HOME  |  PRODUCTS  |  Application Case  |  Key Products  |  CONTACT

Welcome to SIKETE’s comprehensive guide to the single axis actuator, your starting point for understanding how electric linear actuators are transforming factory automation around the world. In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, engineers and plant managers are constantly looking for ways to boost throughput, cut downtime, and simplify machine design, and the single axis actuator delivers on all three fronts by replacing pneumatic cylinders and hydraulic systems with precise, programmable motion. Because these compact modules convert the rotational motion of a motor into smooth, repeatable linear travel, they give you total control over speed, acceleration, position, and force in a way that fluid-power systems simply cannot match. The result is cleaner operation, lower energy consumption, and dramatically reduced maintenance costs over the life of your equipment, which is why industries ranging from packaging to electronics assembly have made the electric linear actuator their default choice. Throughout this guide, we will explain the four main actuator type categories, walk you through a proven selection method, and highlight how ZHEJIANG SIKETE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. can support your project with engineered, factory-tested products.

Common applications for a single axis actuator are more diverse than many buyers first realize, and they span almost every sector of modern production. In packaging lines, for example, our linear motion systems handle pick-and-place tasks, carton erecting, label application, and case packing with rapid cycle times and gentle handling of fragile goods. In material handling environments, the same modules transfer parts between conveyors, lift pallets, index workpieces into machining stations, and sort finished products into different lanes without the risk of shock loading or overshoot. Assembly operations rely heavily on the single axis actuator for screwdriving, pressing, dispensing adhesive, inserting components, and performing in-line quality checks, all while maintaining strict positioning accuracy floor after floor. Even in laboratories and clean rooms, electric linear actuators are preferred because they generate no oil mist, no exhaust noise, and no contamination particles, making them ideal for pharmaceutical filling and semiconductor handling. When you combine this flexibility with the ability to synchronize multiple axes via a controller, it becomes obvious why a carefully selected single axis actuator is the backbone of flexible, future-proof automation.

SIKETE organizes its automation portfolio into four distinct actuator type categories, each engineered to solve a specific class of motion problems, and knowing the difference is the first step toward a successful machine design. The table below is supported by detailed technical documentation on our VIDEO page, where you can watch live demonstrations of every series in action. Broadly speaking, you must decide between a slider type, a rod type, a table type, and a radial cylinder (rotary) actuator, and that choice depends on the direction of the load, the space available, the moment forces involved, and whether you need linear thrust or rotational indexing. Slider and table types carry the load on top of a moving platform, rod types push and pull along an external shaft, and rotary actuators generate torque to spin fixtures, turrets, or transfer arms. Each design has its own strengths in rigidity, stroke length, moment capacity, and environmental sealing, so we encourage you to study all four before finalizing your specification.

The slider type is the most popular category in the SIKETE lineup, and it is easy to see why once you examine its compact, all-in-one construction that integrates the guide rails, ball screw or belt drive, and motor mount into a single extruded aluminum body. Its compact design and high rigidity make it suitable for both horizontal and vertical transfer duties, such as moving camera or sensor heads, shuttling trays between stations, and lifting lightweight gates or guards, because the integrated linear guide absorbs side loads that would destroy a simple cylinder. SIKETE’s advantage lies in our high-speed precision ball screw or belt drive options, which let you prioritize either micrometer-level repeatability or speeds of several meters per second depending on your process. Ball screw slider types deliver high thrust and excellent positioning accuracy for machining and dispensing, while belt-driven slider types offer quiet, maintenance-friendly operation for long-stroke logistics applications. We also offer multiple frame widths and reinforced carriages, so the same basic single axis actuator can be scaled up to handle payloads from a few kilograms to well over one hundred kilograms without redesigning your machine. For engineers who need reliable, repeatable linear motion in a tight envelope, the slider type remains the safest and most economical starting point.

