What’s a Pneumatic Rotary Actuator?

Pneumatic rotary actuators use compressed air to produce circular motion, available in various sizes for different applications. They are part of pneumatic systems that rely on compressed air, with low profile models offering up to 30 pounds of torque. Heavy-duty models offer more torque and can handle heavier loads. They can operate in temperatures between […]

What’s a Hydraulic Valve Actuator?

Valve actuators automate valve operation in industrial process industries. Hydraulic actuators are commonly used for butterfly valves, while electric actuators are used for gate valves. Linear actuators are used for control valves. Handwheels allow for manual control. Used in industrial process industries including water, oil and power plants, valve actuators provide automated operation of valves […]

Actuator controls: types?

Actuator controls start, stop, and protect actuators from overload and excessive cycling. Simple manual or automated stop/start systems are used for single function roles, while multifunctional servo systems are used for complex installations. Actuators need to be started and stopped manually or automatically, and actuator controls can be simple or complex. Simple systems can be […]

What’s a Ball Screw Actuator?

A ball screw actuator uses a precision machined lead screw and ball bearings to provide high thrust, linear load movement. The balls are arranged to match the pitch of the nut threads, causing the nut to move up or down its length. The actuator produces linear or rectilinear output motion from a rotating input, making […]

What’s a 12V Actuator?

12V actuators are remote triggering devices that operate on a 12V supply, commonly used in the automotive industry and applications where low voltage devices offer safety and operational benefits. They come in various types of output motion configurations and can deliver significant power. They are used in door openers, engine regulating agents, and even large […]

What’s an SKF actuator?

SKF manufactures a range of electromechanical actuators, including linear and rotary actuators, telescopic columns, control units, and accessories. These actuators are used in various industries and are driven by electric motors with gear drives. SKF offers a wide range of sizes, output ratings, and voltages to meet different application requirements. SKF actuators are a family […]

What’s an Elec Linear Actuator?

An electric linear actuator converts electric motor motion into linear motion using screw, wheel and axle, or cam mechanisms. Different types of electric motors can be used depending on the application needs. Construction techniques can vary, with some requiring a compact design. A linear actuator is a device that generates linear motion from an energy […]

Actuator designs: types?

Actuators activate mechanical devices and come in different designs such as wheel and axle, pneumatic, hydraulic, solenoid, screw, and manual. Choosing a design depends on cost, purpose, long-term goals, and mechanical strength. Multiple actuators may be used for performance optimization. Wheel and axle designs are for interchangeable rotational and linear forces. Pneumatic designs are low-cost […]

What’s a Control Valve Actuator?

Control valve actuators precisely position valves for adjustable control in the chemical process industry. Pneumatic actuators are preferred due to simplicity and low cost, but electro-hydraulic and electric actuators are also used. Valves can be air-to-open or air-to-close, and engineers must consider instrument air leakage for process safety. Manual actuators are cheaper but less accurate. […]

Piezo Linear Actuator: What Is It?

Piezoelectric linear actuators use the piezoelectric effect to convert electrical current into motion in a crystal. There are two types: stepping and continuous acting. Layering crystals can result in larger movements, and reversing polarity can cause the actuator to move in the opposite direction. Some crystalline structures give an electric charge when stressed or twisted, […]

Wireless Actuator: What is it?

A wireless actuator receives its activation signal or power supply via a wireless link, using radio waves or magnetic induction. It is used in industrial automation, manufacturing, and household applications, providing greater mobility and security. There are two types of actuators: power switching and contact switching. The wireless actuator eliminates the need for cables, enhancing […]

What’s a Pressure Actuator?

A pressure actuator responds to pressure changes in a cylinder, activating systems connected to the device. It can be found in various devices, including cars and sprinkler systems. Regular inspections are necessary for maintenance, and technicians can replace malfunctioning components. Precautions should be taken before work is started to reduce the risk of accidents. A […]

Piezo Actuator: What is it?

Piezoelectric actuators use the piezoelectric effect to create mechanical stress in crystals, resulting in precise motion at the micro- or nano-scale. They have various designs and are used in industries such as aerospace, medical, and nanotechnology due to their low power consumption, lack of magnetic fields, and durability. The piezoelectric actuator is a form of […]

What’s an Actuator Positioner?

Actuator positioners adjust actuators based on real-time system requirements using inputs from sensors. They are used in various applications, such as naval gun turrets and flow control valves. These systems consist of a full-range actuator, a controller, and an interface unit that compares ideal situations with the actuator’s position and corrects any discrepancies. An actuator […]

What’s a Vane Actuator?

Vane actuators use a straight vane in a sealed chamber to provide actuating motion for valves. They can be single or double-sided, with multiple vanes. They are used to operate large quarter-turn valves and are capable of bidirectional movement. The motion is transferred to the secondary mechanism through the shaft attached to the paddle. A […]

What’s an actuator arm?

Actuator arms transfer the motion of actuators to the device they operate. They can be part of the internal mechanism or separate linkages, with fixed or articulated joints. Actuators range in size and use various driving mechanisms. Actuator arms can be short or long and may require support. The term can also refer to pick […]

What’s actuator torque?

Actuator torque is the amount of twisting force an actuator can produce. It determines the range of loads the actuator can handle, with higher torque allowing for a wider range. Torque is also important in tools and vehicles, where it affects performance. Actuator torque is a quantitative expression of the amount of torque an actuator […]

What’s a Remote Actuator?

A remote actuator is a device that provides motion to activate a secondary mechanism from a distance. It can be powered by electricity, compressed gas or fluid, and controlled by a remote button or computer interface. Remote actuators are used in various environments where physical activation is not practical or safe. They come in different […]

Best small linear actuator: how to choose?

Small linear actuators are used for robots, motion-enabled products, and automatic valve products. Size and weight are important factors to consider, as well as force and speed. Small actuators are useful for keeping robots small and can fit more hardware. The force of small actuators is typically between 400 and 2,000 pounds, and their speed […]

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