Products Category - Progressive Automations Blog

Progressive Automations has a diverse product range that caters to all segments of the motion control market, from industrial-grade linear actuators to small-scale devices. We have established a strong brand identity through top-of-the-line products and unmatched customer service, part of which is this blog where we can update our clientele on what is going on in the industry.   This blog will focus on the very specialized market of mini actua...

If you have an application that requires a small, rugged, and powerful mini electric linear actuator, look no further. Our PA-09 Mini Industrial Actuator comes in a deceptively small package but it is powerful for its size. If your application is of routine precision process automation, or it is an experimental autonomous robot that has a limitation of installation space but requires significant power, then PA-09 might just be the right actuat...

A salt spray test is a standardized and popular testing method conducted to evaluate corrosion resistance of materials and protective coatings. The test mimics corrosive environments in an accelerated time frame, allowing you to compare the relative corrosion resistance of various coatings. [cta] [cta-content] The PA-10 is the most protected actuator in our range! Click Here [cta] The Salt Spray Testing Process   The salt spray testing standa...

Standing desks and table lifts are great solutions for altering the height of your workstation, allowing you to comfortably change between sitting or standing as you please. Following the huge rise in remote working this past year, we have seen a huge increase in popularity of our table lifts! Since control systems can be a complex engineering topic, we often get queries from our customers regarding product functionality and selection. This in...

Electric linear actuators with positional feedback electronics are capable of performing some impressive moves within various applications. But what exactly is a linear actuator with feedback and what are some example applications where they have been used to their full potential? In this article, we will dive into the specifics of feedback actuators and run through a few example applications such as an automated window, a human powered vehicl...

A track linear actuator’s operation is similar to a standard actuator except that its range of motion is enclosed in a track instead of projecting out into the open air. Having this design style makes the actuator more sensitive to dust and water, however, its main advantage is it can handle more force than an equivalent traditional device in ratio to its physical size. This is because a track system has a pre-defined path for the force which ...

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 is a one-leg lifting system that gives you th...

When a large amount of power is needed within an application, the PA-13 High Force Industrial Linear Actuator has got you covered. This high force electric linear actuator is one of the strongest in the Progressive Automations line-up with a whopping 3000 lbs of pull and push force. Moreover, the high force linear actuator can hold up to 3500 lbs without an issue thanks to the robust stainless-steel shaft accompanied by metal gears. The high i...

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 ...

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.

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. [cta] [cta-content] Find out exactly what we can do for you! Our sales team will work wi...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

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...

Smartphones are a fixed piece of technology in the majority of people’s lives, allowing you to keep up to date with news, update your social media, connect with family, friends, and colleagues, and accomplish daily tasks quickly and conveniently. When controlling actuators, you would normally use a wired switch or wireless remote to activate a control box. However, we wanted to make controlling actuators as easy as accomplishing an everyday ta...

Electrical linear actuators are an essential tool in our daily lives, helping to automate several processes. These essential devices can often be integrated within many applications where noise sensitivity could be important, for example in modern medical beds. When looking at the types of actuators you can opt for with noise containment in mind, it is clear that electric actuators are the superior choice. Electric linear actuators emit less n...

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, the right actuator with proper ratings would be recommended 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 and salt sp...

There may come a time when replacing a linear actuator or a control box is necessary to ensure proper or enhanced operation. In the case of a medical care bed linear actuator, it may need to be upgraded to allow for a higher output force. But what happens when you need to replace a control box or linear actuator with 3rd party equivalents? This guide will walk you through whether retrofitting of different linear actuators and control boxes is ...

In recent years, the use of linear actuators in industrial and non-industrial applications has proven to be indispensable. Choosing the right linear actuator for an application can be quite confusing due to the vast array of types and parameters that need to be considered (i.e. stroke length, motor type, force, and speed). High-speed linear actuators have become quite popular, but what are the differences between opting for a fast linear actua...

At Progressive Automations we offer electric lifting columns that convert rotational motion from DC motors into linear motion. Our lifting columns are designed for smooth, quiet, and maintenance-free operation providing a variety of applications. In this article, we will specifically discuss one of our high force lifting column sets, the FLT-07. A Two Lifting Columns System The FLT-07 comes with two lifting columns, capable of lifting up to 88...

Five years ago, the Wi-Fi Actuator App and PA-35 Wi-Fi Control Box were introduced as the first of its kind at Progressive Automations. We are excited to announce that the Wi-Fi Actuator Control App has undergone some upgrades. [cta] [cta-content] Check out our technologically-leading WiFi control box! Learn More [cta] Wi-Fi Actuator Control App Version 1.0.18 Optimized compatibility for iOS 12.1+ Updated formatting for newer generation iOS d...

Selecting the right manufacturer for your linear motion products is a crucial part of your design process. High-quality products are sure to give you the precision in a movement that you are looking for as well as a long-lasting application. It is more than just finding the actuator product you need; it’s about finding a company you can rely on for good quality products and help build a good relationship. Here we will go over a few questions t...

