What is Actuator and its different types?
What is an Actautor?
An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, like opening a valve. To carry this out, an actuator requires a signal and energy source. The control signal is relatively low energy and its source could be electric voltage or current, pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, or human power. The actuator receives this control signal and responds, turning the signal’s energy into mechanical motion. There are five common actuators types: hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, thermal, and mechanical. This blog will explain each configuration and what makes them unique.
Hydraulic Actuator
Hydraulic actuators consist of a cylinder or fluid-based motor that uses the power of hydraulics to create mechanical action. The motion created by the actuator can be either straight, rolling, or oscillating, depending on the configuration. Hydraulic actuators are very powerful because of the fact that liquid does not compress well. A great deal of pressure is needed to compress liquid, and this same pressure benefits the function of a hydraulic system. Hydraulic power can be applied to one or both sides of a piston.
Pneumatic Actuator
Another type of actuator is the pneumatic actuator. Pneumatics refers to engineering systems that make use of pressurized gas or air, and a pneumatic actuator uses a vacuum or compressed air to convert energy into motion. This type of actuator is favorable due to its ability to create large amounts of linear or rotational motion with a minimal amount of pressure. Because they are powered by high pressure, pneumatic actuators respond very quickly, making them good for sudden stopping & starting and other main engine controls.
Electrical & Thermal Actuator
The third and fourth types of actuator are the electrical and thermal actuators. Electrical actuators take electrical energy from direct or alternating currents and convert it into mechanical energy. Because this is a clean, widely-available technology, electrical actuators are popular throughout a variety of industries and applications. Thermal actuators, also known as magnetic actuators or shape memory alloys (SMMs), use alloys to create high power & density energy for commercial uses. The main advantage of this type is that they are cost-effective, small, and more lightweight than other types.
Mechanical Actuator
The final type of actuator is mechanical. Mechanical actuators operate by using pulleys, gears, rails, and chains to convert the rotational motion of physical objects into linear motion. A common example of a mechanical actuator is the rack and pinion steering system of an automobile. In a rack and pinion system, a pinion gear is attached to the steering shaft. When the steering wheel is turned, this gear spins, moving the rack. A rod at each end of the rack connects to the steering arm, controlling the wheels. In this setup, the gearset converts the rotational motion of the steering wheel into linear motion that spins the wheels.
Before choosing the type of actuator needed for a particular application, it is important to know the parameters of loading, timing, speed, and stroke length. Other factors to take into consideration are cost, both base and operational, and the environment in which the actuator will be used. Whatever type or model of actuator you choose, AOG Purchasing is here to help.
At AOG Purchasing, owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, we can help you find all the actuator parts for the aerospace, civil aviation, and defense industries. Our inventory of greater than 6 billion new and obsolete parts is readily available to each of our valued clients. We’re always available and ready to help you find all the parts and equipment you need, 24/7-365. For a quick and competitive quote, email us at sales@aogpurchasing.com or call us at 1-503-374-0340.
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