Electrical actuators are a mostly unseen component that can make your work come to life. They create dynamic appeal through motion, and allow you to hide parts of your work that aren't in use. You can use an electric linear actuator to hide a television inside a cabinet, or to create a moving component in animatronics. Electric valve actuators are at the heart of car hydraulics, and electric rotary actuators are a staple in industrial manufacturing and assembly lines.

When looking for an electric actuator, you may want to consider that there are electric actuator distributors and electric actuator manufacturers that specialize in different areas of automation. Electric actuators can be anything from small electric linear actuators that open a door to large scale components used to manufacture cars. Keep in mind these three things when you're purchasing electric actuators:

1. For a small, or highly individualized application, buy directly from an electric actuator manufacturer.

2. Shop electric actuator supplier sites for bulk deals, but shop locally when you can to establish a relationship with your electric actuator distributor.

3. Find specialty actuators through electric actuator suppliers that specialize in products for specific applications or industries.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get electric linear actuators directly from manufacturers

Electric linear actuators serve one simple function -- to move something in a straight line along a track. However, within that function there are several variables you need to consider, including the force the actuator will need to exert, the speed with which you need parts to move, and the distance you need your electric actuators to move objects. The success of your work may depend entirely on your actuators. Check with electric actuator manufacturers for a part that fits your product.

I recommend: Firgelli Automations has a line of electric linear actuators, categorized by force, speed and length. This is an ideal place to look if you have exact specifications to meet. Joyce/Dayton specializes in industrial electric actuators, and can give you the actuator you need for more heavy duty applications.

Find an electric actuator supplier near you

For larger businesses that routinely install electric actuators, you may want to consider building a relationship with local electric actuator distributors. This advantage works in your favor when you're purchasing bulk shipments.

I recommend: View the electric actuators and actuator systems at Miller Bearings and Del-tron Precision, and find Del-tron distributors near you. Miller Bearings distributors are located in Florida, but the company offers online ordering services to customers outside the Sunshine State.

Order specialty actuators from electric rotary actuator and electric valve actuators suppliers

Find suppliers of electric actuators for rotary, valve and other specialized applications, according to your business needs.

I recommend: Order an electric actuator for special applications from Lesman Instrument Corporation or Exlar. Visit Clark Solutions for electric valve actuator products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure you have an adequate power source, as well as compatible parts for your electric actuators.