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Introducing Our New Range of Modular Lifting Columns
Nathan Bong
In many applications, electric lifting columns are the perfect solution for driving linear motion...
Tractor Front Loader Quick Release Locks by Chris Bolich
Nathan Bong
In agriculture, there are always new solutions being discovered and used to help boost efficiency...
High Load Linear Actuators PA-HD1 and PA-HD1-HALL Overview
Nathan Bong
Electric linear actuators are commonly found in demanding applications that require durable const...
Furniture Actuators: Where To Find Them and How They Work
Nathan Bong
Linear actuators can be found in many different appliances and machinery, but one of the most pre...
Introducing Our New LG-11 and LG-13 Modular Lifting Columns
Many applications that require a drive system for linear motion utilize electric lifting columns as they offer versatile performance capabilities, smooth operations, and safety features. To keep up with customer demands and the rising growth of new project ideas, our team continues to develop, innovate, and release new lifting column designs in various shapes and sizes that can meet your needs. In this article, we will be covering the overview...
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Progressive Automations and BCIT Engineering Clubs Collaborations
As a pioneer in the industry since 2008, we believe that taking time to give back to the community and support young students is a crucial part of helping shape a brighter future for our next generation of engineers. There are many ways to support a community of young students, including participation in local events and collaborations with engineering clubs that offer valuable opportunities for the students. In this article, we will cover hig...
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How Electric Linear Actuators Meet Lawn Mower Requirements
Electric linear actuators offer many benefits in lawn mower applications as they can significantly improve operational convenience, efficiency, and user ergonomics. Being available in many different sizes, specifications, and customization options allows for the versatility to handle a range from small to large scale ride on lawn mower use cases. This article will cover the important aspects of electric linear actuators for lawn mowers such as...
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Automated Furniture with Linear Actuators
Technology continues to grow and as a result, the world is changing around us. Companies are becoming more technology-based and daily lives are being more automated. So the question at hand is:
Are you willing to leap into this automated world and make your home not only more convenient and comfortable but more efficient?
You may have seen videos of luxurious homes with automated features that you thought you could only dream about. However, ...
Automation|How To|Linear Actuator|Products|Project
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Log Splitter Upgrade with PA-17 Heavy Duty Linear Actuator
Handling heavy machinery such as log splitters can be quite a challenging and physically demanding task, especially for users who have to use them on a frequent basis. Through the use of electric linear actuators, users have the capability to integrate upgrades that offer endless kinds of possibilities and conveniences. In this article, we will cover how Ron Ewart was able to upgrade his log splitter with our PA-17 heavy duty linear actuator t...
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Introducing Our New PA-TS1 Telescopic Linear Actuator
Space constraints are often one of the major challenges found in projects with mechanical systems that require electric linear actuators with positional feedback. Actuators with positional feedback for advanced controls are quite common nowadays, however, actuators that utilize telescopic compact designs for extended reach are not as readily available. In this product overview, we will be covering our recently released PA-TS1 which is speciali...
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DIY Automatic Door for Trap Launcher by April Wilkerson
Enjoying a new hobby and trying out new things everyday is a great way of learning something new and can sometimes lead to a new passion in a sport or recreational activity. Recreational shooting is one example of many different fun outdoor activities that often require lots of space for a shooting range setup or storage space for the different necessary equipment. In this article, we will cover the highlights of how April Wilkerson made a DIY...
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Stairwell Conversion into a Pantry with a Hidden Door Entrance
Nowadays, the use of actuators in home automation can benefit homeowners in so many ways. Examples of home automation benefits include improved privacy, safety, convenience, and space optimization in confined areas. A home’s stairwell is often an area with a decent amount of unused space that can be improved through home automation for better space optimization. In this article, we will cover the highlights of how Bryan Kelly’s stairwell was c...
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New PA-41 Control System: Controlling Multiple Linear Actuators
Many applications that operate with electromechanical systems require a single control system that has the capability of operating multiple actuators at the same time. These types of advanced linear actuator controls can allow for advanced features such as synchronous motion, memory preset positions, and the user convenience of being able to access all actuators from one controller. This article will showcase our new PA-41 Control System while...
