Products Category - Progressive Automations Blog

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...

Our October product releases include a new standing desk hand remote, a momentary rocker switch for our PA-25 and PA-40 and a 24 VDC control box in two version: 2-channel and 4-channel. Keep on reading to find out more about each of these new products: we include direct links to their product pages where we have lots of extra information, specifications, data sheets and dimensional drawings! Standing Desk Hand Remote with 2 Position Memory Fu...

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...

WHAT ARE FEEDBACK ACTUATORS? A feedback actuator is a type of linear actuator that incorporates positional feedback, making it adaptable to applications where a closed-loop system is needed. A potentiometer is used to read the position of an actuator as it cycles. Our models such as the PA-14P and PA-17-POT use potentiometers that require 5 VDC input voltage and outputs a voltage signal that increases when extending and decreases when retracti...

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 ...

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. Wi-Fi Actuator Control App Version 1.0.18 Optimized compatibility for iOS 12.1+ Updated formatting for newer generation iOS devices. Bug fixes. Download the Wi-Fi Control App  Features of the Actuator App Wi-Fi contr...

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. In this blog, we will share a set of simplified...

A salt spray test is a standardized and popular testing method conducted to examine the 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. Testing Salt spray testing is typically performed in accordance with ASTM B117 testing procedures. B117 outlines standard practice for performing a salt...

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 ...

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 gives you the option to build a personal, aut...

At Progressive Automations, our team of experienced engineers is hands-on to address all our customers' needs, concerns, and questions. We take pride in not just the quality of our linear motion products but also in the quality service we strive to provide.  In order to ease your ordering process with us and to provide you with more clarity on choosing the right product for your application, we have listed below a few commonly asked questions....

Linear actuators are used to move to a variety of different loads. They convert energy into linear motion and can be powered by pressurized fluid or electricity. In this post, we will break down the key advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric linear actuators. Hydraulic Linear Actuators Hydraulic linear actuators utilize a piston-cylinder configuration. An incompressible liquid from a pump moves the piston inside the...

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-...

Here at Progressive Automations, we are confident in the quality of our products. So confident, in fact, that we are proud to offer an industry leading 18-month warranty. However, things happen, and while we strive for perfection with our units, nothing is perfect. Sometimes you will realize that the unit is too big for your application. Sometimes things might happen where you might need to send your unit back to us for inspection. When you ...

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...

Are you interested when did actually linear actuators appear? This post is for you so keep reading. Development of Pistons Electric linear actuators are a modern form of a piston that is driven by an electric motor. One of the earliest uses of pistons was in steam engines. The first recorded history of a steam engine dates back to a design created in 1st century Roman Egypt. However, the first steam cylinder was designed by Denis Papin, a Fren...

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...

We are dedicated to constantly improving our products and making our customer's lives easier. The creation of the PA-39 reflects that linear motion control could reach higher results. The PA-39 is one of our newest products here at Progressive Automations and was designed to better serve our loyal customer base. It was created to finally give a control box option specifically for our potentiometer actuator models (POT). Previously when you wa...

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...

Learn everything you need to know about linear actuators. Last time we talked about the basic definition and uses of simple actuators, and introduced the concept of the electric linear actuator (screw based). To review, a linear actuator is called such because it transforms energy into a linear direction; that is, straight back and forth. This is valuable because most actuators derive their motive force from a rotational source, such as a gear...

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: In NASA's Mars Rover: It's full of actuators. The most important power the wheels and the sample collection tool. T...