Abstract: Solenoid actuators comprising an armature mounted along its planar edge by ball bearing elements within a stator frame assembly. The armature and stator frame include opposing grooves at the plane of the armature in which the ball bearing elements are captured. The stator comprises multiple pole pieces having conductive ribbon stock wound therearound for connection to a source of electrical power to move the armature on the ball bearing elements within the frame. Fixed axis, variable position linear actuators, variable axis linear actuators and rotary actuators are disclosed as preferred embodiments. Modified embodiments include a stator assembly wherein opposed stator poles are staggered laterally of the actuator centerline so as to be positioned between adjacent pairs of opposed poles. The armature may be flat or may comprise a juxtaposed spaced pair of armature plates which have internested undulations which project between adjacent pairs of the opposing stator poles.