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The Big Picture of Miniature Linear Actuators

When you think about it, our society is a little strange. We want things to be bigger and better, but still fit into a tiny little package. We want the best technology in every product, but still have it small enough to be able to fit in our purses and pockets.  We expect that new products will come out that exceed our every expectation, look and feel thin and are very easy to carry. This double standard is true when talking about most electronics, cell phones, mp3 players and digital cameras. We crave “bigger” technology without “bigger” products.

The hero behind making all of this “downsizing” possible is the miniature linear actuator. A common place where you see a mini actuator at work is the opening and closing of a small digital camera lens. Miniature actuators are usually computer controlled, and are found in consumer items like camera lenses, small components of toys, and in the machines that are used to build those toys.

Many people may associate “mini” with “less powerful”, but don’t let that assumption drive you away from the miniature actuator. Its small size does nothing to take away from its capabilities. Miniature linear actuators operate in basically the same way as a normal sized linear actuator, but come with their own set of distinct advantages.

The advantages of a miniature linear actuator are obviously centered on the size. Because it is made so small, it is able to fit in a variety of objects that a normal linear actuator could not. Their small size and powerful capabilities make them an excellent choice for manufacturing in a space that is limited. I guess the moral of the story is that miniature actuators may be small, but they will not be ignored.