EDITOR’S CHOICE
SIX METHODS OF DETERMINING THE QUALITY OF A LINEAR ACTUATOR
By Kiran Patel, product and business development manager, Matara I
f you have a process that requires a load to be moved in a straight line, and that movement needs to be repeatable, precise, safe and secure, then you more than likely have a linear motion system in place. Used in processes the world over, linear motion systems have played a significant role in the automation revolution, increasing productivity and efficiency, whilst simultaneously reducing costs. Central to a linear motion system is a linear actuator, which converts the rotational motion from a motor into linear (straight-line) motion. Whilst nothing moves at all if the motor is faulty, the linear actuator also has a vital role to play and, if found to be lacking, could have a seriously detrimental impact on the overall system. This could range from poor repeatability and accuracy through to mechanical deformation and, ultimately, breakdown. Whilst premature failure is unacceptable in all applications and industries, there are a number of applications – such as those operating in harsh environments, and medical devices - where reliability and precision are essential. Ensuring only high quality linear actuators are used within a linear motion system should be a key consideration regardless of the process at hand, but in these more demanding applications, it is absolutely essential.
The word ‘quality’ is ubiquitous and often applied to products that are far from it. Let us face it, no manufacturer is going to say their linear actuators are
of dubious quality; at best, they might refer to them as being ‘value for money’ or ‘entry level’ products, none of which helps you when it comes to product selection. So how do you determine a good quality linear actuator from their lesser counterparts? Here, we look at six factors to consider when trying to determine the quality of a linear actuator.
1. PRECISION-MACHINED COMPONENTS Components need to be matched in tolerances and clearances to ensure that they work as system. This reduces the vibrations on the system, which increases wear and may lead to excessive noise. Well machined components also enable the actuator to maintain tight tolerances which is important for repeatability and accuracy. At Matara, we have an extensive range of machinery, including five Haas CNC machines, to provide precision machined components.
Buyers can assess machining quality by requesting tolerance specifications and manufacturing documentation such as engineering drawings or quality control reports. High-quality actuators will often have micron-level tolerances (<±10µm), and manufacturers should be able to provide surface finish data (e.g. Ra < 0.8µm for sliding components). Site visits, case studies, and evidence of ISO 9001 or ISO 2768 compliance can also help verify the precision of component manufacture.
2. MATERIAL SELECTION
Ensure the actuator is made from material that is suitable for the application at hand.
For corrosive or hygienic environments, for example, high-grade stainless steels such as AISI 316 (also known as 1.4401) are preferential due to their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. Critical components may also require a special coating and sealing arrangements. For structural elements not exposed to corrosive media, anodised aluminium alloys such as 6061-T6 are commonly used for their strength-to-weight ratio.
Grease selection also plays a key part to increase the life expectancy in a harsh environment. Synthetic lithium complex greases with high load-carrying capabilities (NLGI Grade 2), such as those with PTFE
10 Autumn2025 UKManufacturing
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