Mechanical Actuator: What is it?

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A mechanical actuator is a device designed to remotely control or move a secondary mechanism using an external power source, which may include electric current and high pressure gas or oil. The internal mechanisms used to convert input power into working motion differ depending on the intended output orientation and the specific power source used. They include gears, hydraulic rams and lead screws. The orientation of the output motion is linear or rotary and dictated by the specifications of the secondary or driven mechanism. The mechanical actuator is generally more powerful than the electromagnetic types and typically the preferred choice for high torque applications such as industrial and earthmoving machine parts.

The need to automatically or remotely activate system components is an unavoidable reality in a wide variety of industries, such as manufacturing, agriculture and mining, to name a few. Installations spanning large distances typically include many system components located away from personnel locations. Industries dealing with poisonous, corrosive, or explosive materials often include components located in areas that pose unacceptable hazards to personnel. Many industries have a large number of components that require constant adjustment. All of these and many other scenarios require remote or automated component control made possible by the mechanical actuator, among others.

The mechanical actuator is simply a device that takes a remotely controllable power source and translates it into working motion of power, direction and range to suit the required actuation. The most common power sources are electric current, hydraulics and pneumatics. The actuator power source can be turned on manually or turned on or off by an automated system. Since many mechanical actuators operate completely independently of operator intervention, most include various safety mechanisms to protect against overloading and damage associated with the actuator or system.

Various internal mechanisms are used to translate the power source input into a functioning output. In the case of electrically operated actuators, these include gear trains, lead screws and chain or belt drives. Variations of mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators typically feature captive pistons or vane mechanisms that provide their actuating motion. These actuators tend to be the more powerful types and are most often used on mechanisms with high torque requirements. Hydraulic or pneumatic rotary actuators are also limited in their range of motion, typically producing only one full revolution or less, making them ideal for operating large quarter-turn valves.

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