Control Linear Actuators with Relays and Arduino
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...
How To|Popular
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How to Repair Your PA-15 High Speed Linear Actuator
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...
12v Actuators|Actuator
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Automation in 2021: How Did it Compare with Other Years?
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...
12v Actuators|Actuator
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Building a Custom Pinball Coffee Table with Electric Linear Actuators
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 ...
12v Actuators|Actuator|actuator project
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Simplified Calculations for Choosing Actuator Parameters
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.
Actuator|General|Linear Actuator|Progressive Automations
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Our Customer's Top 5 Most Interesting Homemade Projects Using Automation
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...
12v Actuators|Actuator|actuator project|article_time: 5.2|related_heading: Top 5 Homemade Projects
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Top 10 Questions We Get from Our OEM Customers
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...
12v Actuators|Actuator|article_time: 5.75|related_heading: Top 10 OEM Questions
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Electric Linear Actuators for Marine OEMs
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...
12v Actuators|article_time: 5.33|related_heading: Actuators for Marine OEMs
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How to Wire a 12 Volt Linear Actuator
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.
12v Actuators|Actuator|Control|How To|Linear Actuator|Progressive Automations|Projects
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Pop Up Tent Trailer Lift System with Lifting Columns
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...
Automation|Camping|Home Automation|Lifting Columns|Linear Actuator|pop-up tent|Projects
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Easy Setup & Control of Linear Actuators with Wi-Fi App
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...
Actuator|Android|App|Box|Control|Iphone|Linear|Linear Actuator|Motion|Products|Wi-fi|Wireless
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Components of an Electric Linear Actuator
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.
Featured|General|Products
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How to Overcome Mechanical Noise when Operating a 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...
ACME screw|Ball screw|gearbox|Linear Actuator|Linear actuator noise
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