3D printing a linear actuator is a fun and easy project that anyone can do at home (maybe in your 3D printed house?)
With just a few supplies, you can create your own linear actuator that can be used for a variety of applications.
In this blog post, we’ll show you how to 3D print your own linear actuator using readily available materials. Stay tuned for more exciting projects like this one!
A lot of the plans are .step files- so you’ll need a CAD program to open them.
12 3D Printed Linear Actuator Projects
1. Mini Track Linear Actuator.
Mini Track Linear Actuators are developed to be used in places where space is limited. They have no extending rod and in its place is a slider carriage that moves up and down the Actuator’s main body. This makes it compact and more flexible in automation projects.
Where to download: FIRGELLI.
2. Premium High Force Linear Actuator.
This actuator model is based on the Premium Linear Actuator with an added boost in motor size, giving it more force of up to 400 pounds as opposed to the 200 pounds offered by the premium linear actuator. The Premium High Force Linear Actuators retain its predecessor’s compact and versatile body shape. It is maintenance-free and produces low noises operating at 20DB over ambient.
Where to download: FIRGELLI.
3. Optical Feedback Linear Actuator.
Optical Feedback models are robust and reliable actuators with an optical sensor that gives feedback when needed. The Optical Feedback Linear Actuator has no built-in controllers; instead, they have single-phase pulses that act as feedback signals that are input to an external controller. It has a range of stroke options from 1 inch to 30 inches and a force option of 35 pounds to 400 pounds.
Where to download: FIRGELLI.
4. Classic Rod Linear Actuators.
A Classic Rod Linear Actuator has stroke lengths of 1 inch to 24 inches with a force of 35 pounds to 200 pounds. This model works with a 12V input source and fits expertly with the MB1 Bracket, MB6 Body Mountain Bracket, and the MB10 Rod End Bracket. The design has a fixed end-of-stroke limit that is unmovable.
Where to download: FIRGELLI
5. C Beam Linear Actuator.
A-C Beam Linear Actuator is a precise and stable linear actuator based on the C Beam Linear Rail and the C Beam Gantry Plate, providing a large surface for mounting. They have four wheels inside the gantry plate, and an 8 mm lead screw with an anti-backlash nut for movement. It can be integrated into any existing system with ease.
Where to download: OPEN BUILDS.
6. Adjustable Stroke Linear Actuators.
This is the world’s first externally adjustable limit switch linear actuator courtesy of FIRGELLI®. You can easily adjust the end-of-stroke stop position of the Actuator by adjusting the slider on the body. The design also has a built-in limit switch to automatically stop the Actuator at the end-of-stroke.
It has a wide array of stroke options and has force options of 35 pounds to 200 pounds.
Where to download: FIRGELLI
7. Heavy-Duty Rod Linear Actuator.
The Heavy-Duty Rod Actuator models are designed to lift heavy objects, holding forces from 200 pounds to 1000 pounds and stroke options of 3 inches to 30 inches. They have a worm-gear drive mechanism making it highly effective. The design consists of 2 brackets, one on either end with quick release pins for an easy setup.
Where to download: FIRGELLI.
8. Tubular Linear Actuators.
The Tubular Linear Actuator models are designed to look clean and modern. It has two force options of 40 pounds and 150 pounds operating smoothly and is a high-quality linear actuator. It can be used with MB2 Mountain Brackets.
Where to download: FIRGELLI.
9. High-Speed Linear Actuator.
High-Speed Linear Actuators provide movement of loads at very fast speeds in various stroke options. The high speed offered by these actuators comes with a downside, lower force. They offer a dynamic force of 22 pounds, moving at 9 inches per second when the Actuator has no load and 4.5 inches per second when the Actuator holds maximum weight.
The High-Speed Linear Actuator is great when you need to move something quickly and when force is not a priority. They are reliable, smooth, and quiet and can be installed using an MB8 Mountain Bracket.
Where to download: FIRGELLI.
10. Bullet Mini-Series Actuator.
This is a compact and very powerful linear actuator for its size. They are designed with two force options and stroke lengths of 1 inch to 8 inches. The design has an integrated force sensor that makes the Actuator come to a stop once it gets to the end-of-stroke.
MB14 Brackets are explicitly designed to be used with this Actuator. It is the perfect Actuator to use in a Skylight Window opener and Automobile motion control where space is limited.
Where to download: FIRGELLI.
11. High-Load Inline Linear Actuator.
This linear actuator is designed for industrial applications, where it is necessary to move large loads at high speeds. They can withstand high temperatures, high-pressure water jets, and dust. The High-Load Inline Linear Actuator carries a maximum load of 4500N (push) and 3000N (pull).
It has a maximum speed of 2.5mm per second when holding maximum loads.
Where to download: TiMOTION.
12. Twin Spindle Linear Actuator.
The Twin Spindle Linear Actuator is a dual motor actuator that simultaneously offers movement in 2 opposing directions. They have worm gear motors that produce low noise levels. This Actuator is specifically designed for patient and home care facility beds.
They have a max load of 6000N and a max speed of 4.6mm per second when fully loaded.
Where to download: TiMOTION.
What Is A Linear Actuator?
A linear actuator converts an AC or DC motor’s rotational motor into linear motion. This facilitates pushing, pulling, lifting, and sliding with ease. This gives the operator safe and accurate motion control.
A linear actuator comprises a DC or AC motor, gears, a lead screw, and a driving nut that pushes the main rod shaft in and out. Other electronics can be added to improve the stroke limit switching and personal feedback options.
There are many types of linear actuators that you can use depending on your needs. Moreover, you can easily download their CAD models online and print them in the comfort of your home on a 3D printer. This article details 12 linear actuators that you can 3D print and where you can download their CAD models.
Why are linear actuators so expensive?
High-force linear actuators are more expensive than small/micro linear actuation systems. This is because there is more material, a bigger motor, and more gearing involved. Also, high-power linear actuators require large power supplies to provide them with enough juice, which adds to their costs.
Summing Up
These are pretty complicated projects to undertake- if you want something simpler, check out these 3D printed headphone stands, 3D printed articulated slugs, and these 3D printed bookends.
3D printed linear actuators are as efficient as manufactured linear actuators. Suppose you require any of the above-listed linear actuators. In that case, you can easily download the CAD models from the websites provided and 3D print the linear actuator from the comfort of your home.
Hello, my name’s Rush Chapman. I’m a 3D printing enthusiast. I started this site to help people choose 3D printing projects and select the best 3D printer for your needs, whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro!
