When specifying a linear actuator for your application, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go with a standard, off-the-shelf unit or invest in a custom-engineered solution. It’s not always a straightforward choice and getting it wrong can mean poor performance, costly redesigns, or unnecessary expense.
Here’s a practical guide to help you decide which route is right for your project.
What Are Off-the-Shelf Linear Actuators?
Standard linear actuators are pre-manufactured units available in a range of fixed specifications, stroke lengths, force ratings, speeds, and voltage options. They’re produced in volume, widely stocked, and typically available for rapid despatch.
For many applications, a standard unit is the ideal solution. CRD Devices stocks one of the largest ranges of linear actuators from a single UK source, supplying electric linear actuators, screw jacks, linear motors, geared motors and more across a wide range of industries from industrial automation and construction to aerospace, defence, and medical equipment. If your requirements fall within standard catalogue parameters, a stocked unit will usually be the quickest and most cost-effective choice.
When Off-the-Shelf Works Best
A standard actuator is likely the right call when:
- Your force, stroke, and speed requirements match available specifications
- Lead times are critical and you need units quickly
- Budget is a primary consideration
- The application is straightforward with no unusual environmental demands
With thousands of component parts held in stock at their UK warehouse, CRD Devices can supply standard units quickly making them a reliable choice for both planned production runs and urgent replacements.
What Are Custom Linear Actuators?
Custom actuators are engineered specifically around your application. Rather than adapting your design to fit a standard product, a custom solution is built to fit your design, addressing specific dimensional constraints, environmental conditions, load profiles, or control requirements that standard units simply can’t meet.
CRD Devices offers a full in-house manufacturing service, taking projects from initial concept through to full production. Their engineering process covers CAD design, prototyping, life testing, stress and functional testing, refinement, and final assembly with strict quality control at every stage.
When Custom Is the Right Choice
A custom-engineered actuator should be considered when:
- Your application has unusual dimensional or mounting constraints
- Environmental conditions are demanding, high temperatures, heavy vibration, dust, moisture, or chemical exposure
- Standard force, speed, or stroke combinations don’t meet your specification
- Precision, noise levels, or duty cycle requirements exceed standard product capabilities
- You’re developing a new product and need a motion control partner from the outset
Sectors such as mobility and accessibility, heavy construction, and specialist medical equipment frequently require custom solutions where standard products simply won’t perform reliably enough.
The Best of Both Worlds
One of the key advantages of working with CRD Devices is that you don’t have to choose between a distributor and a manufacturer. As both a specialist UK stockist and an in-house manufacturer, the team can assess your requirements objectively and recommend the most appropriate and most cost-effective solution.
CRD Devices also takes a hybrid approach where needed, combining standard components from their partner brands with custom-engineered elements. This keeps lead times manageable and costs under control, without compromising on performance.
If a standard unit fits your application, they’ll tell you. If it doesn’t, they have the expertise to engineer something that does.
Talk to the Experts
With over 25 years of experience supplying motion control products across the UK, CRD Devices is well-placed to help you make the right call, whatever your application.
Call the team today on 01388 778400, email sales@crd-devices.co.uk, or visit crd-devices.co.uk to discuss your requirements.