Rotational and linear actuators have an application to move an object or mechanism to achieve the required function. You can control an actuator using a control signal. This article covers various types of actuator and their applications with examples.
What is an Actuator?
An Actuator is a device used to move or control a body or mechanism in a linear or rotational direction by applying a control signal.
Control signals can be electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or any actuation from human beings. For example, Actuator controlled solenoid valves control liquid flow remotely.
Types of Actuators
- According to Type of Motion
- Linear
- Rotary Actuator
- According to type of Power Used
- Hydraulic
- Pneumatic
- Electrical
- Magnetic
- Mechanical Actuator
Types of Actuator according to the type of Motion
We can classify actuators into the following two types according to the type of motion they exhibit.
Linear Actuators
A Linear Actuators move a body or mechanism in a linear direction. In other words, they provide push-pull motion to a rigid body or mechanism.
Rotary Actuator
Rotary Actuators move a mechanism in a circular motion. DC motor, servo motor are examples of rotary actuators.
Types of Actuator according to type of Power used
Here are the five different types of actuators according to the power type used to operate a mechanism.
1. Hydraulic Actuators
They utilize hydraulic power generated by a pump to create mechanical action. A hydraulic actuator consists of a cylinder and piston where the fluid action on either side of the piston, operates the actuator.
We can classify hydraulic actuators into two types according to how they apply pressure.
- Single-acting hydraulic actuators
- Double acting hydraulic actuators
We can get Linear, rotary, or oscillatory motions using hydraulic actuators.
2. Pneumatic Actuators
The pneumatic type of actuator utilizes vacuum or compressed air to create mechanical action. In this, you can get a considerable amount of force with a small pressure change.
Pneumatic actuators are more reliable, safe, low in cost, and quick response. They work similar to hydraulic actuators but utilize compressed air or vacuum instead of liquids.
3. Electrical Actuator
Electrical actuators have applications in automation systems. Linear motion solenoids and Electrical motors are examples of electrical actuators.
4. Magnetic Actuator
They utilize the magnetic effect to generate mechanical force and operate a mechanism. Solenoid or electrical motors also come in this category. We can classify a Magnetic-Actuator into three types:
- MovingCoil.
- Moving-magnet actuator
- Moving-core (ferrous material) actuator.
5. Mechanical Actuators
Applications of Actuators
Different types of actuators have a lot of different applications in automation, automobiles, and machines we use in our day-to-day life. Actuators have applications in the following areas:
In Automation
- Packaging.
- Label Scanning and Printing.
- Control solar panel Direction.
- Linear actuators are used in delta robot controls.
In Automobiles
- Car Bonnet Control.
- Throttle Control.
- Door Locking.
- Window Control.
In Medical Industry
- Ventilators.
- Patient Handling.
Other Machines
- CNC Machines to control tool movement.
- Material Handling machines.
- Robotic Welding Machines etc.
Examples of usage of the Actuators
Following are the examples of the applications of actuators in our day to day life:
Automatic Door Opening
Actuators are used to automatically open or close a bus, metro, garage or any other door. For example, a bus, or metro driver can open the pneumatically controlled door just by pressing a control switch.
Car Door Lock or Window
Central door locking utilizes actuators to lock and unlock cars. And rotational actuators are used to close and open car windows just by pressing a switch.
Automatic Valves
Automatic valves such as solenoid valves utilize electrical actuators to control the flow of liquid automatically.
We will keep adding more details on various types of actuators. Share your suggestions, comments or questions on the different types of actuator in the comment box. We suggest you also read this article on proximity sensors.
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