How To Category - Progressive Automations Blog

While putting together your home automation project, you may have come across a problem. The stroke is too long or too short for the application. Before you return the device to your manufacturer for an exchange, here are a few options that you can try. Too Long If your actuator extends past the length you need, there are a few different things you can try. This all depends on how far over the limit it’s going. Limit Switches You can try purc...

Linear actuators are mechanical devices that have proven beneficial in home automation and design. Many designers have used actuators in residential and industrial applications to make home and business life easier. Depending upon the force requirements of the project, heavy-duty actuators or mini actuators may be used. Most projects related to garage door automation or swing gates will require the use of heavy duty actuators because of the fr...

Proper actuator installation is key for the best performance. If your linear actuator has been installed correctly, it'll perform better over time and live through its complete life cycle. Use our tips as a checklist before you turn on your project. The risks of improper actuator installation mean two things. First, your actuator may not perform the way you want it to. It may not have enough room, it could bind, or it could stop working altoge...

Actuators come in a variety of speeds. When you want to change the speed of, it's more than just a matter of making the gears go faster. Here's everything you need to know about the speed of the actuator you're buying. Actuation with a Twist Any lead screw creates motion through the rotation. The motor turns the gears, the gears turn the screw, and the screw moves the nut along the shaft. How fast or slow comes down to the pitch. There are al...

Want to know more about linear motion and the other three types? Everything naturally wants to move and change. In the world of mechanics, there are four basic types of motion. These four are rotary, oscillating, linear, and reciprocating. Each one moves in a slightly different way and each type of achieved using different mechanical means that help us understand linear motion and motion control. [cta] [cta-content] Check out our Scholarships ...