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An actuator converts energy into motion and can apply force. It can be powered by air, electricity, or liquid and create linear, rotary, or oscillating motion. Muscles are also examples of actuators.
An actuator is something that converts energy into motion. It can also be used to apply a force. An actuator is typically a mechanical device that takes energy, usually energy created by air, electricity or liquid, and converts it into some type of motion. Such movement can be in virtually any form, such as blocking, locking, or ejecting. Actuators are typically used in manufacturing or industrial applications and could be used in devices such as motors, pumps, switches and valves.
Energy sources
Perhaps the most common type of actuator is air powered and is called an air cylinder or pneumatic cylinder. This type of actuator is an airtight cylinder, typically made of metal, that uses energy stored in the compressed air to move a piston when the air is released or uncompressed. These actuators are most commonly used in manufacturing and assembly processes. Grippers, used in robotics, use compressed air-operated actuators to function much like human fingers.
An actuator can also be powered by electricity or hydraulics. Just like there are pneumatic cylinders, there are also electric cylinders and hydraulic cylinders where the cylinder converts electricity or hydraulics into motion. Hydraulic cylinders, which use liquids, are often found in certain types of vehicles.
Many actuators have more than one type of power supply. Solenoid valves, for example, can be powered by both air and electricity. Alternatively, a solenoid can be powered by both hydraulics and electricity.
Types of movement
Actuators can create linear, rotary, or oscillating motion. That is, they can create movement in one direction, in a circular motion, or in opposite directions at regular intervals. Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders can be classified as single-acting cylinders, which means that the energy source causes movement in one direction and a spring is used in the other direction. Alternatively, these cylinders can be double-acting cylinders, meaning that energy is used in two directions.
Muscles as actuators
While actuators are typically discussed in terms of mechanical tools, muscles are sometimes given as an example of actuators. Energy is converted by the muscle into movement. For example, the calories in the food a person consumes represent the energy that can be used by his muscles, which act as actuators, to create movement, such as running, kicking a ball, or dancing.
