Alright. Did some more research on those linear actuators....
I don't think it will work well. Since we will be going at high speeds, I read that the 8m Acme rod wobbles a ton with a 1000mm length.

So now I'm thinking that I might have to go back to a belt design (which will probably save some money).
I'm thinking that at that length I might need to go to a GT3 belt and a Nema 23 motor to drive it.

I would then need to upgrade (I think) my driver board for that stepper with the beefier model out there.

Does anybody know a good source for those 12x24" silicone heating mats? I think that might be better than putting two makerfarm 12" heaters end to end....