Whenever your application requires direct thrust output in a straight line, the rod type single axis actuator is the engineering choice that most closely mimics a pneumatic cylinder while adding full servo control and closed-loop feedback. This actuator type is ideal for pushing and pulling applications, including stamping ejection, door opening mechanisms, press feeding, riveting, lift-tilt operations, and many material handling tasks where the load is attached to the extending shaft rather than carried on a platform. Because the rod transmits force along its centerline, you avoid the bending moments that can shorten the life of slider bearings, and the integration of a high-quality guide within the unit reduces deflection even under eccentric loads. SIKETE’s advantage on rod-type units is our robust load-bearing capacity combined with a built-in guide that keeps the rod straight and stable over thousands of cycles, eliminating the wear and sag that plague economy cylinders. You can drive the rod by ball screw or heavy-duty belt, with options for guided support when stroke length exceeds roughly fifteen times the rod diameter. The result is a dependable linear actuator that gives you precise force control, the ability to hold position against gravity, and soft start/stop behavior that protects both the product and the tooling. For retrofits where engineers want to replace hydraulics to avoid oil leaks and pump noise, the rod type offers the fastest, least intrusive upgrade path.

The table type, sometimes called a platform stage, is engineered for applications that demand a wide moving surface, generous payload support, and the ability to handle substantial moment loads without flexing, making it ideal for multi-axis stacking and gantry construction. Instead of riding on a narrow carriage, the moving element is a broad tabletop that floats on two parallel precision guide rails, which dramatically increases the effective bearing span and therefore the load moment capacity in every direction. This makes the table type the best candidate when your single axis actuator must carry a vertical gantry column, a heavy dial fixture, a large vacuum plate, or a tool changer, because the wider base resists tipping forces that would bind a slider-type unit. SIKETE’s advantage in this category is our low-profile design, which keeps the overall height minimal so that stacked axes maintain a compact center of gravity, combined with high accuracy arising from precision-ground rails and preloaded ball screws. Integration is easy thanks to standard mounting holes on both the carriage and the base, along with optional bellows covers and cable carriers that protect the drive system from dust and chips. Whether you are building a three-axis Cartesian robot, an inspection gantry, or a transfer station, combining table-type axes creates stable, repeatable motion that holds calibration over months of continuous duty. Our engineers frequently recommend the table type for any critical axis where lost motion or vibration would compromise product quality.

Not all indexing tasks call for a linear push or pull, and that is exactly where SIKETE’s radial cylinder, or rotary actuator, completes the single axis actuator family by delivering precise rotational movement for turn tables, tool turrets, clamp arms, and product flipping stations. A rotary actuator converts pneumatic or electric energy into angular motion over a defined arc, typically 90, 180, or 270 degrees, which makes it perfect for loading and unloading parts, changing tooling orientation, and rotating components between consecutive process stations. SIKETE’s advantage here is precise positioning with zero backlash, achieved through a rack-and-pinion or vane-style mechanism machined to tight tolerances, and all in a compact footprint that fits neatly beside a conveyor or inside a work cell. When driven by a servo motor with an absolute encoder, the radial cylinder can stop at any angle with high repeatability, enabling flexible workflows that a stack of mechanical limit switches could never deliver. Shock absorbers and adjustable end stops are available for high-cycle pneumatic versions, while electric rotary modules offer full programmability of speed and torque. For engineers combining linear and rotary motion into a single station, SIKETE provides selection software and application support to ensure the two movements are properly synchronized. The radial cylinder is an excellent way to reduce the number of separate machines in a line, because one rotary indexer can serve multiple work positions around its circumference.

Choosing the correct single axis actuator is not guesswork, and SIKETE provides a proven selection flow chart that guides you step by step from your required specifications to the optimal model number, saving hours of prototyping and eliminating costly oversizing. The first and most important input is load weight, because the combined mass of the workpiece, the tooling, and any adapter plates directly determines the required guide rail size, screw diameter, and motor torque, and you must always apply a safety factor of at least two for dynamic applications. Next you must define stroke length, since every SIKETE series has a maximum travel range, and beyond a certain length you may need a belt-driven unit or additional support to prevent screw whip and bending. Then you consider speed and acceleration, as high cycle rates demand higher motor power and stiffer mechanical components, while gentle handling of fragile parts favors a servo-driven single axis actuator with programmable acceleration profiles. Repeatability is the fourth pillar of selection; if your process requires placing parts to within ten microns, you need a ground ball screw with an encoder and thermal compensation, whereas simple transfer tasks may accept the lower cost of a belt drive with repeatability around fifty microns. Finally, the operating environment matters enormously, because dust, washdown chemicals, extreme temperatures, and clean-room requirements dictate whether you need bellows covers, stainless steel, special lubricants, or sealed housings for your electric linear actuator.

