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Photo of a brushless DC motor controller when paired with an Arduino and a linear actuator

June 11, 2021

Blog

Continuously Extend & Retract An Actuator Stroke With A Brushless DC Motor

This tutorial will help in understanding the controls of a brushless DC motor controller when paired with an Arduino and a linear actuator. This program can be used to continuously extend and retract the stroke of an actuator. Before we get started, let’s go over the components we will be using in this tutorial: Arduino Mega (Arduino Uno can be used as well). LC-241. PA-14 with a brushless motor. PS-13-12 power supply. Jumper Wires. The li...

Photo of a group of people with automated concert wings

May 27, 2020

Blog

Customer Project: Automated Concert Wings

Idea Generation Brian Szeredy and Brian Scanlon, also known as The Brian’s, have been building show choir props for about six years. In 2019, they decided to create automated concert wings for the Shepherd Hill Regional High School’s show choir group, ILLUSION, to perform during the 35th Central Massachusetts Show Choir Festival. After hours and hours of research, Brian’s created a prototype of a very simple scissor-like assembly with pieces o...

Photo of a living room

May 22, 2020

Blog

How Linear Actuators Work in Power Windows

Technology within car mechanics has seriously improved over the years, from interior functionality to car mechanics and capabilities. One such technological advancement has occurred in-vehicle power windows. If thought were placed on the real technology behind power windows automation, it would come to light how important electromechanical linear actuators are in making them as powerful and seamless as they are. With this said, power windows d...

Feedback Actuator Uses and Applications

May 7, 2020

Blog

Feedback Actuator Uses and Applications

WHAT ARE FEEDBACK ACTUATORS? A feedback actuator is a type of linear actuator that incorporates positional feedback, making it adaptable to applications where a closed-loop system is needed. A potentiometer is used to read the position of an actuator as it cycles. Our models such as the PA-14P and PA-17-POT use potentiometers that require 5 VDC input voltage and outputs a voltage signal that increases when extending and decreases when retracti...

Photo of a modern tractor on the field

April 24, 2020

Blog

Automation in Agriculture: New Solutions to Eternal Challenges

Agriculture is almost as old as humankind. Together with hunting, fishing, and gathering, agriculture and cultivation have been widely practiced since primordial times and were the staples of the economy in all ancient civilizations. The nature of humans is still the same and, since inedia doesn’t commend itself to the majority of people, farming doesn’t lose its import continuing to provide the ever-growing humanity with food. Being an age-lo...

Photo of the truck to the winter road

April 17, 2020

Blog

Case Study for Using Linear Actuator for Lowering Light Bars on Utility Trucks

There are many applications for our linear actuators across many different industries. As the unit is designed to move an object in a linear motion, it has been used for lowering light bars on utility trucks. Lightbars are used on vehicles to increase their visibility or to provide visual warning lights for the awareness of other drivers around them. The light bars can sometimes be elevated higher to further increase the visibility, making it...

Photo of track linear actuators and text in the centre

April 10, 2020

Blog

Track Linear Actuators and Their Further Applications

A track linear actuator’s operation is similar to a standard actuator except that its range of motion is enclosed in a track instead of projecting out into the open air. Having this design style makes the actuator more sensitive to dust and water. However, its main advantage is it can handle more force than an equivalent traditional device in ratio to its physical size. This is because a track system has a pre-defined path for the force which ...

Photo of lifting columns by Progressive Automations

March 31, 2020

Blog

High Performance Motorized Lifting Columns – The FLT-07

At Progressive Automations we offer electric lifting columns that convert rotational motion from DC motors into linear motion. Our lifting columns are designed for smooth, quiet, and maintenance-free operation providing a variety of applications. In this article, we will specifically discuss one of our high force lifting column sets, the FLT-07. A Two Lifting Columns System The FLT-07 comes with two lifting columns, capable of lifting up to 88...

Photo of a trapdoor with hinged door

March 24, 2020

Blog

How to Automate your Trap Door Application

A trapdoor is a sliding or hinged door, flush with the surface of a floor, roof, or ceiling, or in the stage of a theatre. It is most commonly used to access the basement in a house. A trapdoor can be heavy and hard to open especially for elders and kids. However, you can automate trapdoor by mounting the actuator on the trapdoor so that it can open & close with just a press of a button. You can choose to use one linear actuator or two lin...

