What is a linear actuator?

Linear actuators are electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic components that impart straight motion strokes to automated designs of all types — though (unless stated otherwise) it’s typically assumed electric types are being referenced when linear actuators are mentioned. Linear actuators are as ubiquitous as they are because automating machine functions along straight axes (also called Cartesian arrangements) simplifies their engineering. Many industrial-grade (and even consumer-grade) electric linear actuators pair an electric rotary motor with a rotary-to-linear screw mechanism of some type to output the desired linear motion. There’s more on this subtopic at and from this video’s sponsor at . Belt drives, chain drives, rack-and-pinion drives, and linear-motor variations are other options. For more information on this, visit For more content like this visit