Once you have gathered these five parameters, you can enter them into SIKETE’s sizing chart, which calculates the dynamic load, the required torque, and the expected life of the ball screw or belt in millions of cycles, and the results let you compare candidate models across our PSH, PSS, PSC, PSM, SK, and PBS series. Dynamic load calculations must account for not only the straight-line force but also the moment loads created by offsets between the center of gravity of the payload and the center of the carriage, and our technical datasheets list allowable static moments in the pitch, roll, and yaw directions so you can verify your design margin. Speed and accuracy are competing goals; very high speeds usually push you toward a belt-driven module, while very high accuracy pushes you toward a ball screw, so SIKETE engineers help you find the sweet spot that meets both requirements without paying for overspecification. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of SIKETE’s free technical support, because our application engineers have completed thousands of sizing calculations across every major industry and can spot issues, such as excessive unsupported screw length or resonant operating speeds, that a general catalog would never warn you about. After you provide your load diagram, our team will return a complete proposal including motor selection, gear ratio, cable length, and recommended controller settings, so you can order with complete confidence on the first attempt. Real-world deployment examples of these sizing principles can be seen on our Application Case page, where we document actual machines built around SIKETE single axis actuators.

Since 2011, ZHEJIANG SIKETE TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. has manufactured precision linear motion components under the SKR brand, and our entire product family is built around four pillars: quality, innovation, reliability, and customization, which together explain why thousands of automation builders worldwide specify our products as their standard. On the quality front, every single axis actuator leaves our ISO-certified manufacturing facility only after passing a 100% inspection protocol, where we verify dimensions, straightness, backlash, noise, and runout on each individual unit rather than sampling a batch. Our innovation efforts are visible in advanced controllers and software that make programming a new axis as simple as filling in a table of positions, speeds, and accelerations, removing the need for specialized motion-control engineers on your staff. Reliability is engineered into bearing selections, lubrication strategies, and sealing details, resulting in a long service life with minimal maintenance, which is critical for installations in remote factories where a skilled technician may not be immediately available. Customisation is our final differentiator: strokes, motors, gearboxes, cables, connectors, and options such as bellows covers, brakes, and limit switches are all configured to your exact needs, so you never have to adapt your machine design around a rigid standard catalog. Every advantage is supported by a global after-sales network that guarantees quick lead times and competitive pricing, ensuring that your capital investment is protected from the day of quotation until the end of the machine’s life. To explore the full breadth of available series, visit our Key Products page where each family is presented with specifications, dimensions, and ordering codes.

Digging deeper into the engineering behind our quality promise, SIKETE operates a full vertical production chain that includes precision machining of the aluminum profiles, grinding of the guide rails, and assembly of the ball screw nuts, which gives us tight control over tolerance stack-up and lets us deliver a single axis actuator with exceptional straightness and smoothness. Our factory has invested heavily in CNC machining centers and laser measuring equipment so that every component is produced and verified in-house, eliminating the variability that comes from buying castings and shafts from unrelated suppliers. This vertical integration also shortens our manufacturing lead time dramatically, allowing standard models to ship within days and custom units to be produced in weeks rather than the months typical of overseas imports. Our R&D team continuously tests new materials and drive technologies, including planetary roller screws and linear servo motors, and these advances are showcased in our company videos on the VIDEO page alongside factory tours that demonstrate our capabilities to prospective customers. Because we export to more than eighty countries, we understand international electrical standards and can supply motors and controllers with CE and UL certifications as required for your target market. When you order a SIKETE electric linear actuator, you also receive complete documentation packages, including CAD models, spare parts lists, and maintenance manuals in multiple languages, so your service team never has to guess about replacement components. Company milestones, exhibition schedules, and engineering announcements are published regularly on our NEWS page, and we invite you to follow our progress as we expand production capacity to serve the growing global demand for electric automation.