Photo of arm man has a mobile telephone on which image of Wi-Fi Actuator App and linear actuator on white background

March 17, 2020

Blog

Wi-Fi Control of High Current Linear Actuators

This article will show you how to use the PA-35 Wi-Fi control box to control actuators that require a large amount of current draw. A video demonstration of the PA-17 Heavy Duty Linear Actuator, being controlled using a smartphone, is shown below: View this post on Instagram A brief demonstration of our PA-35 WiFi Control Box controlling our PA-17 Industrial Liner Actuator. Check out our blog at our website to s...

Photo of arm man has a mobile telephone on which image of Wi-Fi Actuator App and linear actuator on background

March 17, 2020

Blog

Easy Setup & Control of Linear Actuators with Wi-Fi App

Five years ago, the Wi-Fi Actuator App and PA-35 Wi-Fi Control Box were introduced as the first of its kind at Progressive Automations. We are excited to announce that the Wi-Fi Actuator Control App has undergone some upgrades. Wi-Fi Actuator Control App Version 1.0.18 Optimized compatibility for iOS 12.1+ Updated formatting for newer generation iOS devices. Bug fixes. Download the Wi-Fi Control App Features of the Actuator App Wi-Fi contr...

Photo of new Mars rover the

March 11, 2020

Blog

A Look at the Rover For Mars made by Students at IIT, Madras

Teams from around the world compete at the University Rover Challenge (URC), held each year in the desert of Southern Utah in the United States. Student teams compete to design and build the next generation of Mars rovers that will one day work alongside astronauts exploring the Red Planet. One such team that has stood out for us is Team Anveshak from IIT, Madras, India. The group of over 20 student engineers is on a mission to build the next ...

Photo of an actuator by Progressive Automations

March 4, 2020

Blog

Simplified Calculations for Choosing Actuator Parameters

There are electrical and mechanical considerations that must be taken into account when implementing a linear actuator. It can sometimes be difficult to choose the right size and force. For example, the actuator may be rated to handle twice the weight of a trapdoor in terms of force, but still struggles to open it. This could happen because of the force application angle or insufficient leverage. In this blog, we will share a set of simplified...

Photo of PA-10 actuator with salt spray rating protection

February 27, 2020

Blog

Salt Spray Testing to Evaluate Corrosion Resistance

A salt spray test is a standardized and popular testing method conducted to examine the corrosion resistance of materials and protective coatings. The test mimics corrosive environments in an accelerated time frame, allowing you to compare the relative corrosion resistance of various coatings. Testing Salt spray testing is typically performed in accordance with ASTM B117 testing procedures. B117 outlines standard practice for performing a salt...

ATX West 2020 Trade Show

February 24, 2020

Blog

ATX West 2020 Trade Show

Progressive Automations just got back from the ATX West show. This trade show and conference are located at the Anaheim convention center in the beautiful and always sunny Anaheim, California – home of Disneyland. The ATX West show is USA’s largest annual automation technology event which showcases motion control products, motors, and drives, sensors, and detectors, machine components. As a leading linear actuator manufacturing company, Pr...

Kitchen Automation Powered by Linear Actuators

February 19, 2020

Blog

Kitchen Automation Powered by Linear Actuators

While thinking about the automation, the cornerstone idea to do “almost everything” seamlessly and effortlessly comes to mind first. Imagine a situation where everything is voice-controlled, motion-controlled, or button controlled. Sounds excellent, right? Automated garage doors have become rather common over the past decade for any household so they don't surprise anyone. In the home automation industry, during the past decade, there were man...

How to Prevent Water Damage to your Actuator

February 12, 2020

Blog

How to Prevent Water Damage to your Actuator

Electric Linear Actuators are used to automate different types of applications in different environments. It would thus be important to ensure that your actuator is well protected from water damage. Effects of water damage Using an actuator in humid or moist environments, submerged in water or used near water can lead to overtime water damage if the IP rating is too low or there aren’t sufficient protective measures. Water damage can cause an ...

