What’s a Plasma Actuator?

Plasma actuators use ionized gas to create aircraft control surfaces without moving parts or hydraulic systems. They offer greater reliability and maneuverability, but altitude and speed affect performance. The technology is practical and has been tested in wind tunnels at supersonic speeds. A plasma actuator is a form of advanced servo mechanism developed primarily for […]

What’s an Actuator Rod?

Actuator stems transfer mechanical output to the device being operated. They are made of metal, plastic, or aluminum, and their design depends on the actuator type and output torque. Actuators are powered devices used in dangerous environments and where space is limited. The drive rod is a physical link between the power output mechanism and […]

What’s a spring return actuator?

A spring return actuator uses a spring to provide the impetus for its return stroke, simplifying the control system and reducing costs. It offers benefits such as low cost, long life, and reduced maintenance. There are many types available for linear and rotary applications, with adjustable damper valves for precise speed settings. A spring return […]

What’s a Water Actuator?

Hydraulic actuators control hydraulic valves and are used in industrial, HVAC, and refrigeration systems. They convert energy into motion and are commonly used in water valves for various applications, including HVAC systems and data centers. Refrigerators also use water actuators in the form of paddles to dispense water. A hydraulic actuator is a device that […]

What’s a Double Acting Actuator?

Double acting actuators provide bi-directional actuation for secondary mechanisms, powered by electric motors or compressed oil and gas. They are ideal for high torque loads in both directions, while single acting actuators deliver power over half of their actuation output range. A double acting actuator is a mechanical device designed to provide powered bi-directional actuation […]

What’s a Gear Actuator?

A gear actuator uses a worm gear to create motion and is preferred when manual power is used or when power cannot travel backward. It can power various devices and amplify human power. The motion is unidirectional, preventing energy from traveling backward. An actuator is any device that creates movement in a system. A gear […]

What’s an actuator stroke?

Actuator travel is the full length of motion an actuator is capable of and is important when choosing or designing systems. Linear actuators are easier to measure than rotary ones. Incorrectly rated actuators can cause loss of efficiency or serious injury. Fixed stroke actuators have pre-set ranges while others can be adjusted. Measuring stroke can […]

What’s a Smart Actuator?

Actuators allow for indirect application of motion or force, with smart actuators being controlled by computers. They can increase production and reduce human interaction, and their power source is determined by the application and available resources. Actuators are mechanical devices that allow a person to apply a specific motion or force indirectly to a product […]

Tailgate actuator: what is it?

A tailgate actuator opens a vehicle’s tailgate with a push-pull mechanism powered by an electric solenoid, allowing for remote operation and opening before contact with the vehicle. Similar technology is used for self-opening side doors in vans. SUVs often have a two-stage solenoid for opening both the tailgate and tailgate glass. A tailgate actuator is […]

What’s a mini actuator?

Mini actuators are small devices that transform power into motion, such as opening or closing switches or valves. They can be linear, rotational, or piezoelectric and are used in compact machines. They differ from microactuators, which are microscopic and used in circuitry. A mini actuator is a somewhat ambiguous term to describe any type of […]

What’s an Electro-Hydraulic Actuator?

An electro-hydraulic actuator uses hydraulic force adjusted by feedback from sensors to provide precise actuator control. It consists of a piston driven by fluid pressure and a servo system that regulates hydraulic fluid flow. This type of actuator is available in linear, quarter-turn, and multi-turn configurations. It provides a higher degree of precise actuator control […]

What’s a Micro Linear Actuator?

Micro linear actuators are small devices used to move objects in a straight line. They work by converting energy into force and come in mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and electromagnetic types. They have lower load capacity and are commonly used in small electronics and toys. A micro linear actuator is a small or compact device […]

What’s a motorized actuator?

Motorized actuators convert electric motor rotary motion into linear motion for various applications. They use gears and limit switches or stepper motor technology to control motion in one, two, or three dimensions. They are compact, powerful, and accurate, making them ideal for precision applications like camera lenses and machining operations. Motorized actuators are a family […]

What’s an Ind. Actuator?

The term “industrial actuator” is a vague description for an actuator designed for heavy-duty use in specific industries. It can be linear or rotary and powered by electric motors, compressed air, or oil. The definition varies by industry, with some heavy-duty actuators being mid-range in others. They share operational characteristics with lighter weight types and […]

What’s a Pneumatic Actuator?

A pneumatic actuator uses air pressure to produce rotary or linear motion, with the piston being a crucial component. It requires mechanical parts like an air compressor and can be airtight and maintained to prevent force reduction. A pneumatic actuator, also called a pneumatic actuator, is a device made to produce motion through air pressure. […]

What’s a Linear Servo Actuator?

A linear servo actuator provides straight-line motion control based on feedback signals from sensors and a servo controller. It produces a linear motion and is capable of precise control in response to changing demands. A linear servo actuator is a device used to provide straight-line actuation of secondary mechanisms, the extent, direction and duration of […]

What’s a Rotary Actuator?

Rotary actuators produce rotary motion or force through mechanical conversion of linear force. They are powered by hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric systems and used in various applications, including automotive engines, industrial equipment, robotics, and military machinery. Hydraulic systems are the most powerful, while electric systems offer precise control. A rotary actuator is a type of […]

What’s an Elec. Rotary Actuator?

Rotary actuators produce rotary motion from an energy source. Electric rotary actuators are the most common and can use a stepper motor or servo motor to produce fixed or continuous motion. Servos require a position encoder to determine the angular position and are commonly used in radio controlled models. A newer type of electric rotary […]

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