What are the Types Of Actuator ??

 

The actuator uses an electrical or mechanical device to convert the control signal into mechanical operation. They can be operated electrically, manually or by various fluids, such as hydraulics, air, etc.

Automation companies of plants / industrial plants use actuators to operate valves, fluid couplings, dampers and other devices necessary for the control of industrial processes. Examples of actuators include electric motors, stepper motors, hydraulic cylinders, hydraulic actuators, screw jacks and piezoelectric actuators.

If you choose an actuator, it must have the performance characteristics that are mentioned below so that the control system can operate as designed.

The performance characteristics of the main actuator include:

• The actuator must operate consistently and must not be altered by the load.

• There must be a robust industrial design that can operate in a variety of environments without affecting performance

• Minimum periodic maintenance is required.

• Actuators should generally have a more accurate and repeatable positioning than 0.15% of the range

• The actuator must be able to start and stop immediately without downtime or excess position

 

Actuators  that include the performance characteristics mentioned above offer two benefits.

a) Ability to track the request signals from the controller in an accurate and immediate way. This will ensure that the actuator responds exactly as indicated by the controller. In this case, the actuator is not a limiting element of the control loop and shows that the controller can operate optimally.

b) When designed with the above performance characteristics, the actuator is more robust than a normal actuator. They can have a lot of credibility.

Types of Actuators:

•    Electric Linear

•    Electric Rotary

•    Fluid Power Linear

•    Fluid Power Rotary

•    Linear Chain Actuators

•    Manual Linear

a) Electric linear actuator:-

An electric linear actuator is an electric machine composed of a motor, a linear guide and a drive unit. These actuators are used to convert electrical energy into linear displacements through mechanical transmissions, electromagnetic or thermal expansion to provide linear push / pull movement.

Main specifications:

Type of drive, type of motor, mounting configuration, other physical dimensions and electrical characteristics.

Use

• Used by automation applications when the machine components, tools, etc. they require a controlled movement to specific locations.

• Electric linear actuators are widely used in a variety of industries that require linear positioning

Application

Typical applications include the opening and closing of the gate, the locking of doors and the braking operation of the machine.

 

b) Electric rotary:-

Electric rotary actuators are used to convert electrical energy into a rotating motion. An engine is a mechanical electrical drive device, which includes a motor with limited rotational movement and an output shaft mechanism.

Main specifications:

This includes the intended use, the drive method, the output configuration, the number of positions, the mounting configuration and the physical dimensions and electrical characteristics required.

Use

It is used in automation applications where doors, valves, etc. they require a controlled movement to specific rotational positions. They are used in a variety of industries that require positioning.

Application

Typical applications for electric rotary actuators include 1/4 turn valves, windows and robots.

 

c) Linear fluid power:-

The hydraulic power linear actuator is a mechanical device that includes a cylinder and piston mechanism that generates a linear displacement by hydraulic fluid, gas or differential pressure.

Main specifications:

This includes the intended use, the type of fluid power, the mounting configuration, the path length and the force capacity, as well as the required physical dimensions.

Use

Linear actuators driven by fluid are mainly used in automation applications in which the elements require a controlled movement in specific locations. It is used in a variety of industries that require linear positioning.

Application

Typical applications include opening and closing gate, fastening and welding doors.

 

d) Linear chain actuators:-

A linear chain actuator is a mechanism that includes a chain section and a sprocket that is used to provide linear movement through the free end of a specially designed chain.

Main specifications:

The specifications of the linear chain actuator include the intended use, the operating length, the method and drive mechanism, the size of the chain and the mounting configuration.

Use:

It is used in motion control applications to provide linear thrust or full motion.

 

e) Manual linear actuators:-

The manual linear actuators provide a linear displacement through the translation of screws or gears manually rotated. It consists of handles or manual wheels, gear boxes and linear guiding mechanisms.

Main specifications:

The key specifications for manual linear actuators include the intended application, the type of actuator, the drive mechanism, the path length and other physical dimensions as required.

Use:

These types of actuators are mainly used in commercial applications for positioning, such as the manipulation of tools or parts. They have a rotary knob or an operating wheel.