What’s a gate valve actuator?

Gate valve actuators are mechanical devices used to remotely open and close gate valves, driven by electric motors. These actuators are commonly used in unattended or remote installations. Gate valves are fluid control mechanisms that use a flat, round disc or gate to obstruct or open the fluid flow path. Motorized gate actuators consist of […]

What’s a Screw Actuator?

A screw actuator converts rotary motion into linear output motion by transferring the rotation of a motor to a threaded rod with a coarse screw-type thread. Lead screws are commonly used for this purpose and are machined to tighter tolerances for smoother output action. The screw actuator is efficient and cost-effective but has limited torque […]

Butterfly valve actuator: what is it?

A butterfly valve actuator is a device used to remotely open and close butterfly valves, which only require a quarter turn. They are typically electric or hydraulic and have limit switches to control the range of motion and overtorque protection. Butterfly valves are commonly used in industrial and domestic installations and can be manually operated […]

What’s a Thermal Actuator?

Thermal actuators convert energy into motion without an external power source. They react to temperature changes and can be used in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and agriculture. They come in different sizes and materials and are resistant to shock and vibration. Actuators are simply devices used to convert energy into motion. A thermal actuator […]

What’s actuator sizing?

Actuator sizing is crucial for efficiency, proper device function and avoiding damage. It involves selecting an actuator mechanically suitable for mountings, shaft dimensions, output specifications, torque, drive type and range of motion requirements. When planning new installations or upgrading existing ones, comprehensive actuator sizing should be undertaken, including consideration of mounting and drives, power ratings […]

What’s a Pneumatic Linear Actuator?

A pneumatic linear actuator uses compressed gas to move in a straight line. It has a piston inside a cylinder and can produce force based on the size of the piston and pressure of the gas. It is simple, fast, and used in manufacturing and safety devices, but lacks precision and lifting power. A pneumatic […]

What’s a Moving Coil Actuator?

Moving coil actuators use electromagnetic force to control motion for secondary mechanisms. They differ from solenoids as the coil moves within an array of static magnets, producing bi-directional motion. They can be configured to produce linear and rotary outputs and can be part of a servo system. A common use is in computer hard drives […]

What’s an Elec Actuator?

Electric actuators use an electric motor to provide linear or rotary output and are used in various applications, including door and valve control. They can be powered by compressed air, high-pressure oil, or electric motors. Linear actuators use a gear or lead screw arrangement, while rotary actuators use gears, cams, or direct connections. They are […]

What’s a gas actuator?

Gas actuators use gas pressure to move a piston or similar mechanism for actuation. They are used in industries with a ready supply of gas, such as oil refining, and can provide linear or rotary outputs. Gas actuators are used in hazardous environments where personnel cannot operate mechanisms. They require a high-pressure gas source to […]

What’s a DC Linear Actuator?

DC linear actuators are electromagnetic devices that use direct current (DC) power to create linear motion. They are used in various industries and environments, such as machine actuators, door controllers, and TV lifts. They operate using gear or worm arrangements and come in various sizes and power outputs. DC installations offer benefits such as low […]

What’s a Ball Valve Actuator?

Ball valve actuators are mechanical devices used to remotely or automatically open and close ball valves. They are part of a family of quarter-turn actuators and are powered by electric motors, compressed air, or oil. Ball valves are commonly used in various industries and require only a 45-degree turn to open or close. Ball valve […]

What’s a cylinder actuator?

Barrel actuators convert air, fluid pressure or electrical energy into mechanical motion, used to move, lift, lower or grasp objects. They come in air, hydraulic and electric motor driven variants, with different advantages. Actuator cylinders have a piston moved by air or oil pressure, and are available in rotary or linear motion. Electric actuators are […]

What’s a Coil Actuator?

Coil actuators are electromagnetic devices that move objects quickly and stop on demand. They come in various types and sizes and are used in consumer electronics, manufacturing assembly lines, medical equipment, and computer hard drives. Moving coil and rotary spool/wishbone actuators are the simplest types. They are also used in speakers and medical equipment to […]

What’s an AC Actuator?

AC actuators are mechanical switches activated by alternating current. They can be used in various applications, from automotive controls to industrial components. They transform electrical energy into mechanical motion and can vary in size and power. DC actuators are also common, and they range from small portable CD changers to heavy-duty actuators that produce up […]

What’s a quick actuator?

Fast actuators are electromagnetic devices used in applications such as automotive valve actuation and mail sorting, requiring response times of 10 milliseconds or less. Actuation force and stroke length are key design parameters to achieve fast response times. Mechanical actuators cannot produce sub-10 millisecond response times. A fast actuator is an electromagnetic actuating device capable […]

What’s a Linear Actuator?

Linear actuators convert non-linear energy into linear motion using various primary energy sources such as electric motors, fluid and air pressure, and thermal expansion. They are used in a range of applications from door openers to heavy machine actuators. Different types of linear actuators include rotary source, linear cam, hydraulic and pneumatic, and less frequently […]

What’s a sliding door actuator?

Sliding door actuators are motorized devices with pulleys and belts that open and close sliding doors. They have guard mechanisms and sensors to prevent collisions and are commonly used in homes, shops, and commercial complexes. The most common type is the belt and pulley actuator, which consists of an electric motor, reduction gear, and timing […]

What’s a sliding door actuator?

Sliding door actuators are motorized devices that open and close sliding doors and gates. They use a belt and pulley system with brackets attached to the door, and have guard mechanisms to prevent collisions. They are commonly used in homes, shops, and commercial buildings, and have sensors for automated operation. The most common type is […]

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