Linear actuators can generally be classified as either slider style or rod style. With a slider style actuator, the motion is constrained to the limits of the housing length and the load is mounted to a slider or table. With a rod style actuator, motion is produced by a rod that extends and retracts from the housing. The load to be moved is either attached to this rod, or the rod is used to push and pull the load.
Image credit: Tolomatic, Inc.
Rod style actuators are well-suited for pressing and inserting applications, but they’re also good choices for moving loads where high speed, high force, and end-to-end positioning is required. These features, coupled with their ability to reduce system complexity through the elimination of hoses, filter, valves, and other air- or oil-management equipment, make electromechanical rod style actuators an attractive choice over pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders. This is why rod style actuators are offered with housing sizes and mounting options that meet industry standards, such as ISO and NFPA, improving their ease of adoption for applications that traditionally used fluid power solutions.
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