How To

One of the great things about working at Progressive Automations is hearing from customers about how they plan to use our actuators. From home fixtures to industrial applications, the sky is the limit for automation. In order to realize your ideas for using our linear actuators, there are many parameters which must be determined about the intended application. In this series, we present useful design techniques for determining how our actuator...

Everyday, the machines and implements in our surroundings often make utilization of brushed and brushless DC motors to provide rotational motion. Both motors may look similar on the outside, however, their design and operation are quite different. It is important to select the right motor and ensure proper configuration for your application to have the best results. In this article, we will cover the difference between brushed and brushless mo...

Our records reveal that the number one cause for actuator failure is motor damage due to these two mistakes: Obstructions in the actuator’s travel path Excessive loads for prolonged periods If you find your actuator lifeless despite repeated attempts to power it, you may want to bring your nose close to the motor for a quick sniff. Burnt smell is a common sign of motor damage. This smell is not similar to slightly burnt meat or a campfire, ...

The following article is an extract from our Actuator Testing Guide eBook, which was created to give you a comprehensive overview on what you need to do before you implement an electric actuator into your system. This guide will ensure you find the right actuator solution for your application and aim to mitigate any issues that may arise from choosing an incompatible actuator. The main guide is covered over seven chapters in the eBook, and alo...

Electric linear actuators and PLCs are among the major pieces of electronic equipment which play a crucial role in the operation of nearly every machine, process, and equipment we encounter. In the industry, there is a large range of different PLCs and electric linear actuators to choose from. Because of this, compatibility between each device may not always be straightforward, especially if the components were from different manufacturers. We...

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive is to do with IP protection and ratings. What does an IP rating mean? What are the different IP ratings? How does the rating system work? We understand there are many questions regarding this topic, so to help you understand it better, we have created this guide. [cta] [cta-content] Check out our actuators rated above IP65! Browse Actuators [cta]   IP rating meaning An International Protec...