SLA-12K Heavy-Duty Linear Actuator Selection Guide

The SLA-12K converts DC motor rotation into controlled linear movement and can replace hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders in suitable applications. The correct version is determined by the complete mechanism—not by maximum thrust alone.

At a glance: 12,000 N maximum push force (low speed) · 12 V / 24 V DC · 50–700 mm standard strokes (custom on request) · IP66 reference enclosure rating.

What is the SLA-12K?

The SLA-12K is designed to lift, push, pull or position heavy loads. Key capabilities include:

• Industrial motion — suitable for lifting, tilting, opening, closing and positioning mechanisms
• Configurable travel — multiple stroke and installation-length options can match different machines
• Position feedback — optional potentiometer or Hall feedback supports positioning and synchronization
• Manual operation — an optional manual override can support emergency movement during power loss

Typical application areas include industrial hatches, lifting platforms, agricultural equipment, solar-tracking structures, mobile machinery, material handling and automated positioning systems.

12,000 N depends on speed

A lower-speed gearbox provides more force. A higher-speed configuration moves faster but carries less load. Therefore, “12,000 N maximum thrust” does not apply to every available speed.

Simple conclusion: You cannot choose 60 mm/s and still expect 12,000 N. Select the required force first, then choose the fastest compatible configuration.

No-load speed	Full-load speed	Maximum push force	Self-locking force
6 mm/s	5 mm/s	12,000 N	15,000 N
8 mm/s	6 mm/s	11,000 N	12,000 N
12 mm/s	9 mm/s	10,000 N	12,000 N
16 mm/s	10 mm/s	7,000 N	8,000 N
20 mm/s	11 mm/s	6,500 N	8,000 N
25 mm/s	14 mm/s	5,000 N	6,000 N
38 mm/s	24 mm/s	3,200 N	4,000 N
60 mm/s	30 mm/s	2,000 N	3,000 N

Reference values—confirm the final production configuration before ordering.

12,000 N is not automatically “lifting 1,200 kg”

Twelve thousand newtons is approximately the gravitational force of 1,200 kg under ideal conditions. A real hinged, tilted or lever-operated mechanism may require much more actuator force.

The actual requirement depends on:

• The distance between the load’s centre of gravity and the pivot
• The actuator mounting distance from the pivot
• The pushing angle at the most difficult point of travel
• Friction, wind, snow, impact and acceleration
• Whether the actuator is pushing or pulling

What to send us: Provide a dimensioned side-view drawing showing the pivot, load centre, actuator mounting points and fully open/closed positions.

How to choose the correct stroke

1. Measure the closed position — record the pin-to-pin distance between both mounting points.
2. Measure the open position — record the same distance after the mechanism reaches its target position.
3. Calculate minimum travel — the difference between the two measurements is the minimum required stroke.
4. Check installation length — confirm the retracted actuator body fits into the available space.
5. Check alignment — long strokes need careful guidance to prevent rod buckling and side loading.

Do not use the actuator rod as a structural guide rail. The machine should guide the load while pivoting mounts keep the actuator aligned.

Should you choose 12V or 24V?

Choose 12V when:

• The machine already uses a 12V battery
• Cable runs are short
• The supply can handle high peak current

Choose 24V when:

• The machine uses a 24V control system
• Cable runs are longer
• Lower current is preferred
• Several actuators share the system

Reference current may be approximately 3–4 A no-load and 15–22 A full-load at 12V, or 1.5–2 A no-load and 8–12 A full-load at 24V. Size the power supply, controller, relays, fuses and cables for peak current.

Duty cycle protects the motor

The reference configuration uses a 10% duty cycle, with approximately two minutes maximum continuous running time.

Example: A 10% duty cycle can mean one minute running followed by approximately nine minutes resting. Actual cooling time depends on load, ambient temperature and installation.

If the equipment requires near-continuous movement, disclose this before selection. A lower working load, larger drive or different motion technology may be required.

Limit switches, position feedback and synchronization

Reversing DC polarity changes the actuator’s direction. Built-in limit switches stop movement at both ends of the stroke. Advanced systems may also use:

• Limit signal — confirms that the actuator has reached an end position
• Potentiometer — provides an analogue signal related to actuator position
• Hall sensor — provides pulse feedback for travel and speed measurement
• Sync controller — compares multiple actuators and corrects position differences

Powering two actuators from the same switch does not keep them accurately synchronized. Closed-loop feedback and a compatible controller are required.

Installation and environmental checks

• Use pivoting mounts and keep both connection points aligned.
• Do not allow the actuator to carry side load.
• Protect cables and connectors from water entry and mechanical damage.
• Include wind, snow, dust, salt spray and temperature in outdoor calculations.
• Confirm mounting orientation and cable outlet direction before production.
• Do not interpret IP66 as permission for continuous immersion.

The reference operating range is approximately −26°C to +85°C. Confirm load capacity, grease, cables and duty cycle at extreme temperatures.

SLA-12K selection checklist

Prepare the following before requesting a quotation:

Selection item	Information to provide
Force	Normal load, peak load and push/pull direction
Speed	Required mm/s under load or total movement time
Stroke	Required linear travel in millimetres
Installation length	Available pin-to-pin length when retracted
Voltage	12V DC or 24V DC
Duty cycle	Running time, rest time and cycles per hour
Geometry	Drawing, pivot points, angles and brackets
Feedback	None, limit signal, potentiometer or Hall sensor
Environment	Temperature, dust, rain, corrosion and washdown

Need help choosing a configuration?

Include the required force, stroke, speed, voltage, duty cycle and mounting dimensions when you discuss your application. We can help identify a suitable SLA-12K configuration and control solution.

Compare stroke packages on the SLA-12K 12000N series page, read the SLA-12K product family overview, or browse linear actuators.