Hello! Let’s Make Things Move—Easy, Fast, and Smart!
Are you ready to learn about something that helps things move up, down, in, and out with just a button? It’s called a linear actuator and it makes magic happen! I’m here to help you understand the main types—External Linear, Captive, Non-Captive, and Electric Cylinders—so you always choose what works best.
At Jimi (Jimi Technology Co., Ltd.), we don’t just sell actuators—we build solutions for you. Our products turn electricity into motion. They push, pull, lift, and tilt. Want to open a window? Move a hospital bed? Raise a TV? Our actuators and automation systems make it all so easy!
Let’s discover these motion marvels together!
Why Do We Need Different Linear Actuator Types?
Different jobs need different tools. The same is true for linear actuators. Each type has its own superpowers.
- Some actuators are fast and very strong.
- Others are small, quiet, and fit into tight spaces.
- Some can go very, very far—like across a whole room!
- And some are like friendly robots—they’re smart and remember your favorite moves.
If you want the best results, you need to know which type is right for you!
Meet the Motion Masters!
1. External Linear Actuators: Strong and Flexible
What They Are:
The motor sits outside, turning a screw to move things back and forth. Imagine a train engine pulling train cars—powerful and reliable.
Key Things to Know:
- Big and strong. Great for lifting heavy things.
- You can pick your favorite motor. Do you want a servo or DC motor? No problem!
- Maintenance is easy. The pieces are out in the open.
- Needs a bit more space. It’s not shy!
- Must keep the moving bits safe—from dust and fingers!
Where You See Them:
Factories, lifts, big tables, and even heavy doors.
2. Captive Linear Actuators: The Compact Helper
What They Are:
Everything you need is inside a small box. Nothing spins where it shouldn’t. Picture a robot arm that only moves in and out, never twirling.
Key Things to Know:
- Small size. Fits where bigger actuators can’t.
- Doesn’t need extra guides or bars.
- Great for gentle, careful moves.
- Can’t lift super heavy things.
- Stays precise—moves the same way every time.
Where You See Them:
Medical devices, vending machines, lab gadgets, or anywhere you need careful, silent movement.
3. Non-Captive Linear Actuators: The Super Sleek Traveler
What They Are:
The screw sits still and the motor moves along it! Like a skateboard riding a straight path, it can travel very, very far.
Key Things to Know:
- Stretches long distances. Almost no limit on length!
- Can squeeze into very flat places.
- Motor goes with the load (whatever you want to move).
- You’ll need something extra to guide it straight.
Where You See Them:
Robots, pick-and-place tools, science gear—any place where you want a long, straight move in a small package.
4. Electric Cylinders: The King of Motion
What They Are:
Think of a piston in an engine, but powered by electricity. Strong, quiet, smart, and very clean.
Key Things to Know:
- Super strong—like lifting a car!
- Moves with great precision.
- Closes up tight. No dirt or water gets in.
- You get neat features, like setting repeat moves.
- Costs more at first, but saves money (and energy) every day.
Where You See Them:
Big machines, assembly lines, hospitals, and smart factories. Wherever you want programmable motion and clean power.
See the Differences! Compare and Choose
Here’s an easy table to help you compare. Pick the one that fits your job. Look at size, power, speed, and cost.
| Actuator Type | Force Range | Speed Range | Stroke Length | Best For | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| External Linear | 100–20,000N | 10–100 mm/s | Up to many meters | Heavy jobs, changeable motors | Moderate |
| Captive | 50–5,000N | 5–50 mm/s | Up to 300 mm | Medical, compact, precise jobs | Low-Med |
| Non-Captive | 50–5,000N | 5–50 mm/s | Nearly unlimited | Long moves, slim places | Low-Med |
| Electric Cylinder | 500–200,000N+ | 20–500 mm/s | Up to 2 meters | Biggest, cleanest, smartest moves | High |
Want more details? Check out our electric actuators!
- Motor flexibility
- High speed potential
- Exposed components
- Needs anti-rotation
- Compact & self-guiding
- Simple integration
- Limited stroke length
- Lower side load capacity
- “Infinite” stroke potential
- Minimal moving mass
- Requires external guiding
- Exposed lead screw
- High force & precision
- Clean, programmable
- Higher initial cost
- Complex controls
Why Trust Jimi? Here’s Proof!
- Over 20 years of expert manufacturing.
- Real solutions for factory automation, medical devices, robotics, agriculture, solar energy, and more.
- High-precision, sturdy, and reliable machines.
- Energy-efficient: Our electric cylinders save up to 80% energy over others!
- Used by top car makers, hospitals, and smart farms.
Just last year, a big car company switched from hydraulic to our electric cylinders. They cut energy costs by 40% and work 25% faster. In hospitals, our captive actuators make sure every move is safe and smooth, even for delicate medical gadgets.
Do You Need Precise Motion? Let’s Meet Your Needs
Maybe you need:
- Lifting big loads (like heavy doors or tables)
- Smooth and silent motion (in hospital beds or robot arms)
- Tiny sizes for small spaces (inside a lab machine)
- Long moves across a factory floor
Here’s how we meet those needs:
- Our China Linear Actuator Manufacturer can build almost any size or shape you dream up.
- Need smart feedback, limit switches, or safety sensors? We offer every option—just ask.
- Want it waterproof, fast, or rugged? No problem—we have waterproof linear actuators and even heavy duty electric cylinders.
How to Pick the Best Linear Actuator for Your Project
Here’s a checklist. Think about:
- Force: How much weight will it push or pull?
- Speed: Does it need to move fast or slow?
- Stroke Length: How far should it go in and out?
- Precision: Is perfect, repeatable placement important?
- Space: Is it super tight, or do you have extra room?
- Environment: Does it need to be clean, waterproof, or dustproof?
- Cost: What’s your budget? Remember—sometimes spending more at first saves big later!
If you’re stuck, visit our servo motor actuators or talk to our expert team. We help you pick, customize, and install—with friendly advice every step.
What’s New in Linear Motion?
Linear actuators are smarter than ever:
- Mini-size: Fit them anywhere, even in toys and robots.
- IoT and Industry 4.0: Get feedback, alerts, and data straight to your phone or computer.
- Predictive maintenance: Know what needs fixing—before it breaks!
- Green energy: Use less power with the latest electric cylinders.
Find the right match? Check out our Industrial Linear Actuators for the best in new tech.
Your Next Move: Let’s Go Further Together!
At Jimi, we do more than deliver parts. We offer custom linear actuator solutions for every industry and every dream. Whether you want a single motion in your home or a thousand in your factory, we’re with you all the way.
- Call us today for expert help.
- See all types of actuators with detailed specs on our China Electric Cylinder Factory.
- Get your project moving—quietly, smoothly, and right the first time.
With Jimi linear actuators, you’ll move things smarter and faster. That’s a promise!
References
- Global Linear Actuator Market Report, 2023.
- Jimi Technology Co., Ltd. Product Catalogs.
- Industry case studies in automotive and medical device sectors.
Let’s create your ideal motion solution together. Choose the right actuator, and make anything possible!
