How To

When it comes to automation projects, selecting the right actuator is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Whether you’re designing an industrial machine, upgrading home automation, or creating a custom project, choosing the wrong actuator can lead to costly mistakes — from poor performance to premature failure. At Progressive Automations, we’ve seen it all. From customers who needed a quick replacement for a 12V linear actuator to...

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in demand for locally made adjustable beds, as customers seek enhanced comfort and convenience. These innovative designs use actuators to adjust the bed's position, improving sleep quality and user convenience. However, choosing the appropriate actuator can be challenging due to various technical and practical considerations. This guide helps automotive and technical professionals avoid ty...

Motorized louvered roofs offer a convenient and efficient way of making accurate adjustments, positions, and tilt angles for outdoor pergolas spaces. Linear actuators are commonly used as the drive mechanism for the motion that adjusts the louvers according to a user’s preference for airflow, sunlight, and rain cover. While the aesthetic enhancements and functional benefits are something many enjoy, the actuators will eventually require replac...

Sliding bolt latches can be found nearly everywhere we go as a means of locking and securing doors. By integrating DIY electric locks, users can benefit from the added convenience and safety found in home automation. In this article, we will cover how Nathan Bong created his own DIY lock mechanism for an automated sliding bolt latch using the PA-MC1 micro linear actuator. By following this guide, you'll have a DIY automated sliding bolt latch ...

Linear actuators can be found in many different appliances and machinery, but one of the most prevalent uses we see them in is through automated smart furniture. In furniture making, they help with improving storage security, space optimization, and promoting ergonomic designs through proper posture. By allowing furniture to adjust into different configurations, furniture actuators can also introduce a stylish appearance to suit the ever-chang...

Supplying PWM signals to the DC motor of an actuator is a common method for adjusting travel speed, however, some cases may result in acoustic noise through motor whining. At some point during the testing phase of your project, you may have noticed your same DC motor may generate motor whining at varying loudness when you connect it to different speed controller devices. This may be due to the different PWM frequencies that were set in each sp...