ACTUATORS

LITANG, Richard
What is an actuator?

An actuator is something that converts

energy into motion. It is responsible for
moving or controlling a mechanism or
system.
Actuator Types

Electric
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
Electrical Actuators

Electrical energy transformed to mechanical

energy
DC Motors
AC Motors
Stepper Motors
Linear Motors
 Electrical Actuators

Electrical actuators primarily consist of

electrical motors
When an electric current is passed
through a conductor placed within a
magnetic field, a force is exerted on
the wire causing motion.
 Electrical Actuators

Advantages
Electrical actuators offer the highest
precision-control positioning.
Can be networked and reprogrammed
quickly.
Quiet
No environmental hazards.
Electrical Actuators

Disadvantages
Initial cost is high
Not suited for all environments
Overheating
Hydraulic Actuators

Hydraulic systems are often used for driving

high-power machine tools and industrial
robots.
Can deliver high power and forces.
May be linear or rotary
Hydraulic Actuators

Cylinder
Hydraulic Actuators

Advantages
Large Force, High Power applications
High power density
Accurate control
Rugged environments (explosive, dusty,etc)
Hydraulic Actuators

Disadvantages
Leakage
Requires many companion parts
Pneumatic Actuators

Same principle as hydraulic actuators

Most common are linear actuators
Not used for high force transmissions or for
accurate position control
Pneumatic Actuators

Low cost and easy to install

Clean and easy to maintain
Low power densities
Only on/off or inaccurate control necessary