What are Actuators and how are they Used?
Actuators are important components for the operation of machinery, allowing for actions to be carried out through the use of control signals and energy. From the simple operation of opening a valve to rotating an automobile wheel, actuators serve many roles and applications with their various types. Additionally, actuators can be powered through multiple means such as hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, and electrical current. Due to their simple but crucial role in the operation of machinery and systems, understanding their functionality and varying types can be useful for ensuring that the right components are chosen for a given application.
A hydraulic actuator, otherwise known as a linear hydraulic motor, is one type of mechanical actuator that can be used to create force for carrying out various processes through the use of pressurized fluids. For a typical hydraulic actuator assembly, a cylinder contains a piston rod that can move back and forth, allowing it to serve as the motor of the system. With a connected hydraulic pump, pressurized oil can be sent to the cylinder to move the piston, causing it to undergo a stroke for actuating various processes. Through the use of pressurized oils within an enclosed system, high amounts of thrust can be achieved by the actuator at rapid speeds.
Depending on the application in question, hydraulic cylinders often come in either the form of a tie rod style or welded body style cylinder. With the tie rod cylinder, industrial factory machinery benefit from the use of high strength threaded steel rods. While not very customizable, such components do allow for easy disassembly for maintenance endeavors. With the welded body cylinder type, no tie rods are present as the barrel is directly welded to the end caps of the component. With ports also welded to the barrel, the rod seals and assembly can be removed. As compared to the tie-rod style, welded body cylinders can be placed in tighter assemblies, and they can be customized with various parts. As such, welded body cylinders often serve construction equipment, material handling equipment, heavy industry machinery, and more.
Somewhat similar to the hydraulic actuator, the pneumatic actuator utilizes compressed fluids for carrying out operations, albeit with gases instead of liquids. With a piston and diaphragm for the assembly, air pressure can exert force on the parts to cause actuator valves to move or rotate. Although little pressure is needed for the actuation of the valve, the resulting force is multiplied by the valve itself and is directly affected by the size of the piston. As such, the pressure generated by the actuator valve can range from enough to compress small objects to a large force that can lift a car. With the ability to produce rotary and linear motions for actuation, such components often serve well for operating manufacturing systems, valves, and clamping machinery. Additionally, pneumatic actuators often serve as the cheapest option of the three main types.
As the most recent type between the three, electric actuators come in the form of electromechanical actuators, electrohydraulic actuators, and linear motors. With electromechanical actuator types, linear movement can be achieved through the harnessing of rotational forces provided by a rotary motor. As compared to other actuator types, the electromechanical actuator has high accuracy and requires little maintenance. With the electrohydraulic actuator, an electric motor is used to drive a hydraulic accumulator, allowing for the component to operate similarly to hydraulic components. Oftentimes, such actuators are used for multi-turn valves, excavation equipment, and more. Lastly, the linear motor is somewhat different from the standard electromechanical actuators due to its ability to generate a linear force across its length. As such, the linear motor has an extremely long service life, and it has the highest levels of speed, accuracy, and control. Despite this, they are also the most expensive option, and may not provide a perfect fit for most assemblies.
Through the use of actuator switch components, actuator valves, and other actuator assemblies, machinery and systems can operate with ease while carrying out their tasks. At ASAP Aviation Stock, we can help you secure the actuator parts that you need with competitive pricing and rapid lead-times on everything that we offer. Get started today with a personalized quote on the parts that you are interested in when you fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form as provided through our website.
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