Automation|Control|Control System|How To|Linear Actuator|Microcontrollers|Products|Progressive Automations
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High Load Linear Actuators PA-HD1 and PA-HD1-HALL Overview
Electric linear actuators are commonly found in demanding applications that require durable construction, high load ratings, and the ability to handle exposure to outdoor elements. Being cost-effective without compromise is a nice bonus, however, some use cases may also require all these benefits in addition to positional feedback for synchronous motion capabilities. In this product overview, we will be covering our recently released PA-HD1 an...
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Introducing Our New Range of Modular Lifting Columns
In many applications, electric lifting columns are the perfect solution for driving linear motion as they offer benefits such as versatile performance capabilities, smooth operations, and safety features. However, certain sets of lifting columns on the market may only come limited to one configuration with a fixed number of legs and no options to select between different models of control boxes or remotes. Thanks to popular demand from our cus...
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Assessing Washdown Actuators in the Food & Beverage Industry
In the food & beverage industry, production lines must follow practices and cleaning procedures such as washdowns to maintain good hygiene standards and meet consumer safety requirements. The use of linear actuators for driving the motion found in food & beverage production equipment is invaluable, however, these actuators must be able to handle the high temperature and water pressure during washdowns. This article will cover the impor...
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DIY Adjustable Bed for Campervan Conversion
Adjustable beds are among the most highly sought-after bed solutions on the market since they have the flexibility of adjusting to many different configurations to maximize comfort, health benefits, and versatility. When converting their Ford Transit into a campervan, Ashleigh & Zach knew they wanted to keep the same benefits of adjustable beds to allow for the head and foot sections to rise separately. This was something they had never se...
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Tractor Front Loader Quick Release Locks by Chris Bolich
In agriculture, there are always new solutions being discovered and used to help boost efficiency and convenience, which ultimately helps improve productivity. This can bee seen through the examples of modifying tractors with upgrades that can enhance operation efficiency and user-friendliness. When changing a tractor from buckets to pallet forks, to grapples, the process can take up quite a lot of time when done manually. By adding modificati...
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Comparing Technologies: Optical Encoders VS Hall Effect Sensors
When properly implemented, positional feedback can allow multiple actuators to move together synchronously, use preset memory positions, and travel with higher accuracy and precision. Both optical encoders and hall effect sensors are popular for reading the positional feedback of a motor with good accuracy; however, each feedback option offers different benefits that can favor certain applications more than others. This article will compare th...
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DIY Automatic Chicken Coop Door by April Wilkerson
Raising chickens and having access to fresh eggs everyday is truly rewarding, however, there are a few challenges that come with having to keep an eye on the chickens and the coop every day. Although the chickens will go inside their chicken coop every evening on their own, manual coop doors will require users to remember every morning and every evening to coop and uncoop them. Proudly sponsored by Progressive Automations, we will cover how Ap...
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Furniture Actuators: Where To Find Them and How They Work
Linear actuators can be found in many different appliances and machinery, but one of the most prevalent uses we see them in is through automated smart furniture. In furniture making, they help with improving storage security, space optimization, and promoting ergonomic designs through proper posture. By allowing furniture to adjust into different configurations, furniture actuators can also introduce a stylish appearance to suit the ever-chang...
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Popular Applications That Benefit from Micro Linear Actuators
There are many applications with space and weight limitations that would require small and portable electric linear actuators to operate. In some cases, there may also be a need for these devices to have the additional feature of water resistance. The PA-07 Micro Linear Actuators are among the smallest actuators we offer for a compact form factor while also offering an IP66 water resistance rating and simple plug-and-play controls. In this art...
Actuator|article_time: 3.65|Automation|Control System|Electric|Linear Actuator|Microcontrollers|Products|Progressive Automations|Projects|related_heading: Micro Actuators: Popular Applications|Robotics
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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...
article_time: 5.50|related_heading: Hairdresser Robotic Arm Assistant
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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 ...
article_time: 8.65|related_heading: DIY Bar Cabinet
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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...
article_time: 3.62|related_heading: Halloween Decorations & Animatronics
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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...
Featured|Linear Actuator|Robot|Robot Actuators|Robotic Actuator|Sponsorship|Wall-E
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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...
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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