Linear Actuator Force Calculator

Your details

Inclined: actuator moves load up a ramp. Horizontal: flat surface, friction only. Vertical: pure lift against gravity.
Total mass of the object the actuator must move.
kg
Angle of the ramp or surface from horizontal.
deg
Friction between load and inclined surface. Typical steel-on-steel: 0.15-0.20; roller guide: 0.02-0.05.
The total linear travel distance the actuator must cover.
m
Time to complete one full stroke. Shorter times mean higher acceleration and more force.
s
Multiplier applied to the calculated force for the design force. Industry standard is 1.5-2.0 for most applications; 2.5-3.0 for shock loads.
Design force (with safety factor)Heavy duty (500-2000 N)
661.4N

Minimum actuator rated force after applying the safety factor

Required force (raw)330.7N
Gravity component245.2N
Friction force84.9N
Inertia force0.6N
Actuator velocity0.06m/s
Actuator acceleration0.012m/s^2
Gravity245.2
Friction84.9
Inertia0.6

Design force: 661.4 N (raw: 330.7 N)

  • The gravity component dominates at 245.2 N (74% of raw force).
  • A safety factor of 2x raises the raw 330.7 N to a design force of 661.4 N.
  • Average actuator speed required: 0.060 m/s.

Next stepSelect an actuator rated above the design force. Always verify rated force at the required speed, as actuator force typically drops with increasing velocity.

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