MICRO LINEAR ACTUATORS

The ultra-compact design of these actuators allows for seamless integration into systems where a standard unit would be physically impossible to mount. As a lightweight actuator, it reduces the overall mass of your moving assemblies. The small mounting footprint just 0.79" × 0.71" on the PA-MC1, translates to tighter bolt patterns, reduced housing dimensions, and minimal clearance requirements, giving engineers more freedom in their layouts. This space-saving solution maintains structural integrity without occupying valuable real estate inside the device housing.

Achieving smooth linear motion is critical when operating sensitive downstream systems. These actuators deliver stable extension and controlled retraction, preventing vibration artifacts in imaging systems and ensuring gentle, measured contact in delicate medical applications. This reliable operation includes significant vibration reduction, protecting your broader system from mechanical wear. By maintaining consistent speed and high cycle repeatability, the actuator ensures your process operates flawlessly time and time again.

The micro collection spans a deliberate force range calibrated for precision rather than heavy lifting. The PA-07 handles up to 5 lbs of dynamic force ideal for the lightest-touch applications where any more would damage fragile components. The PA-MC1 steps up to 8–39 lbs, covering a wider range of everyday micro-automation tasks. The PA-12 precision servo series is purpose-built for delicate mechanisms requiring programmable, closed-loop control rather than raw force. Across all models, this precise force control ensures the output remains predictable and safe throughout the entire stroke.

The PA-12 Micro Precision Servo Actuator is the only programmable actuator in the Progressive Automations lineup. Available in TTL/PWM (PA-12-T) and RS-485 (PA-12-R) variants, it accepts standard servo communication signals and features a built-in high-quality potentiometer or coreless motor for positional accuracy up to 100µm. This enables full closed-loop control over position, speed, and synchronized movement, capabilities required in surgical tools, medical dispensers, micro-manufacturing, and other applications where knowing the exact extension at any moment is non-negotiable. The PA-12 pairs with the LC-12 PC Interface Controller and dedicated control software included with every unit.

Both the PA-07 and PA-MC1 carry an IP66 and IP65 ingress protection rating, respectively, making them fully protected against dust and resistant to water jets. This means they can be deployed in outdoor environments, food and beverage settings, and exposed installations without additional enclosures. The PA-MC1 is a UL-recognized component, supporting regulatory compliance in North American applications. Select the model whose IP rating matches your environmental conditions to ensure reliable long-term performance.

This collection offers stroke lengths from 0.5 to 12 inches across the PA-07 and 0.5 to 8 inches on the PA-MC1. All models have selectable configurations for 12 VDC operations. The PA-MC1 also offers a fast unloaded speed of up to 1.89"/sec (8 lbs option), while the PA-MC2, a newer addition bridging micro and mini, reaches 2.09"/sec unloaded. This range of specifications gives engineers the exact travel distance, speed, and power architecture needed for seamless custom system integration.

The PA-12 Micro Precision Servo Actuator is the only programmable actuator in the Progressive Automations lineup. Available in TTL/PWM (PA-12-T) and RS-485 (PA-12-R) variants for communication protocol, they offer options for either a cored or coreless motor and positional accuracy up to 100µm. This enables full closed-loop control over position, speed, and synchronized movement, capabilities required in surgical tools, medical dispensers, micro-manufacturing, and other applications where knowing the exact extension at any moment is non-negotiable. The PA-12 pairs with the LC-12 PC Interface Controller and dedicated control software included with every unit.

It depends on the model. The PA-07 is rated for up to 5 lbs of dynamic force, making it ideal for the lightest applications. The PA-MC1 covers 8 to 39 lbs, handling a wider range of micro-automation tasks. The PA-12 precision servo series prioritizes positional accuracy over raw force, suited for closed-loop control applications in medical, automotive, and manufacturing environments. Always select a model whose force rating comfortably exceeds your actual load.

They are used wherever precise, compact movement is required. Common applications include medical devices (small valves, fluid dispensers, surgical tools), laboratory automation (sample positioning, pipette systems), robotics (finger joints, pan/tilt rigs, tool changers), and consumer electronics (display adjustments, panel movements, latching mechanisms). The PA-MC1 with IP65 protection is also widely used in food and beverage and general home automation, as it is a UL-recognized component, supporting regulatory compliance in North American applications.

The micro linear actuator category offers strokes from 0.5 to 12 inches. To find the right stroke, measure the full travel distance your moving part needs to cover from its fully retracted to fully extended position.

All models in this collection operate on 12V DC with select variations of the PA-12 being compatible with 7.4 VDC. The low current draw makes them compatible with standard vehicle batteries, USB-powered supplies, and most off-the-shelf control boxes and microcontrollers, including Arduino.

Yes, particularly the PA-12 Micro Precision Servo Actuator, which achieves positional accuracy up to 100µm using a built-in high precision potentiometer. It is programmable via TTL/PWM or RS-485 communication, giving full control over position, speed, and synchronized movement. The PA-07 and PA-MC1 provide smooth, controlled motion suitable for general fine adjustment tasks, though without closed-loop feedback.

The PA-07 is rated IP66 (dust-tight, protected against powerful water jets) and the PA-MC1 is rated IP65 (dust-tight, protected against low-pressure water jets). Both are suitable for outdoor and exposed installations. The PA-12 series is designed for controlled indoor environments and has an IP54 rating.

The PA-07 offers 2-wire operation, the longest stroke range, 5 lbs force, and IP66 ingress protection, ideal for very light applications. The PA-MC1 is the versatile mid-range choice up to 39 lbs force, IP65, UL recognized, fast at up to 1.89"/sec, and compatible with PWM control. The PA-12 series is the advanced option, the only programmable actuator in the lineup, with 100µm positional accuracy, RS-485 or TTL/PWM communication, and a built-in drive circuit. Choose based on whether your priority is simplicity, force-in-a-small-body, or closed-loop precision control.

Start with your force requirement: under 5 lbs points to the PA-07, 5–39 lbs to the PA-MC1, and precision/programmable needs to the PA-12. Then confirm your stroke length (0.5–12" across the range), your available mounting space, and your environmental conditions (IP rating requirement). Finally, determine whether you need closed-loop position feedback, if yes, the PA-12 is the only model in this category that supports it. Use our product comparison tool to evaluate all models side by side.