When you are ready to move forward, the fastest path is to contact SIKETE for a free consultation or quotation, and your inquiry can be submitted in minutes through the form on our CONTACT page, where you simply describe your load, stroke, speed, and accuracy requirements. To accelerate the process, we recommend downloading the CAD files, operating manuals, and product catalogs from our website, because having the dimensional drawings on hand lets our engineers verify clearances and mounting patterns while the proposal is still being prepared. If you have an existing machine design, you can send us the 3D model or a simple sketch of the mounting interface, and we will confirm fitment for our single axis actuator within one business day. We also encourage you to request a sample unit to test in your application, because seeing and feeling the motion quality, measuring the actual repeatability, and running accelerated life trials in your own facility removes all doubt before you place a volume order. For high-volume or multi-axis projects, SIKETE offers tiered pricing and local distributor support in many regions, and our team can even assist with the design of the control cabinet and wiring schematics to reduce your installation effort. After you place your order, a dedicated project manager tracks your unit through production, testing, and logistics, providing regular status updates so you always know when your equipment will arrive on your dock. Our priority is to make the buying process as smooth as the motion our products deliver, from the first email inquiry through years of reliable service on your production line. For a deeper look at our company heritage, capabilities, and quality systems, please browse the HOME page, or visit our PRODUCTS page to review every series we offer under one roof.

SIKETE believes that a successful automation project begins with transparent communication, which is why our sales engineers are trained to ask the right questions before quoting rather than pushing a single model series. We will ask you about the duty cycle, the ambient temperature range, the required ingress protection rating, and the voltage available at your facility, because these details can change the recommended motor and sealing configuration for your linear motion system. We will also discuss your existing control platform, whether it is a PLC, a dedicated motion controller, or an industrial PC, to ensure our drives and software communicate without compatibility headaches. If your application is entirely new, our team will happily recommend a complete kit including the actuator, motor, driver, and connecting cables, so you have a single point of responsibility for the whole axis. Once the sample unit passes your acceptance test, scaling to full production is seamless because our manufacturing process is repeatable and our inventory of spare parts is guaranteed for at least ten years after purchase. We understand that every minute of unscheduled downtime costs you money, so we maintain a global network of service partners who can provide on-site support, replacement components, and emergency technical assistance whenever you need it. Choosing SIKETE means partnering with an engineer-driven company that has built its reputation on honest advice, competitive pricing, and products that simply keep working, day after day, on demanding production floors around the globe.

A single axis actuator is an electric linear motion module that converts the rotary output of a servo or stepper motor into precise linear travel along one axis, using either a ball screw or a belt drive mechanism. Unlike a pneumatic cylinder, which relies on compressed air and hits fixed end stops or needs complex proportional valves for intermediate positioning, a single axis actuator offers programmable speed, position, and force at any point along its stroke. It requires no air compressor, filter, or regulator, eliminating energy waste and oil mist contamination. The electric linear actuator also provides closed-loop feedback so the controller always knows the exact carriage position, preventing drift and enabling high repeatability. This makes it the preferred choice for flexible, clean, and energy-efficient automation in modern factories.

SIKETE manufactures four main actuator type categories: slider type, rod type, table type, and radial cylinder (rotary) type. Slider types carry loads on a compact carriage and are best for horizontal and vertical transfer with high rigidity, and they suit the majority of pick-and-place and shuttle applications. Rod types extend an external shaft to push or pull a load, ideal for stamping ejection, pressing, and lifting where force is applied along the axis. Table types feature a wide platform with high moment load capacity, making them perfect for multi-axis stacking and gantry systems that must resist tipping forces. Radial cylinders generate rotational motion for indexing turrets or flipping parts, filling the gap that pure linear units cannot cover.

A ball screw single axis actuator uses a precision threaded shaft and recirculating balls to convert motor rotation into linear motion, delivering high thrust, excellent positioning accuracy, and repeatability down to a few microns, but it operates at lower maximum speeds and may need lubrication. A belt-driven electric linear actuator uses a timing belt wrapped around pulleys, enabling very high speeds, longer strokes, quieter operation, and lower cost, while typically offering repeatability in the tens of microns range. Ball screws are preferred for machining, dispensing, and in-line inspection where accuracy matters most, whereas belt drives excel in logistics, packaging transfer, and other long-stroke, high-speed applications. SIKETE manufactures both drive styles so you can choose the optimal technology without changing suppliers.

Start by calculating the total mass of the payload, the tooling, and any adapters, and then multiply that weight by the safety factor of two to account for dynamic forces during acceleration and deceleration. Measure the distance from the center of gravity of the payload to the center of the moving carriage, because this offset creates moment loads in the pitch, roll, and yaw directions that the guide rails must resist. Next, define your stroke length, required travel speed, and target repeatability, and compare these values against the load-moment charts in the SIKETE catalog. Enter these parameters into our sizing flow chart, which will recommend a specific model family, screw lead, and motor torque. For complex cases, our technical support team can perform the full calculation for you free of charge, ensuring the safest and most economical selection.

