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Question [AU] sourcing suitable rod for actuator

Discussion in 'Motor actuators and drivers' started by rthorntn, Apr 28, 2026.

  1. rthorntn

    rthorntn New Member

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    I'm basically doing a SRT/SRX type actuator, aiming for 300mm stroke, but having a nightmare sourcing actuator rod, i got some 40mm cold-drawn carbon steel tube from aliexpress, looked pretty nice, was very, very close to 40.00mm, we've been sanding down high spots on the lathe, the LMK 40 LUU bearings (151mm long) just scratch the crap out of it and its noisy AF, it was $50 delivered which would be $300 just for 3m, so not a cheap option, is there a source in AU (preferably Sydney) for hardened precision rod that doesn't cost the earth, what do folks buy to get DIY linear actuators with a decent stroke (~300mm)?

    Or maybe I just run it through a tool-post grinder so there are absolutely no high spots and be done with it.

    My machinist buddy is suggesting having it case hardened, that's going to add a heap of cost.

    I swear I've seen SRX kits on aliexpress with 30mm aluminium pipe sold with LMK, the bearings on an LMK would shred ally.

    Thanks.
    rthorntn, Apr 28, 2026
    #1