Actuators:
Actuators are mechanical or electro-mechanical devices that provide controlled and sometimes limited movements or positioning which are operated electrically, manually or by various fluids such as air, hydraulic, etc. Two basic motions are linear and rotary. Linear actuators convert energy into straight line motions, typically for positioning applications and usually have a push and pull function. Some linear actuators are unpowered and manually operated by use of a rotating knob or hand wheel.
Rotary actuators convert energy to provide rotary motion. A typical use is the control of various valves such as a ball or butterfly. Each actuator type has versions for various power configurations and come in many styles and sizes depending on the application. Linear chain actuators provide push and pull motions with rigid chains.
Types of Actuators:
There are mainly 7 types of actuators are given below:
1. Electric Linear Actuators:
Electric Linear Actuators are electrically powered, mechanical devices consisting of motors, linear guides and drive mechanisms. It used to convert electrical energy into linear displacement through mechanical transmission, electromagnetism. Key specifications include the intended application, drive type, motor type, the mounting configuration, as well as other physical dimensions and electrical characteristics.
Electric linear actuators are used primarily in automation applications when a machine component, tool, etc. It requires a controlled movement to a particular position. They are used in a wide range of industries where linear positioning is needed. The actuators are driven by several means including ball or lead screws, belts or voice coils, among others. Typical application include opening and closing dampers, locking doors, braking machine motions, etc.
2. Electric Rotary Actuators:
Electric Rotary Actuators are electrically powered, mechanical devices consisting of motors and output shaft mechanisms with limited rotary travel which are used to convert electrical energy into rotational motion. Key specifications include the intended application, drive method, number of positions, output configuration, the mounting configuration, as well as other physical dimensions and electrical characteristics.
Electric rotary actuators are used primarily in automation applications when a gate, valve, etc. It requires a controlled movement to a particular rotational positions. They are used in a wide range of industries where positioning is needed. The actuators are driven by various motor types, voice coils, etc. Typical applications include quarter-turn valves, windows, robotics, etc.
3. Fluid Power Linear Actuators:
Fluid Power Linear Actuators are mechanical devices consisting of cylinder and piston mechanisms that produce linear displacement by means of hydraulic fluid, gas or differential air pressure. Key specifications include the intended application, fluid power type, mounting configuration, travel length and force capacities, as well as physical dimensions as required. It used primarily in automation applications when an item requires a controlled movement to a particular position. They are used in a wide range of industries where linear positioning is needed. Typical applications include the opening and closing of damper doors, clamping, welding, etc.
4. Fluid Power Rotary Actuators:
Fluid Power Rotary Actuators are fluid, mechanical devices consisting of cylinder and piston mechanisms, gearing and output shafts giving limited rotational travel, which are used to convert hydraulic fluid gas or differential air pressure into rotational motion. Key specifications include the intended application, fluid power type, drive mechanism, mounting configuration, output configuration, rotation limits, and force capacities, as well as physical dimensions as required. It used primarily in automation applications when an item requires a controlled rotary movement to a particular position. They are used in a wide range of industries where rotational positioning is needed.
5. Linear Chain Actuators:
Linear Chain Actuators are mechanical devices consisting of sprockets and sections of chain which are used for providing linear motion via the free ends of the specially designed chains. Key specifications include the intended application, drive method and mechanism, actuation length, chain size and the mounting configuration. It used primarily in motion applications for providing a straight line push or pull motion. The chain, when straight locks into position with adjacent links and forms a rigid member. They are available in many sizes and chain styles, as well as chain storage options depending on available space in a particular application. The actuators typically have single driving gears or sprockets that produce the forces required for the push and pull motions.
6. Manual Linear Actuators:
Manual Linear Actuators are mechanical devices providing linear displacement through the translation of manually rotated screws or gears. It consist of hand operated knobs or wheels, gearboxes and guided linear motion mechanisms. Key specifications include the intended application, actuator type, drive mechanism, travel length and other physical dimensions as required. It used primarily in commercial applications for precise positioning such as manipulating tools or work pieces. Manual actuators are unpowered and use a rotating knob or hand wheel to operate. There are several types including those with lead screws, racks and pinions, belt drive, etc. Each having its specific load and drive force capability. Thermo-mechanical actuators are another type and operate by means of thermal expansion usually on a micro-scale.
7. Manual Rotary Actuators:
Manual Rotary Actuators are mechanical devices providing rotary output through the translation of manually rotated screws, levers or gears. It usually composed of hand operated knobs, levers or hand-wheels, gearboxes or threaded nut mechanisms and output shafts. Key specifications include the intended application, drive method and mechanism, mounting configuration, valve type, if applicable, as well as physical dimensions as required. It used primarily for the operation of valves. They are also known as manual valve actuators or valve operators. Valve types can include ball, butterfly, check, and globe valves. Other applications may include any that require limited and controlled rotational movement.