Complete Guide to IP Rating

February 5, 2020

Blog

Complete Guide to IP Rating

Some of the most frequently asked questions we receive from our customers have to do with IP ratings. What is an IP rating? What does it mean? How does the rating system work? That is why we wrote this guide explaining just what exactly an IP Rating is. What is an IP rating? What does it mean? How does the rating system work? We understand there are many questions regarding IP rating and to help you understand it better, we have created this ...

Photo of warehouse with boxes

January 31, 2020

Blog

Key Considerations for Selecting a Manufacturer for your Motion Control Products

Selecting the right manufacturer for your linear motion products is a crucial part of your design process. High-quality products are sure to give you the precision in a movement that you are looking for as well as a long-lasting application. It is more than just finding the actuator product you need; it’s about finding a company you can rely on for good quality products and help build a good relationship. Here we will go over a few questions t...

How Does Limit Switch Feedback Work in Actuators

January 28, 2020

Blog

How Does Limit Switch Feedback Work in Actuators

A linear actuator is a common electro-mechanical component used in many applications. The unit is highly customizable and can be modified to fit into different environments and meet various functional demands. To utilize linear actuators positional feedback feature, there are many sensors available for this function. In this article, we will discuss how does limit switch feedback work in actuators. Limit Switch in Linear Actuators First, we wi...

Robots for Disabled

January 23, 2020

Blog

Robotic Systems Help People with Disabilities

Robotics are paving the way for automation; even wheelchairs are no longer missing the race towards making a better future for the disabled. These days, robots are no longer just a mass of hardware; instead, they have been designed to reflect and work on algorithms, making them smarter and better than just pieces of metal. Robotic assistance devices are springing up all over the world, promising to change the façade of the technological gamut....

Photo of a linear actuators by Progressive Automations

January 20, 2020

Blog

The Pros & Cons of Feedback Devices

DC motors are widely used both in industrial applications and at home for personal projects. One of the key considerations when choosing to use a DC motor is whether to attach some form of feedback to the motor. What is feedback? Feedback refers to any information that a controller can use to monitor a process. In DC motors, feedback is usually collected in the form of position, number of rotations, and direction of rotation. This information ...

Home Automation Robots

January 7, 2020

Blog

Home Automation Robots - Changing the World, One Robot at a Time

Consumer robotics is ushering in the next wave of technological advancements. To date, only Hollywood movies were showing robots working shoulder to shoulder with humans; who knows this might become the eventual reality soon. While robots working with humans might not be a reality at this point, one can’t negate the role of consumer robotics in our lives. According to recent research, by 2024, consumer robots will boost the market demand to 39...

How to use Micro Linear Actuators when integrating them with controllers?

January 2, 2020

Blog

How to use Micro Linear Actuators when integrating them with controllers?

Micro linear actuators – the smaller counterpart of standard-sized linear actuators – are relatively new to the market, where their size and capabilities are being installed into a wider automation field. Nonetheless, the active development of robotics and the constant advancement of all modern technologies available to the US make these handy devices more interesting and fruitful for professionals as well as amateur engineers in the long run....

Photo of linear actuator connecting to control box

December 31, 2019

Blog

How to Wire a 12 Volt Linear Actuator?

The most common electrical linear actuator used in the industry today is the 12VDC version. The function of a linear actuator is quite simple; it moves an object in a linear motion but depends on how you wire the unit, you can control it in many different ways. In this article, we will go over 12-volt linear actuator wiring (common methods used) and a basic understanding of how an actuator works. View All Actuators 12-Volt DC Linear Actuator ...

How to read the signal from a hall effect sensor using an Arduino?

December 23, 2019

Blog

How to read the signal from a hall effect sensor using an Arduino?

Hall effect sensors are one of the feedback options we offer in our linear actuators. Our PA-04-HS and PA-100 have Hall effect sensors on the stock units. While several of our other actuators can be custom ordered with Hall effect sensors. What is a Hall effect sensor? A Hall effect sensor is an electronics component that generates a voltage based on the strength of the magnetic field flowing through it. When this sensor is paired with voltage...

The New Height Adjustable Smart Table

December 19, 2019

Blog

The New Height Adjustable Smart Table

Height-adjustable workstations are known to improve your health and wellbeing. Research has shown that sitting or standing for long periods of time has been linked with multiple health problems, such as an increase in blood pressure or fluctuation of cholesterol levels. Height-adjustable workstations help you avoid working postures that could contribute to these health issues. The FLT-01 table lift gives you the option to build a personal, aut...

