Actuators

Description

Actuators are mechanical devices that are used for the control or movement of a system or a mechanism. In other words, actuators are mechanical devices that take in the energy created by air, liquid or electricity and convert it into a kind of motion. This motion is related to anything from clamping, ejecting, to blocking. Actuators are generally operated by means of air, electricity, or hydraulics. These actuators are used widely in manufacturing industries. Electric solenoids can be used in similar applications, but for shorter-travel actuation.

Types of Actuators

The most widely used type of actuators are the pneumatic actuator and air actuator.

Actuators can be classified into the following types:

In terms of motion:

• Linear actuators
• Rotary actuators

In terms of power operated:

• Electric actuators
• Hydraulic actuators
• Electric solenoids

In terms of applications:

• Valve actuators
• Motor actuators
• Switch actuators
• Pump actuators

Other commonly used actuators are electromechanical actuators, servo actuators, piezoelectric actuators and mechanical actuators.

Advantages

• High speed can be achieved
• Requires moderate power in case of  electromechanical actuators and no power in case of  mechanical actuators
• Even small motions can be achieved
• High performance and smooth operation can be obtained
• Simple in design and so requires minimum moving parts

Applications

• In robotics, grippers use air operated actuators to work like human fingers
• In electronic engineering, actuators transform an electric signal (input signal) into motion
• In virtual instrumentation, actuators are used as hardware complements to act as real world objects
• In HVAC, linear actuators are used to control the valve, which in turn activates the hot water circuit to heating position
• Linear Actuators are employed to achieve linear motion in the industries such as medical, laboratory, automotive and integrated electronics