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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 or process, rather than manually. Individuals can manually control the actuators or steer them with the assistance of software or computer interfaces. Actuators manipulated by programmable logic or computers are known as “smart” actuators. There are many types of actuators available. Two common types include linear or straight motion and rotary or circular motion actuators.
The basic purpose of an actuator is to allow an individual to apply force or motion to a product that would otherwise be moved by hand. Individuals often set simple actuators in motion through the use of a lever or push button, but smart actuators usually require some type of computer interface. This act of incorporating a computer interface provides the ability to monitor certain criteria of a product as it moves along a conveyor belt, such as weight and/or dimensions. Products that don’t meet certain requirements could then trigger the smart actuator to activate or initialize and strategically move the product, for example by pushing it off the belt to another department.
An actuator system is simply a series of actuators that work together to provide completely autonomous handling of a product. The benefits of a smart actuator system like this, or even as a single unit, can include precise repetition; speed or increase in production; and reduced human interaction, which is beneficial for products that may pose a health risk. Another benefit of a smart actuator system is virtually uninterrupted production, as machines don’t require interruptions like humans do. Smart actuators are therefore an efficient way to remove the ‘human element’ from production. The successful implementation of a smart actuator can dramatically increase a company’s profit margin by reducing the manpower required to manipulate its product.
Various actuator applications determine the integral parts of the actuator. For example, manufacturing plants that already have pneumatic operations can opt for actuators powered by air pressure. Conversely, manufacturing plants that already have a number of electric motors in use may choose to avoid additional electrically controlled units for fear of electromagnetic interference.
The availability of actuator parts can also be a determining factor in choosing the right smart actuator for your application. Intelligent actuator motors enable power generation via electricity or hydraulic pressure. Typically, a company’s decision about which power source to use will be most influenced by the power resources currently available.
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