Load: Are you pushing the weight of a single egg, or trying to lift the entire Earth?
Stroke: Do you need just 1 cm of travel, or up to 1 meter?
Speed: Should it operate slowly, or move rapidly back and forth?
Environment: Will it be used in a humid tropical rainforest, under the blazing sun of the Sahara Desert, or comfortably inside a bedroom?
Mounting: How will the actuator connect to your equipment—through clearance holes, threaded fittings, bearings, or something else?
Other Considerations: Built-in feedback signals, resistance to vibration and shock, corrosion resistance, electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity, low noise operation, synchronized multi-unit operation, etc.
1. Duty Cycle – Usage Frequency
Most people initially consider load capacity as their primary selection criterion. However, when faced with numerous brands and models of linear actuators (commonly known as electric push rods or electric cylinders), duty cycle actually divides these products into two main categories: high-frequency and low-frequency use.
The usage frequency determines the type of motor and transmission mechanism used in the actuator:
High-frequency applicationstypically employ servo motors, stepper motors, or brushless DC motors, commonly found in scenarios requiring continuous, rapid operation over extended periods.
Low-frequency applicationsusually adopt cost-effective brushed DC motors.
If your application does not require frequent cycling, a brushed DC motor may be suitable. Common supply voltages include 12V, 24V, 36V, and 48V. Approximately 80% of Hongba’s electric linear actuator models utilize this type of motor.
Neither motor type is inherently superior—the choice simply depends on the specific application requirements.
2. Load & Speed
The HB-DJ series of linear actuators offers models with load capacities ranging from 5 kg up to 2 metric tons. However, load and speed are generally inversely related: higher loads result in slower speeds.
Each product model has corresponding gear ratio codes. Taking the heavy-duty actuator model HB-DJ805G as an example (see diagram below), if your application does not impose strict speed requirements, we recommend selecting a slower gear ratio. This provides:
Higher load margin and safety factor
Longer service life
3. Custom Stroke Length
In theory, the stroke length of an electric linear actuator can be customized arbitrarily. However, to ensure structural safety and based on mechanical stress analysis, we impose certain limits on the customizable stroke range. Again using the HB-DJ805G as an example (see diagram below):
If your required stroke exceeds the allowable customization range, please contact us at media@wxhongba.com or call +86-510-81018780 for a comprehensive evaluation.
Our team includes dedicated project engineers who can provide personalized customization services for your specific application.
4. Working Environment
Environmental conditions primarily involve two aspects: a. Ingress Protection (IP) Rating b. Operating Temperature
a. Ingress Protection (IP) Rating
This refers to the standard IP code, where:
Thefirst digitindicates protection against solid particles (dust).
Thesecond digitindicates protection against liquids (water).
A higher number means better protection.
IP Code Structure
Solid Particle Protection (0–6)
Liquid Ingress Protection (0–9)
Additional Letters (optional)
Mandatory
Mandatory
Mandatory
Optional
First Digit: Solid Particle Protection
Level
Protected Against Objects Larger Than
Description
0
—
No protection; equivalent to direct exposure.
1
>50 mm
Prevents contact with large body surfaces (e.g., back of hand), but not deliberate probing.
2
>12.5 mm
Blocks fingers or similar objects.
3
>2.5 mm
Prevents entry of tools like screwdrivers.
4
>1 mm
Blocks thin wires, small tools, or insects like ants.
5
Dust-protected
Limited dust ingress permitted, but not enough to interfere with operation; full contact prevention.
6
Dust-tight
Complete protection against dust ingress and contact.
Second Digit: Liquid Ingress Protection
Level
Protection Against
Test Conditions
Details
0
None
—
—
1
Vertically falling drops
10 min; 1 mm/min rainfall equivalent
No harmful effects.
2
Dripping water at 15° tilt
10 min; 3 mm/min
No harmful effects when tilted up to 15°.
3
Spraying water (within 60° of vertical)
10 min; 10 L/min; 50–150 kPa
Tested with nozzle.
4
Splashing water from any direction
10 min; 10 L/min; 50–150 kPa
No harmful effects.
5
Low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
≥3 min; 12.5 L/min; 30 kPa at 3 m
From any angle.
6
High-pressure water jets (12.5 mm nozzle)
≥3 min; 100 L/min; 100 kPa at 3 m
From any angle.
7
Immersion up to 1 m
30 min
For devices <850 mm tall: lowest point submerged 1000 mm. For taller devices: highest point submerged 150 mm.
8
Continuous immersion beyond 1 m
≥1 hour
Depth specified by manufacturer (e.g., IPX8 smartphones often rated for 2 m).
9K
High-temperature, high-pressure water jets
2 min total
Per German standard DIN 40050-9: 80°C water, 80–100 bar pressure, 14–16 L/min, nozzle 10–15 cm away, tested at 0°, 30°, 60°, 90° for 30 sec each while rotating sample.
⚠️ Note: Higher IP ratings do not automatically imply passing lower-level tests. For example, an IPX7-rated phone can survive 1-meter submersion but may not withstand IPX6 high-pressure water jets.
Hongba industrial actuators have a minimum IP65 rating, with options up to IP69K (static)—capable of withstanding high-pressure washdowns.
However, water remains the greatest enemy of electrical components, much like Kryptonite to Superman. If users can add external shielding to prevent direct water exposure, the overall service life of the actuator will be significantly extended.
b. Ambient Temperature
All performance specifications are measured under standard conditions: 20°C ambient temperature and stable voltage. However, actuators may be deployed in extreme environments ranging from –40°C to +65°C.
During selection, always account for operating temperature. Additionally, consider other harsh conditions such as vibration, mechanical shock, chemical corrosion, and voltage surges. Providing a detailed description of your application environment will help us recommend the optimal configuration.
5. Mounting Options
First, measure the available installation space to ensure the actuator fits properly.
Hongba now offers an online 3D model generator. With just a few simple steps, you can easily export STEP (.stp) 3D files for integration into your design.
We also offer a variety of front and rear mounting accessories to suit diverse application scenarios.
Conclusion
The above covers key parameters to consider when selecting an electric linear actuator. Of course, real-world applications vary widely—while general guidelines apply, specific details matter greatly.
For personalized assistance, feel free to call us at +86-510-81011388 or email media@wxhongba.com. Hongba offers free consultation services to help you choose the right product for your needs.
