Stepper Linear Actuators

When to Use

Use a lead screw actuator over a ball screw or can stack when you need a balance of moderate precision, higher load capacity than a can stack, lower cost than a ball screw, and the ability to self-lock without power for holding position.

External: Ideal when the nut moves along a fixed screw; allows long travel and integrates easily with external support or guides.
Ex. Moving the sample tray or pipette head in a high-throughput liquid handling robot

Non-Captive: Best for long-stroke, high-speed applications where the screw moves through the motor, great for compact designs needing external guidance.
Ex. Adjusting the vertical movement of a PCR machine heating block

Captive: Self-contained and simple to install, great for short-stroke applications where space is limited and no external guidance is desired.
Ex. Driving the plunger motion in a small portable blood analyzer

Electric Cylinder: Replaces pneumatic cylinders, perfect for high-force, maintenance-free applications needing closed-loop control and compact packaging.
Ex. Controlling the open/close motion of a biosafety cabinet shield

When to Use

Choose a ball screw actuator over a lead screw when your application demands higher precision, greater load capacity, and longer duty cycle life with minimal wear.

External: Ideal when the nut moves along a fixed screw; allows long travel and integrates easily with external support or guides.

Ex. Moving reagent trays in a large-scale DNA sequencing machine

When to Use

Use an IP54 stepper linear actuator when your application needs added protection from dust, debris, or light moisture while still maintaining precise linear motion.

Ex. Medical devices, lab automation, packaging equipment, and inspection systems exposed to dust or minor splash conditions.

When to Use

Use a can stack stepper linear actuator instead of a hybrid lead or ball screw actuator when you need a compact, cost-effective solution for lower-force, shorter-travel applications where space and simplicity are key.

External: Use when you need the motor to stay stationary while the screw extends and retracts externally for longer travel and easier mounting.
Ex. Extending a pipette arm

Non-Captive: Use when you need the screw to pass through the motor body, allowing for flexible integration into assemblies where the motion path needs to be controlled externally.
Ex. Driving the z-axis height adjustment on a 3D printer bed

Captive: Use when you want a fully self-contained actuator where the motor drives an internal screw and shaft to move in and out, ideal for compact designs without additional guiding mechanisms.
Ex. Door locks, on/off valves, etc.