Hey everyone! I'm diving into DIY small-scale electronics but I'm a bit lost on terminology. I'm looking for what I think is called an actuator to help me raise and lower a small platform from the top of my desk. It only needs to lift about 2lbs (1kg) or less and should work with the push of a button. I'm in the US and would love suggestions for high-quality sources for these, as I keep coming across either industrial scale options or sources that seem a bit sketchy. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
Yep, linear actuators are the way to go! Just to add, there are also other types of actuators like rotary actuators, but for what you're describing—vertical movement—linear is definitely what you want. You can usually find a range of options on specialized electronics sites. Good luck with your project!
You’re looking for linear actuators! They typically consist of an electric motor that turns a screw drive to create the up and down motion you need. They’re really popular for small projects like yours. Check out websites focused on DIY electronics or robotics to find good options.
Thanks a lot for the tip!

Awesome, thanks! That's helpful to know!