Types of actuators?

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Actuators are devices commonly used to make other devices move, and there are many types of actuators that are useful for different purposes. Among the varieties available are the wheel and axle actuator, which uses a wheel to move an axle and cause the actuator to move in a certain direction. Manual actuators have largely been phased out, but are still used in older installations and when users are concerned about cost; with these, operators manually move parts to make the actuator perform its function. An electric actuator uses a motor to move parts of the actuator, and the rotational movements of the motor operate the actuator. With hydraulic actuators, pressure is used to move the actuator back and forth.

Wheel and axle actuators are one of the types of actuators that are based on a very simple mechanical tool. A wheel is turned to start the actuator movement; the axle connected to the wheel also turns. For example, with a doorknob, the knob – representing the wheel – is turned, which causes the internal axle to turn with relatively little force. Modern wheel and axle actuators are often powered by electricity or mechanical means, but this can also be a manual actuator.

Manual actuators are one of the types of actuators that are fully human driven. If mechanical, electrical or pressure-based energy is used to move the actuator, it is no longer considered manual. The operator must move a valve, which causes the actuator to move in the intended direction. These actuators are commonly used for small items and are the cheapest type of actuator.

With the electric actuator, electricity is used to power a motor connected to the actuator. Unlike most other actuators, which have a linear force, this is one of the types of actuators that produce a rotary force that needs to be converted to linear. For maximum precision, stepper motors are commonly used, because the motor can be precisely controlled.

Hydraulic actuators are another of the types of actuators which operate the actuator by hydraulic energy. These actuators have a piston and fluid is pushed in and out of the piston to make the actuator move up and down. Speed-wise, these actuators are slower, because it takes longer for the piston to move. At the same time, this lack of speed can be beneficial, because these actuators work best in fail-safe systems where the actuator must stop immediately.

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