The actuators play an essential role in the automation industry. It is one of the important constituents which help to convert an electrical signal into physical action. The actuator is typically used in the automation industry. Actuators require various sources of energy which can be used to control the motion with the help of multiple sources of energy. In automaton industry actuators play an essential role to start and stop the engine.
The actuators are used for controlling the valves, pumps, positioning drives, motor, etc. The actuators work with the help of source power to facilitate the motion. Each and every actuator is used with a specific purpose.
Types of Actuators in Automation Industry
There are many types of actuators manufactured for automation industry such as electric, pneumatic, linear actuators available in the market which works on different power sources. The energy is stored in the form of compressed liquids and gases. Based on their functionality and source power, they are divided into different categories.
Some of them are listed below:-
(1.) Electric Actuator
A lot of controlled system uses electric actuators because they can be easily connected with the power source. Operating them due to the availability of electricity is effortless. Electrical energy creates motion in actuators to create mechanical torque. It is very easy to diagnose a problem with electric actuators. They are hazardous if not handled carefully under proper guidance.
(2.) Hydraulic Actuator
As it is evident by the name that hydraulic actuator is also known as an electro-serve actuator. It is used to perform hydraulic machinery with the help of fluid power. They have the capability to move heavy equipment with less effort. They are capable of producing rotary, linear and oscillatory motion. They can generate lots of force to provide mechanical stiffness. It takes some time to offer mechanical guilty. It is a hydraulic actuator consisting of an empty cylinder with a piston which moves to generate motion.
(3.) Pneumatic Actuator
Compressed air is used as a source of energy which converts them into action. They are made with piston and cylinder fitted with valves and ports. There is a diaphragm which protects the piston and keeps the air in the upper portion of the cylinder. Pneumatic actuator like grippers, tie road cylinders, rotary cylinder, and vacuum generators are some of the widely used actuators used in the manufacturing industry. It does not require power storage.
(4.) Mechanical Actuators
This is a type of actuators which is used to convert rotary motion into linear motion. It is done with the help of gears, pulleys, chains, and many other mechanical parts. A car jack is the best example of mechanical actuators. It requires a small input to get a higher output.
Comments
Post a Comment