An actuator is a part of a device or machine that helps it to achieve physical movements by converting energy, often electrical, air, or hydraulic, into mechanical force. Simply put, it is the component in any machine that enables movement. It is a machine component that use for moving and controlling a system or mechanism. To perform its operation, An actuator needs a control signal and a power source. They widely use in valves, gates, conveyors, automatic control systems, etc.

What Are Some Different Types of Actuators

Actuators can be classified by the motion they produce and the power source they use.

• Rotary Actuators
• Linear Actuators

Rotary actuators produce the rotating motion to operate valves like ball, butterfly and plug valves. On the other hand, Linear actuators converts hydraulic, pneumatic or electric energy into linear motion to operate valves like gate, globe, pinch, etc.

Source of Energy

To further distinguish different types of actuators, we can also sort them according to the power source or system they use to move. Below are the most common actuators according to energy source:

Hydraulic Actuators

Hydraulic actuators operate by the use of a fluid-filled cylinder with a piston suspended at the center. Commonly, hydraulic actuators produce linear movements, and a spring attach to one end as a part of the return motion. These actuators are widely seen in exercise equipment such as steppers or car transport carriers

Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic actuators are also commonly used. In this case, energy formed from high-pressure compressed air or vacuum is converted into rotary or linear motion. For main engine controls, this is the preferred choice because this actuator responds quickly in both starting and stopping since operation does not depend on reserved power.

With a pneumatic actuator, significant forces can produce using slight pressure changes. Typically, the forces involve valves used to move diaphragms whereby the flow of liquid through the valve is affected.

Electric Actuators

Electric actuators, require electricity to work. Well-known examples include electric cars, manufacturing machinery, and robotics equipment. Similar to pneumatic actuators, they also create precise motion as the flow of electrical power is constant.

The different types of electrical actuators include:

• Electromechanical actuators: These actuators convert electric signals into rotary or linear movements and may even be capable of a combination of both.
• Electrohydraulic actuators: This type of actuator is also powered electrically but gives movement to a hydraulic accumulator. The accumulator then provides the force for movement, usually seen in heavy industrial equipment.

Thermal and Magnetic Actuators

Thermal and magnetic actuators usually consist of shape memory alloys that can heat to produce movement. The motion of thermal or magnetic actuators often comes from the Joule effect, but it can also occur when a coil place in a static magnetic field. The magnetic field causes constant motion called the Laplace-Lorentz force. Most thermal and magnetic actuators can produce a wide and powerful range of motion while remaining lightweight.

Mechanical Actuators

Some actuators are mostly mechanical, such as pulleys or rack and pinion systems. Another mechanical force apply, such as pulling or pushing, and the actuator will leverage that single movement to produce the desired results. For instance, turning a single gear on a set of rack and pinions can mobilize an object from point A to point B. The tugging movement applied on the pulley can bring the other side upwards or towards the desired location.

Supercoiled Polymer Actuators

Supercoiled polymer actuators are a relatively new addition to the different types of actuators. They use in robotics and prosthetic limbs as they can replicate the motion of human muscle via a coil that contracts and expands when heated or cooled.

Supercoiled Polymer Actuators

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