Robotic Process Automation

December 16, 2019

Blog

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) - All you need to Know

Automated robotics might be the next best thing of the future; the moment you identify a process that is repetitive and predictable, chances are it can qualify for an automotive makeover using Robotic Process Automation. However, the process of identification and implementation is not as simple as it seems. For this very reason, it is very important to understand what robotics process automation is about and what it entails in the real world. ...

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions on using Linear Actuators

December 9, 2019

Blog

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions on using Linear Actuators

At Progressive Automations, our team of experienced engineers is hands-on to address all our customers' needs, concerns and questions. We take pride in not just the quality of our linear motion products but also in the quality service we strive to provide. In order to ease your ordering process with us and to provide you with more clarity on choosing the right product for your application, we have listed below a few commonly asked questions. ...

How to Calculate Force to find the right Actuator for your Application

November 26, 2019

Blog

How to Calculate Force to find the right Actuator for your Application

What force actuator should I buy? We get asked this question at least a few times a day. In today’s article, we will walk you through the process of calculating the force required by an electric linear actuator to lift the load in your application. There are a couple of factors involved when it comes to finding the right force, like the load, the angle at which it is being pushed and the size of the load. If you are pushing/pulling a load stra...

power supplies

November 22, 2019

Blog

How to Choose the Right Power Supply for Linear Actuator

It is very important to pick the appropriate power supply for your electric linear actuator. You can have the perfect application design, the best actuator for your need, and flawless mounting setup, but without the right power supply, your system is not going to work at all. In this article, I will be going over a few important points on how to choose the right power supply for your linear actuator. Voltage Input The power input of the power ...

Pros & Cons of Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Electric Linear Actuators

November 14, 2019

Blog

Pros & Cons of Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Electric Linear Actuators

Linear actuators are used to move a variety of different loads. They convert energy into linear motion and can be powered by pressurized fluid or electricity. In this post, we will break down the key advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic, pneumatic and electric linear actuators. Hydraulic Linear Actuators Hydraulic linear actuators utilize a piston-cylinder configuration. An incompressible liquid from a pump moves the piston inside the cyl...

Photo of a modern living room

November 11, 2019

Blog

How an Actuator Can Help with Your Home Decor

Getting your home decor right is crucial to any homeowner. It partly involves arranging all the elements in your home to make sure you achieve comfort. Ensure to maximize each square foot, creating enough space to move around. From the kitchen to the living room, ensure the space you create permits you to freely move from one room to another. One of the most reliable ways to make sure you create extra space is by using an actuator. An actuator...

Photo of robots at the factory

November 5, 2019

Blog

Linear Actuators in Automotive Manufacturing

Precise linear motion is not only a crucial part of factory automation, but it is also very beneficial. At Progressive Automations we produce high force electromechanical actuators that can be used in a variety of applications. Our linear actuators are internally lubricated and do not require fluids or maintenance allowing for extended lifespans as compared to hydraulic or pneumatic systems. Automotive manufacturers are quickly moving towards ...

Photo of the linear actuator PA-03 by Progressive Automations

October 29, 2019

Blog

Capabilities of The PA-03 Linear Actuator

If a high force is needed to be delivered at a low cost per unit of force, a hydraulic actuator would be the go-to automation tool for linear motion. Unfortunately, hydraulic actuators are very high maintenance and cause oil leakages due to the product’s nature. However, electric linear actuators with high-force capacities are now available! The PA-03 Linear Actuator is an excellent choice for projects or applications that require high force a...

How to control the PA-18 Track Linear Actuator with Arduino controls

October 23, 2019

Blog

How to control the PA-18 Track Linear Actuator with Arduino controls

The PA-18 Track Linear Actuator is our largest fixed-length actuator and is commonly used in custom cabinetry, home automation, and robotics. Like many of our actuators, it can be controlled using our selection of Arduino control boards. This article will showcase how you can control the PA-18 with a simple setup that can be easily adapted to fit your application. Equipment 1x PA-18 Track Linear Actuator 1x Arduino Uno 1x MegaMoto Plus H-br...