DC motors are widely used both in industrial applications and at home for personal projects. One of the key considerations when choosing to use a DC motor is whether to attach some form of feedback to the motor. What is feedback? Feedback refers to any information that a controller can use to monitor a process. In DC motors, feedback is usually collected in the form of position, number of rotations, and direction of rotation. This information ...

If a high force is needed to be delivered at a low cost per unit of force, a hydraulic actuator would be the go-to automation tool for linear motion. Unfortunately, hydraulic actuators are very high maintenance and cause oil leakages due to the product’s nature. However, electric linear actuators with high-force capacities are now available! The PA-03 Linear Actuator is an excellent choice for projects or applications that require high force a...

Manufacturers, innovators, DIY creators, ergonomists and more, are increasingly relying on linear motion technology for its smooth and vertical motion. With just a push of a button, you can effortlessly move heavy equipment up and down. Manufacturers are understanding the benefits of using this technology and are applying it to different products and applications. At Progressive Automations we carry a range of lifting column sets and the FLT-1...

There are many applications with space and weight limitations that would require small and portable units in order to operate. In some cases, there may also be a need for these devices to have extra water resistance. The PA-07 actuators are among the smallest actuators we offer which has an IP66 rating. Another benefit of the PA-07 is that it can also be used with our control boxes for simple plug and play installation. This article will cover...

The PA-12 is a high precision actuator that can be controlled with Arduino. This PA-12 introduction guide will feature control methods and implementation with the PA-12 Arduino API. There are two versions of the PA-12. The PA-12-R has a coreless DC servo motor and RS-485 communication protocol. The PA-12-T has a cored DC servo motor and TTL/PWM communication protocol. Getting started with the PA-12 and Arduino will depend on the version of PA-...

As our inventory of linear actuator control boxes continues to grow, our FLTCON control box series is popular for synchronous control over our FLT table lifts, lifting columns, and 24VDC linear actuators with Hall Effect Sensors. Paired together with a built-in AC power supply, this plug-n-play system allows for an easy setup for any application. With the RT-14 and receiver integration, the FLT control box series can now be wireless! The RT...

In recent years, the popularity of ergonomic tables has skyrocketed. People have started to realize the benefits of standing desks and table lifts. The saying ”Sitting is the new smoking, and it’s time to quit” or some variation on it can be seen on health magazines and fitness articles all over the place. This change has been brought on thanks to the dawn of the information age and the rise of automation in manufacturing/agriculture industrie...

Selecting the right electric actuator for your application is a key part of bringing it to life. You need to ensure it meets all your specifications and has the ability to do exactly what you want it to do. That is why we created this handy little flowchart for selecting a linear actuator. It is broken down into four sections, with each section showing different options for our actuators so you can clearly see how they differentiate from each ...

For the simple approach in operating your actuator, a rocker switch is the perfect unit as it is easy to use, versatile and can be discreetly located. Rocker switches can be recessed into a wall or into an enclosure box, making them out-of-sight yet easily accessible. The newest additions to our rocker switch inventory include turn switches, key switches and emergency push buttons. Along with these new switches, we have introduced an enclosure...

Working or retired, who doesn’t dream of traveling more? Whether going on a vacation with your family or doing a road trip with your buddies, recreational vehicles are the ideal way to travel. You can go anywhere the road leads you, without losing the comfort of your home. However, to ensure your trip is stress-free, it's a great idea to make sure your RV is automated, so it can set up exactly the way you want, and with minimum effort. At Prog...

Get your truck ready for winter with a snowplow actuator. With the arrival of the winter season comes that pesky winter weather, most notably heavy snowfall. Snow can cause a great deal of frustration and stress when it comes in large amounts, blocking off roads and driveways for people everywhere. When situations like this arise there is one piece of machinery that most of us turn to; the snowplow. And guess what powers most of those snowplow...

An actuator is a type of transducer, a device that is capable of converting one form of energy into another. The energy may come from an electric current, hydraulic or pneumatic pressure. A motor is an example of an actuator that transforms energy from electricity or fuel into the energy of circular motion. A linear actuator, on the other hand, converts energy of rotary motion into linear motion. Piezoelectric actuators are an example of one t...

An actuator is a fundamental piece of machinery that converts energy from a source of power into the energy of rotational motion. A more common name for an actuator is a motor. The energy for an actuator may come from chemical fuel, electricity or some other source. Linear actuators convert energy from rotational motion into linear motion. [cta] [cta-content] Our mini linear actuators are one of the most popular categories for automotive appli...

Used in a variety of distinct ways, furniture actuators are one of the more common uses of linear actuators.  Linear actuators can be found in many different appliances and machinery, but one of its most prevalent uses is in the application and creation of furniture. In furniture making, they help automate a number of processes and functions such as eliminating the monotony of everyday tasks, which in turn speeds up production as well as helpi...

An actuator is a motor that transfers energy from whatever is powering it into motion. This explanation may sound simplistic, but at heart that's what it does. Within that simplicity lies a great deal of utility; the majority of modern devices that involve motion of any kind could not exist without these components. For example: [cta] [cta-content] Browse our large range of electric linear actuators, from micro to industrial sizes! Browse Line...