SparkFun
Actuonix PQ12-100-6-R Micro-Actuator
The Actuonix PQ12-100-6-R is a micro linear actuator with a servo-compatible PWM interface. Weighing just 22 grams with a 20mm stroke, it delivers up to 50N ...
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The Actuonix PQ12-100-6-R is a micro linear actuator with a servo-compatible PWM interface. Weighing just 22 grams with a 20mm stroke, it delivers up to 50N (~5 kg) of force thanks to its 100:1 gear ratio — making it one of the most powerful actuators of its size.
The PQ12-R series operates as a direct drop-in replacement for standard rotary servos, using the same 3-wire connector (ground, power, control). Whether driven by an RC receiver, Arduino, or other microcontroller, the PQ12-R provides linear motion where a rotary servo would normally go.
Key Features
- Servo Interface – Standard 3-wire PWM connection, drop-in replacement for rotary servos
- 100:1 Gear Ratio – Maximum lifting force of 50N (~5 kg)
- Compact & Lightweight – Just 22 grams with a 20mm stroke
- High Precision – ±0.1mm positional repeatability
- IP-54 Rated – Protected against dust and water splashes
Specifications
- Gear Ratio: 100:1
- Stroke: 20mm
- Input Voltage: 6V DC
- Stall Current: 550mA @ 6V
- Peak Power Point: 40N @ 6mm/s
- Peak Efficiency Point: 20N @ 8mm/s
- Max Speed (no load): 10mm/s
- Max Force (lifted): 50N
- Max Side Load: 10N
- Back Drive Force: 35N
- Mass: 22g
- Operating Temperature: -10°C to +50°C
- Positional Repeatability: ±0.1mm
- Mechanical Backlash: 0.25mm
- Audible Noise: 55dB @ 45cm
- Ingress Protection: IP-54
- Maximum Duty Cycle: 20%
- PWM Signal: Fully retracted 2.0ms / Fully extended 1.0ms @ 50Hz
Ideal For
- Robotics and prosthetics
- RC and hobby projects
- Arduino servo replacement (linear motion)
- Medical and simulation applications
- Compact mechanical prototyping
Package Contents
- 1× PQ12-100-6-R Micro-Actuator
- 1× Mounting Hardware Kit
Resources
Jargon buster
Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.
- DC
- DC means direct current, where electricity flows in one constant direction, as supplied by batteries, USB ports and many plug-pack power supplies. When a product specifies DC, it runs from a DC supply rather than mains AC, so you need to provide the correct voltage and polarity.
- duty cycle
- The fraction of time a signal or power source is switched on during each repeating on/off cycle, usually given as a percentage. It is central to PWM (pulse-width modulation), where adjusting the duty cycle controls things like LED brightness, motor speed or heater power, and on devices such as proximity sensors it can also affect detection range, response speed, accuracy and power use.
- microcontroller
- A microcontroller is a small computer on a single chip that runs a stored program and controls connected inputs and outputs such as buttons, sensors, displays and communication interfaces. In a device built around one, it is the part that executes the code and coordinates the device's behaviour.
- PWM
- Pulse Width Modulation is a way for a digital pin to simulate variable output power by switching on and off very quickly. It matters for controlling things like LED brightness, motor speed, or servo-style signals from a microcontroller pin.
- servo
- A servo is a motor with built-in position control, usually told to move to a specific angle by a control signal. It matters when you need repeatable movement, such as steering, arms, flaps, or linkages, rather than continuous spinning.
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