Calculating Power Consumption of Electric Linear Actuators

October 16, 2019

Blog

Calculating Power Consumption of Electric Linear Actuators

Power. Wattage. Energy Consumption. All these terms can be used when discussing electric actuator power consumption. Electric linear actuators that are manufactured by Progressive Automations use DC motors. Depending on the force that the actuator can apply, the size of the DC motor will vary. The higher the force, the larger the DC motor. DC motors with a low current draw will typically be used in the actuator with a lower force rating – same...

Home Automation

October 9, 2019

Blog

5 Reasons to Invest in a TV lift for Your Home

Whether It’s Netflix or cable television, we all own a flat-screen TV at home to binge-watch all our favorite movies and TV series. Television has become a significant part of our homes either proudly displayed on a wall or perfectly set up on a TV cabinet. We are living in the age where many aspects of our day-to-day lives are moving towards automation - from automatic lights, garage doors, heating, cooling and much more. A lot can be control...

Photo of a road track with car on the sides are of the trees

October 2, 2019

Blog

Camping Tent gets an Automated Twist with our Lifting Columns

It's that time of the year again where we just can't pass up the chance to experience some gorgeous fall scenery, crackling fires, roaring waterfalls and whooshing rivers - all this that makes up nature's soundtrack. The Autumn months indeed, provide the perfect atmosphere for camping. For a perfect camping experience, a camping tent can make all the difference! Nowadays, we can choose from a variety of modern and technologically advanced ten...

How to Overcome Mechanical Noise when Operating a Linear Actuator

September 24, 2019

Blog

How to Overcome Mechanical Noise when Operating a Linear Actuator

When operating linear actuators, there are many specifications users need to understand - Speed, force, current draw, etc., but one element of the linear actuator specification can be tricky to gauge: The noise level. The users often won’t know for sure until they run the application with the linear actuators in them to realize the noise level is too high. It is possible to return your actuators and replace it with an actuator with a lower noi...

How To Install and Remove Molex Connectors?

September 20, 2019

Blog

How To Install and Remove Molex Connectors?

Adding connectors to wires helps with connectivity and allows for plug and play compatibility with electronic and electrical devices. This guide will provide an overview of adding and removing Molex connectors and housing to wires and the how-to process of doing so. Let’s begin by taking a look at the components that will be involved: Wires Molex Mini-Fit Jr. Female Power Connectors Molex Mini-Fit Jr. Male Power Connectors Molex Mini-Fit Jr. ...

Photo of a hidden table with the FLT-07 in the room

September 16, 2019

Blog

A Closer Look at Our FLT-11 Lifting Column Set

Manufacturers, innovators, DIY creators, ergonomists and more, are increasingly relying on linear motion technology for its smooth and vertical motion. With just a push of a button, you can effortlessly move heavy equipment up and down. Manufacturers are understanding the benefits of using this technology and are applying it to different products and applications. At Progressive Automations we carry a range of lifting columns sets and the FLT-...

How to Control Multiple Linear Actuators at the Same Time?

September 6, 2019

Blog

How to Control Multiple Linear Actuators at the Same Time?

A linear actuator is a versatile product that can be found anywhere. It is common to have multiple linear actuators operating in conjunction in a single application. It is great to be able to control multiple linear actuators at the same time, it is also very simple to do so with our linear actuators control system. In this article, we will take you through a few common setups for controlling multiple linear actuators at the same time. PA-30 d...

Photo of a Robotic Gripper holding a box

September 4, 2019

Blog

What you should know about Developments in Robotic Grippers

As robots become more and more popular in industrial, commercial and other sectors, there is a renewed interest in developing grippers that can assist in various tasks. This is more so in the case of collaborative robots that may be required to do more than one task and hence requires the dexterity and grip to hold different types of objects. Vacuum, magnetic, claw, rotary and parallel grippers have become quite common in the market due to the...

Photo of a two agriculture robot at a greenhouse

August 30, 2019

Blog

5 ways Agricultural Robots may Replace Farmers

Somewhere in a strawberry farm in Florida, operations of a robot that can detect ripe berries, pick, and pack them are in a trial stage. It works faster than human hands, with more precision and, obviously, without getting tired. Such robots have begun to make inroads into other areas of agriculture as well, which has often been considered one of the least technology-reliant sectors. According to the research firm Mordor Intelligence, the mark...

