Linear actuators from SMI™ are categorized by their method of traverse.

Profile Rail actuators utilize profile rails as the weight bearing members allowing for excellent straightness and load carrying capability.

Round Rail products typically use Thomson™ shafting and matching ball bushings for motion with minimal friction during travel. Load capability of such products is usually excellent with very good straightness of travel. Butt joining of shafting allows for virtually unlimited travel lengths.

Sliding Elements provide benefit in harsh environments and in applications requiring virtually no maintenance. These products are typically less expensive than Profile Rail and Round Rail systems, but lack the load carrying capability and the straightness achieved with those stage types.

Actuators containing Rolling Elements derive their efficiency from either ball bearings or cross-roller bearings to handle load. In this category you will typically find products that exhibit good to very good straightness and moderate load carrying capability. Most products in this category have travels of 3” or less.

Profile Rail Linear Actuators	Round Rail Linear Actuators	Short Travel Rolling Element Linear Actuators
Sliding Element Linear Actuators	Linear Actuator Packages	Hi-Performance Actuators
End Supported Systems	Belt Driven Actuators	Push & Pull Actuators