Electric Linear Actuators are becoming increasingly popular. But what if the standard solution doesn't fit?

For us, it's no challenge. We're the right development partner for this. We thrive on these challenges.

Philipp Schmalzhaf - Sales Manager - GROB Antriebstechnik GmbH

by Philipp Schmalzhaf, Sales Manager

Linear Actuator - an electromechanical drive product - GROB Drive Technology

Linear Actuators from the GROB solution portfolio

Linear Actuators: From prototype to series production. Linear Actuators are becoming increasingly popular as more companies embrace automation in the era of smart factories and Industry 4.0. They're highly favored by designers.

The advantage is that many manufacturers offer off-the-shelf Linear Actuators. In many cases, these actuators fit well. But what if no standard product is suitable, and the customer struggles to find the right solution? That’s why we've expanded our solution portfolio.

Developing Linear Drives when standards solutions aren't enough

To be honest, Linear Drives are abundant—perhaps an exaggeration, but not far off. Finding a manufacturer isn't difficult. However, when it comes to optimizing or customizing a Linear Drive for a specific application, options become scarce. Most manufacturers shy away from such requests.

We don’t, because we understand our customers' needs. We go the extra mile to assist our clients.

And what if you've found a supplier in Asia but are concerned about the risk in case of service issues?

We aim to support our customers when standard solutions fall short or aren't a perfect fit. That's why we've expanded our offering. We're now a well-established solution provider and development partner. Customers come to us when they can't find a suitable Linear Drive in standard catalogs.

Here's our clear 5-step development process:

  1. Needs Assessment: What challenge are you facing that your Linear Drive should solve?
  2. Selection: We make a preliminary selection of a cylinder that closely matches your solution.
  3. Development: The selected product is customized or optimized to address your challenge.
  4. Testing: We test your prototype.
  5. Series Production: Small or large quantities are ready for order.
GROB Development Program

Determining the requirements for the right Linear Drive

Linear Actuators from our portfolio - who will find these lifting cylinders interesting?

This program is for you if...

  1. You’re searching for a Linear Actuator but haven’t found a suitable one among standard components.
  2. You need a supplier in Germany who acts flexibly, has a well-stocked raw material inventory, and can support you in development.
  3. You want to build a prototype but can’t find a partner who offers small production runs.
  4. You need a partner who can also supply you with large quantities.
  5. You’re looking for a supplier based in Germany who can help you choose the right lifting cylinder and provide quick service due to their local presence.

Do any of these five scenarios apply to you? Great! Then your search is over. You've found the right partner with us.

By the way, speaking of spare parts. We have a high level of production depth and a well-stocked spare parts inventory. This benefits our customers because we can deliver faster than the competition.

Linear Actuators: What solutions are already available in our standard program?

In our standard program, we offer a range of optional solutions such as:

  1. Certification for medical technology
  2. Protection class up to IP69K
  3. Load capacities from 100 N to over 10,000 N
  4. 24V DC motors
  5. Integrated control units
  6. Integrated end-position switches
  7. Actuators with higher lead screw pitch for increased speed
  8. Use of nuts with alternative materials for extended service life
  9. Teach-in function

Linear Actuators in machine engineering:

  1. Agriculture
  2. Road construction
  3. Heavy-duty machinery
Farming machine

Linear Actuators in agriculture

Linear Actuators for outdoor applications:

  1. Shading systems
  2. Roller shutter systems
  3. Window openings
  4. Other outdoor applications
open-air area

Linear Actuators for blind adjustment

Linear Actuators in medical technology:

  1. Bed adjustments
  2. Smart hospitals
  3. Positioning in sensitive areas
Medical Technology

Linear Actuators in medical technology

Linear Actuators in industry:

  1. In machinery construction
  2. In outdoor areas
  3. In assembly technology
  4. In plant engineering
  5. In laboratory applications
Industry