Linear Motion Achieved with Mechanical Leveraging

August 26, 2019

Blog

Linear Motion Achieved with Mechanical Leveraging

There may be cases when you want to move an object a longer distance than what the actuator's stroke length is. You can achieve this by using a telescoping actuator or you can use the physics of mechanical leveraging to your advantage. Common examples of this are the scissor lift or what our friend Mike Senna, the creator of the Wall-E Robot, did with his DIY Chicken Coop Automatic Door Opener. The physics behind these applications is using a ...

Photo of the linear actuator PA-07 by Progressive Automations

August 20, 2019

Blog

Capabilities of the PA-07 Linear Actuator

There are many applications with space and weight limitations that would require small and portable units in order to operate. In some cases, there may also be a need for these devices to have extra water resistance. The PA-07 actuators are among the smallest actuators we offer which has an IP66 rating. Another benefit of the PA-07 is that it can also be used with our control boxes for simple plug and play installation. This article will cover...

Photo of surveillance robot and arm mans holding smartphone

August 16, 2019

Blog

People Make a House, a Home, Robots Make it a Smart Home

As the concept of home automation continues to become more and more popular, robots for smart homes are seeing a tremendous rise in demand. According to the research firm MarketsandMarkets, the market for household robots is set to grow at a CAGR of 22.4 percent from 2019 to 2024. Several companies, from startups to tech giants are coming up with robots of various sizes and shapes that can perform several functions within the house to make you...

Getting Started with Arduino and PA-12

August 14, 2019

Blog

Getting Started with Arduino and PA-12

The PA-12 is a high precision actuator that can be controlled with Arduino. This PA-12 introduction guide will feature control methods and implementation with the PA-12 Arduino API. There are two versions of the PA-12. The PA-12-R has a coreless DC servo motor and RS-485 communication protocol. The PA-12-T has a cored DC servo motor and TTL/PWM communication protocol. Getting started with the PA-12 and Arduino will depend on the version of PA-...

Photo of a drone

August 12, 2019

Blog

The Future of Robots in the Security Sector

In 2013, when a company co-founded by a former police officer after the tragic Sandy Hook shooting incident came up with a 400-pound robot to patrol crowded areas, there were many concerns on how it would turn out. In fact, some of the initial attempts at employing Knightscope’s K5 robot at malls and other public places were disappointing, with one robot running over a toddler’s leg and another falling into a water fountain. But such incident...

Photo of robots at the factory

August 5, 2019

Blog

What to consider before automating your factory

Much has already been said about the advantages of factory automation. If you are a factory owner or someone from the manufacturing sector, you would already have read several hundred web pages that explain benefits like improved productivity, reduction of waste, lower cycle time, better floor utilization, etc. You are almost convinced that your factory should be automated. You may have even come up with an estimate of by how much this would b...

Photo of linear actuator

August 2, 2019

Blog

How to Replace an Actuator?

Electric linear actuators are used in many applications. Chances are, there are a few of them around you right now. As an important component in many products, some of the actuators will eventually fail. When that happens, it would save you a lot of money if you can find a replacement for the actuator instead of replacing the entire thing. In this article, we will give you a few tips on how to find a suitable replacement for your actuator. Typ...

Photo of robots

July 26, 2019

Blog

Why robotic automation is the future of manufacturing

In a dimly lit factory spread over 40,000 square feet near Mt. Fuji in Japan, sturdy-looking robots work round the clock with each other to create more robots. Sounds like a dystopian scene from a science fiction movie? Well, this is the automation solutions provider FANUC’s manufacturing plant. With the entire work done by robots, the factory doesn’t need lights, air-conditioners, or heating systems, significantly lowering the costs. Robots ...

Automated Furniture with Linear Actuators

July 25, 2019

Blog

Automated Furniture with Linear Actuators

Technology continues to grow and as a result, the world is changing around us. Companies are becoming more technology-based and daily lives are being more automated. So the question at hand is: Are you willing to leap into this automated world and make your home not only more convenient and comfortable but more efficient? You may have seen videos of luxurious homes with automated features that you thought you could only dream about. However, ...

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