Do you need a device that transforms any energy into an automated process in your industry? So you need special actuators for industrial and manufacturing applications, don’t you know what an actuator is? In this note, we will share all the information you need to know.
When defining what an actuator e.g., Danfoss is, we must begin by explaining that it is an essential mechanical device that provides force to move or “actuate” another mechanical device. The controller generates a response by receiving an impulse and converting it into action. The force that an actuator cause comes from three different sources: pneumatic pressure, hydraulic pressure, and electrical motive force. An actuator is named according to the origin of the force.
Types Of Actuators
It is not only necessary to know what an actuator is but to know the classifications it has. According to the application that will be given, there are actuators of different sizes, styles, and modes of operation.
First, it must be taken into account that the actuators can be linear and rotary. The linear ones convert the energy in straight linear movements; this serves to push or pull, while the rotary ones convert the energy into balanced movements and are used in butterflies or ball valves.
Mechanical Actuators: They work by converting a type of movement (rotary or linear). They combine different components to operate, such as gears, pulleys, chains, springs, and rails.
Pneumatic Actuators: Their energy source is compressed air; this allows them to respond quickly to starting and stopping operations. They are safe, powerful, reliable, and cheap.
Hydraulic Actuators: They use liquids such as oils to generate movements where greater force is required to handle heavy loads.
Electric Actuator: These are clean, easy to use, and readily available. They require energy from an external source (battery) to drive a motor and convert electrical energy into mechanical force.
Thermal Actuators: As the name implies, they use thermal or magnetic energy to move. They are characterized by being light, very economical, and provide high power density.
Actuator Benefits
Actuators are an excellent option to facilitate the management of electrical systems on drives or mechanisms since they are self-regulating. Now that you know the types of actuators, you can choose what best suits your needs.
Actuators in the industry benefit from energy transmission from devices such as valves, motors, switches, and pumps; to function, they depend largely on them.