Linear Actuators in the automobile industry

Our standard Linear Actuators, which we can optimize for your application

Linear Actuator ID10


➡Up to 7,000 N dynamic force

➡ Protection class IP54 to IP69K

➡ CE certified, EMC 2014/30/EU

➡ 12/24/48V DC

➡ With Ball Screw or Trapezoidal Screw

➡ Overload protection via coupling

➡ Speeds up to 72 mm/s

Linear Actuator - GROB Drive Technology GmbH

Linear Actuator ID12


➡ Dynamic load up to 7,000 N

➡ IP54, up to IP69K

➡ CE certified, EMC 2014/30/EU

➡ Overload protection through coupling

➡ Speed up to 72 mm/s

➡ 12/24/48V DC

➡ Choice of Ball Screw or Trapezoidal Screw

➡ Aluminum square profile for easy mounting

Linear Actuator ID12 - GROB Drive Technology GmbH

Linear Actuator MD10


➡ Dynamic load up to 1,000 N

➡ IPX5

➡ CE certified, EN 60601-2, EIC 1000-4-2, IEC 61000-4-3

➡ 24V DC

➡ Speed up to 36 mm/s

Linear Actuator MD10 - GROB Drive Technology GmbH

LIMAX LD12


➡ Dynamic load up to 1,500 N

➡ IP66 to IP69K

➡ CE certified, EMC 2014/30/EU

➡ 12/24V DC

➡ Completely in stainless steel

Small LIMAX - GROB Drive Technology GmbH

Let's summarize once again

With this development program, we can help customers who haven't found anything suitable from the standard range of Linear Actuators because they have a special case. Our designers are capable of developing special Linear Actuators for these cases. And if necessary, we can even produce a series from these designs. If you can't find a solution with a standard Linear Actuator, we should talk.

By the way, you can find a complete overview of our product portfolio here.

There you'll find:

  1. Screw Jacks
  2. Spindle Screw Jacks
  3. Linear Chains
  4. MINI Actuators
  5. Electric Cylinders
  6. Linear Actuators
  7. Screw Drives
  8. Accessories

FAQs about Linear Actuators

A Linear Actuator converts rotational motion into linear motion. It is powered by electric motors. However, linear movements can also be achieved through hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. Electric Linear Actuators are used for more precise movements.

Typically, it's an electric linear drive. It consists of three main components: spindle, motor, and gearbox. When a signal is received, the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy, moving the gears of the gearbox. These rotate the spindle, causing the spindle nut to move outward or inward.

Linear Actuators are ubiquitous: in homes, offices, hospitals, factories, agricultural settings, and many other places. In hospitals and medical centers, you'll find Linear Actuators used to adjust patient tables, hospital beds, or operating tables. Other applications are in industry, agriculture, construction, and industrial automation.

The IP66 classification indicates that the actuator is dust-tight and protected against strong jets of water. Ideal for applications requiring robust protection.

Actuators with IP66 are suitable for harsh environments such as industrial settings, outdoor use, or applications requiring water cleaning.

The IP66 protection class significantly reduces the ingress of dust and water, minimizing maintenance requirements. However, regular inspection is advisable.

There are mechanical, electromechanical, direct electric Linear Actuators (linear motors), as well as hydraulic and pneumatic linear actuators. We utilize electromechanical actuators in our drive solutions.

Which types of linear drive technology there are - GROB GmbH chevron_right

Electric linear drives use electrical energy for motion, whereas hydraulic and pneumatic drives use fluids or gases. Electric drives are more precise and efficient.

For the spindle end, the standard range offers options including threaded end, articulated head, ball joint head, flange plate, bearing flange plate, and pin. You can find corresponding dimensions in the General Catalog 2023 (grob-antriebstechnik.de)

Question not included?

You can find more application examples and drive solutions here

Linear Actuator - GROB Drive Technology GmbH

What are Linear Actuators?

This article introduces you to the world of Linear Actuators. Learn what Linear Actuators are and explore their unique characteristics. From basic operating principles to advanced details, we offer insights that'll deepen your understanding of the wide range of applications for Linear Actuators.

Read more

Didn't find a suitable Linear Actuator? No problem, Thomas Möschle will be happy to help you.

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Thomas Moeschle

Thomas Möschle, Key Account Manager - Your expert for custom solutions