Actuator is a device designed to convert a form of energy into mechanical motion. The term is derived from the Latin actuare, meaning “a driving force”. It is used in a wide array of applications, from robotic arms to automobile brakes and engines. Generally, actuators are powered by an electric current, pneumatic pressure, or hydraulic pressure.
Actuators are used for a variety of purposes, such as providing manual control of computer components or providing motion control. Most commonly, actuators are used to open and close ports, change the flow of fluid, and control electrical devices. They are also used in medical applications to move surgical instruments, and for vacuum technology in industrial applications.
Actuators come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but all operate on the same principle: converting energy into motion. The most common type of actuator is a solenoid. It is powered by an electric current that creates a magnetic field. This field attracts a metal armature, which is plunger-like, and causes it to move, allowing the actuator to accomplish its task.
Pneumatic actuators are powered by an air-compressed force, while hydraulic actuators are powered by fluid pressure. Both types allow for precise movement, and are frequently used to open and close valves in pipes and operate machinery. Electric actuators are powered by electricity and are used in a wide variety of applications, including motor control and robotics.
There are two main types of actuators: linear and rotary. Linear actuators move along straight linear paths, while rotary actuators move in a circular arc. Both types are commonly found in aerospace, automotive, and defense industries.
Actuators are an essential component of machines and robotics, and they will become even more important as technology continues to evolve. From simple household devices to more complex industrial machines, they provide the motion that allows them to accomplish their purpose.
