Selecting the right linear actuator is one of the most important decisions in any automation project. Whether you are designing a pick-and-place unit, a precision assembly station, a packaging line, or a semiconductor handling system, the actuator determines the system’s accuracy, speed, stability, and lifetime.

This guide explains how to choose a linear actuator based on stroke, load, speed, accuracy, motor options, and installation requirements—with practical engineering logic you can apply immediately.

1. Define the Required Stroke (Travel Distance)

The stroke determines the actuator’s total travel distance. Many engineers only consider the effective stroke and forget the total length and installation space.

Key considerations

• Effective stroke (actual travel)

• Total length (stroke + end blocks + motor)

• Space constraints inside the machine

• Stroke tolerance

• Long stroke → belt actuator

• Short stroke → ball screw actuator

Practical guideline

• 0–600 mm → ball screw actuator

• 600–3000 mm → belt-driven actuator

• Short stroke + high force → electric cylinder

2. Calculate Load (Static + Dynamic)

Load is not just the payload weight. Acceleration creates additional dynamic load that must be considered.

Load types

• Static load: payload weight

• Dynamic load: mass × acceleration

• Moment load: Mx / My / Mz

• Vertical load: gravity + safety factor

Formula

F=m*a

Practical guideline

• Horizontal applications → safety factor 1.3–1.5×

• Vertical applications → safety factor 2.0×

• High-speed pick-and-place → consider moment load and rigidity

3. Determine Speed & Acceleration Requirements

Speed is one of the biggest differences between ball screw and belt actuators.

Typical speed ranges

• Ball screw: 200–1500 mm/s

• Belt-driven: 1000–3000 mm/s

• Electric cylinder: 50–500 mm/s

Acceleration matters more than speed

High acceleration requires:

• Higher rigidity

• Stronger motor

• Better guide rails

• Lower moving mass

Practical guideline

• High-speed pick-and-place → belt actuator

• High precision assembly → ball screw actuator

• High force pressing → electric cylinder

4. Accuracy & Repeatability Requirements

Accuracy = how close you get to the target
Repeatability = how consistently you hit the same point

Most automation tasks require repeatability more than absolute accuracy.

Typical values

• Ball screw actuator: ±0.01–0.02 mm

• Belt actuator: ±0.05–0.10 mm

• Electric cylinder: ±0.02–0.05 mm

Practical guideline

• Vision alignment → ball screw

• Packaging / conveyor → belt

• Pressing / force control → electric cylinder

5. Motor Options: Stepper vs Servo

Motor selection determines speed, torque, smoothness, and cost.

Stepper Motor

• Cost-effective

• Good for low–medium speed

• Open-loop or closed-loop

• Ideal for simple automation

Servo Motor

• High speed

• High torque

• Excellent smoothness

• Required for high precision or high dynamic motion

Practical guideline

• High speed → servo

• High precision → servo

• Budget-sensitive → stepper

• Long stroke → servo recommended

6. Guide Rail & Rigidity Requirements

Guide rails determine stability under load.

Types

• Dual linear guides → high rigidity

• Single guide → light load

• Wide-body modules → high moment load

Practical guideline

• Pick-and-place → dual guides

• Long stroke → wide-body belt module

• High moment load → reinforced carriage

7. Installation Orientation

Orientation affects load, motor torque, and safety factor.

Types

• Horizontal

• Vertical

• Wall-mounted

• Inverted

Practical guideline

• Vertical → brake motor required

• Inverted → consider moment load

• Long stroke horizontal → belt preferred

8. Environmental Conditions

Environment affects actuator lifespan.

Considerations

• Dust → telescopic cover

• Oil mist → stainless steel components

• Cleanroom → low-particle design

• High temperature → special grease

9. Common Selection Mistakes to Avoid

• Only considering payload, ignoring acceleration

• Choosing ball screw for long stroke

• Choosing belt for high precision

• Ignoring motor inertia matching

• Underestimating rigidity requirements

• Forgetting safety factor for vertical loads

10. Gaogong Linear Motion Solutions

Gaogong provides a complete portfolio of linear motion products for automation, assembly, packaging, semiconductor, and precision handling applications:

Ball Screw Linear Actuators

• GGK Series – Single-Axis Linear Robots

• ATH Series – Embedded Precision Linear Actuators

• GTH Series – Semi-Enclosed Linear Actuators

• GCH Series – Fully-Enclosed Linear Actuators

Belt Driven Linear Actuators

• GTB Series – Semi-Enclosed Belt-Driven Linear Actuators

• GCB Series – Fully-Enclosed Belt-Driven Linear Actuators

• MG Series – European Belt-Driven Linear Modules

Linear Motors

• Ironless Linear Motor Modules

• Ironcore Linear Motor Modules

• Granite Linear Motor Stages

Rack & Pinion Linear Actuators

• GZH Series – Rack & Pinion Linear Actuators

Cartesian Robots

• 2-Axis Cartesian Robots

• 3-Axis Cartesian Robots

• XYZ Gantry Systems

Electric Mini Linear Actuators

• Miniature Ball Screw Linear Actuators

• Miniature Electric Cylinders

Direct Drive Motors

• DDR Rotary Motors

• High-Torque Direct Drive Motors

Custom stroke, load, motor brand, and mounting options are available.
3D CAD files can be provided for all models.

Conclusion

Selecting a linear actuator requires balancing stroke, load, speed, accuracy, rigidity, and motor type. The right choice significantly improves equipment performance, stability, and lifetime.

For engineering support, CAD models, or custom solutions, Gaogong provides complete linear motion expertise.