Yes, a single axis actuator is fully capable of vertical lifting, provided you select a model with an adequate braking system to hold the load when power is removed. In vertical duty, the motor must generate torque to overcome gravity in addition to accelerating the load, so the required torque is typically two to three times higher than for a horizontal application of the same payload. SIKETE offers electric linear actuator options with spring-applied, electrically released brakes that hold the carriage securely in the event of a power failure, protecting both personnel and equipment. Ball screw drives are naturally self-locking only under certain lead angles, so you should confirm with our engineers whether an external brake is needed for your specific screw lead and load weight. We have extensive experience with vertical gantries, lift gates, and elevating tables, and can supply reinforced guide bearings to handle the added forces.

Repeatability depends primarily on the drive mechanism and the quality of the feedback encoder, with SIKETE ball screw slider types offering repeatability down to approximately 10 to 20 microns depending on the series and screw lead. Belt-driven models typically deliver repeatability in the range of 40 to 80 microns, which is more than sufficient for most transfer and palletizing jobs. Positioning accuracy over a long stroke also depends on the screw lead error, thermal expansion, and the resolution of the motor encoder, all of which are documented in our datasheets for each model series. If you require better than 10 microns, our engineers can recommend a precision-ground ball screw with linear scale feedback. We inspect each single axis actuator before shipment to guarantee that the stated repeatability is achieved in real conditions.

Yes, customization is one of SIKETE’s core strengths, and we configure each order to your precise stroke length, motor type, gear ratio, voltage, cable length, and connector preferences. Standard strokes can be extended to any intermediate value within the maximum travel of each series, so you never have to accept a too-long or too-short unit. We integrate motors from leading global brands or SIKETE’s own servo systems, matched to your torque and speed requirements, and we also offer optional features such as bellows covers, scrapers, magnetic switches, holding brakes, and special low-temperature or clean-room lubrication. If your application needs a unique carriage pattern, we will gladly machine custom mounting holes on request. Simply provide your drawings or describe your needs on the CONTACT page, and our engineers will confirm feasibility within one business day.

SIKETE electric linear actuators are designed for minimal maintenance, with sealed ball screw lubrication and self-lubricating guide systems that operate for thousands of kilometers of travel without attention. For standard factory environments, we recommend a visual inspection every three to six months to check for contamination on the rail, verify that the bellows covers are intact, and confirm that the mounting bolts have not loosened. Ball screw units may need periodic grease replenishment on the screw shaft according to the duty cycle, while belt-driven units require a tension check after the first few weeks of operation and then at longer intervals. The motor and controller require no regular maintenance other than keeping cooling fans and vent slots free of dust. Because we inspect 100% of our single axis actuators at the factory, you can expect years of trouble-free operation with very low total cost of ownership.

For standard catalog models with common strokes and motor configurations, SIKETE lead times are typically very short, often shipping within a few working days, while fully customized units are usually produced in two to four weeks depending on complexity. We maintain safety stock of popular components such as aluminum profiles, ball screws, and guide rails to accelerate production for repeat orders. All our linear motion products are covered by a comprehensive warranty against manufacturing defects, and our after-sales team will replace or repair any defective unit at no charge during the warranty period. Replacement spare parts are guaranteed to be available for at least ten years after the purchase date, so you can confidently standardize your machines around SIKETE products. Contact us through the CONTACT page for an exact lead-time quotation for your specific configuration.

Downloading CAD files, operating manuals, and product catalogs is straightforward: browse the relevant product series on the Key Products or PRODUCTS pages of our website, where each model page provides direct download links for 2D drawings, 3D STEP files, and PDF datasheets. If you cannot find the exact file you need, submit a request through the CONTACT form and our application engineers will e-mail the appropriate documentation to you immediately. To test a sample unit in your own facility, add a request to your online inquiry or mention it in your e-mail, and our sales team will arrange shipment of an evaluation model along with the matching motor and driver. We offer sample units at favorable terms, with the cost credited against your first production order. We are confident that once you run your tests, the smooth motion and consistent performance of the SIKETE single axis actuator will speak for itself.