We are surrounded by different machines and almost all of them have actuators. Right from industrial devices, electronic access control systems, household appliances, and mobile phone vibrators to robots – actuators are present in all these systems.
An actuator is an integral part of a machine or a device since it helps in enabling movement. The physical movement within a machine takes place by energy conversion. Simply put, hydraulic, air or electrical energy gets transformed into mechanical energy and the machine can perform any kind of mechanical action.
Actuators find their applications in a wide variety of fields. But all actuators are not the same. Actuators vary depending upon their use in different industries and fields and hence you must purchase the actuator which meets your requirements the best.
This article aims to help you determine the best actuator per your needs. Given below are steps to finding the actuator that would be most suitable for your specific application.
Steps for choosing the right actuator for your application
Choosing the right actuator for your application might not be as simple as it seems. Mentioned below are some steps which will act as a guide for choosing the right actuator for your application.
1. Understanding the kind of movement that is required in the application
You must have a clear idea about the kind of movement that is required in your application project. Does the object or machine require rotary or linear movement? Linear actuators are beneficial in exerting a mechanical force which moves an object in a linear/straight line. On the other hand, rotary actuators help generate circular motion. Hence the kind of actuator you need to depend on the kind of mechanical movement your application requires.
2. Assess the level of precision that you need from the actuator
Precision levels vary from one actuator to another. While some actuators are best for heavy-duty work and work well in rugged and rough environments, some actuators are good for handling smaller, more detailed work. One of the best examples of handling small, detailed work is the packaging of certain products. This job needs precision and accuracy. Moreover, it is a repetitive action, which needs to be done continuously hundreds or even thousands of times in a single day.
Also Read: A Basic Guide to Human-Machine Interface
3. Take into consideration the energy input
There are various factors contributing to the popularity of electrical actuators. Machines with electrical actuators have become more flexible and are sophisticated enough for handling myriad operations. However, electrical actuators are not suitable for all kinds of work. If your work doesn’t include electrical voltage input, you should consider using pneumatic or hydraulic actuators instead.
4. Access the amount of force you require
The main purpose that an actuator serves is either lifting or moving an object. You must first find out the weight of the object that you need to move or lift. Every actuator has a load capacity, indicating the maximum amount of weight it can lift or move. Load capacities vary from one actuator to the other, though the actuators might have a resemblance in appearance. While buying an actuator, check that the object’s weight is in sync with the actuator’s load lifting or moving capacity.
5. Ascertaining the speed of the actuator
Depending on the project you are working on, the speed of the actuator is an important consideration that you have to keep in mind. Generally, projects, where actuators have to exert high force will move slowly when compared to the ones which generate low force. The measurement of the speed of an actuator is done in distance covered per second.
6. Find out the distance till which the object has to be moved
Stroke length is the technical term for the distance to which the object can be moved by an actuator. When choosing the right actuator, this distance is an extremely crucial factor. Actuators are available in different stroke lengths and this length should also act as one of the decisive factors when you are purchasing an actuator for your project or application.
7. Understanding the operating environment
While choosing an actuator for your application, do not forget to check the operating environment of the device. Find out if the actuator will be able to function in a dusty environment, if humidity poses a problem in operating the actuator, or if the actuator can work in an environment that is rugged and rough. It is advisable that you look for an actuator which has a high protection rating as it would be suitable for all kinds of conditions.
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8. Understand and then decide on the mounting style
There are different mounting styles of actuators which are available in the market. Before you decide to purchase an actuator for your project or application, make sure that you understand the kind of mounting of the actuator. One of the best examples is that of a linear electric actuator with a dual-pivot mounting method. With this mounting method, the device can pivot on both sides while retracting and extending. An application or project with this actuator will move on a fixed path and will also have two free pivot points.
Wrapping it up
Actuators are an important part of any machinery, be it industrial or home appliances. Even though actuators find extensive use in all industries, it is not easy to choose an actuator that is most suitable for an application. The reason is the sheer variety of actuators available in the market for different functions. Hopefully, the above steps would help you find the right actuator that would be most suited for your project or application.
When it comes to purchasing the best quality actuators, nothing can beat the Schneider Electric store. There are many companies manufacturing various kinds of actuators for different purposes and myriad industries. However, among all the companies, Schneider Electric stands out for being a leading name that is trusted by all. The company manufactures high-quality valves and valve actuators for various uses. The products offered by Schneider Electric are high in versatility and performance levels, serving the purpose of the customer well.
Do visit the official website of the Schneider Electric eshop to know more about the company and the various products it deals with, including actuators.
