What is an electric linear actuator?
An electric linear actuator is a slider-type actuator in which a guided moving table (slider) is driven by an electromechanical transmission system such as a toothed belt or precision ball screw. These electric axes are commonly used where controlled, repeatable linear positioning is required, particularly in high-speed transfer, pick-and-place and inspection equipment.
SMC’s linear electric actuators
SMC’s slider-type electric linear actuators deliver precise, smooth and repeatable linear motion for industrial transfer, positioning and handling applications. Their compact, robust construction and controlled positioning accuracy make them suitable for high-throughput automated systems.
Available as belt-driven or ball screw-driven units and compatible with stepper, AC servo or motorless configurations, they provide high speed, high accuracy and dependable repeatability. With horizontal load capacities up to 240 kg and vertical load capacities up to 70 kg (model dependent), plus ISO Class 4 clean-room variants and optional support guides for higher moment loads, the range offers the flexibility required for demanding machine design.
Key advantages of SMC’s slider-type electric actuators
SMC’s slider-type electric actuators are engineered to streamline a wide range of automated transfer, handling and positioning tasks, ensuring the consistent and efficient movement of workpieces across your machine or production line. Main advantages include:
- High-speed transfer and feeding – high-speed movement of workpieces along the line, supported by belt-driven options for long strokes and fast cycles
- High-precision pick and place – precise table positioning (±0.02 mm or ±0.01 mm in high-precision types) ensures stable gripping and repeatability
- Reliable loading and unloading – smooth and reliable motion for robotic cells, inspection stations or machine tools
- Material handling with offset load support – efficient transport of components, including tasks with offset loads when using the LEFG support guide
- Accurate inspection and measurement – accurate positioning for vision systems, gauges or testing equipment
- Clean-room compatible motion – ISO Class 4-compliant models with built-in vacuum piping reduce particle generation in sensitive environments
- Precision assembly and alignment – controlled linear movement for assembling components, fixtures or tooling
- Adjustable motor mounting direction – motor can be mounted in different orientations, providing flexibility when integrating the actuator into compact or space-constrained machines
- Easy integration – simplified installation and alignment reduce engineering and commissioning time.
Drive technology options of SMC’s slider-type electric actuators
Select the most suitable drive technology according to your application needs:
- Belt-driven linear actuators (LEFB): ideal for long-stroke, high-speed transfer applications. The toothed belt system provides fast acceleration, reduced moving mass and efficient operation for horizontal transport and pick-and-place cycles
- Ball screw-driven linear actuators (LEFS): ideal for applications requiring higher precision and controlled movement. The ball screw drive ensures tight repeatability, accurate positioning and reliable performance for inspection, assembly and alignment tasks.
Industries that benefit from Slider-Type Electric Actuators
Slider-type electric actuators are widely used across automation-driven sectors thanks to their precision, flexibility and clean, repeatable motion. Typical industries include:
- Automotive manufacturing – part transfer, assembly support, battery production and inspection equipment
- Electronics and semiconductor – PCB handling, optical inspection, delicate assembly and clean-room processes
- Packaging machinery – high-speed pick and place, labelling, case packing and product transfer
- Food and beverage – clean, oil-free movement for packaging, dosing and inspection systems
- Machine tools and industrial equipment – workpiece feeding, tool positioning and auxiliary CNC operations
- Medical, laboratory and pharmaceutical – sample handling, diagnostic equipment and medical device assembly
- Logistics and warehouse automation – small-item transport, sorting and shuttle systems
- General industrial automation – robotics support, testing equipment and precision transfer tasks.
Need help selecting the right electric linear actuator for your application? Contact our experts for personalised advice.
