Actuators

An actuator is a mechanical device for moving or controlling a mechanism or system. An actuator typically is a mechanical device that takes energy, usually transported by air, electric current, or liquid, and converts that into some kind of motion.

Actuators are devices designed to convert energy into motion. For different types of
actuators energy comes in different forms: mechanical, electrical and potential energy stored in compressed liquids or gasses.

Most commonly, actuators are used to achieve either linear or rotational motion and when connected to other components a wide range of applications can be covered. Click on this link to see some common applications actuators can be used for.

Based on the energy source, linear actuators are categorized primarily as electromechanical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic.

Both pneumatic and hydraulic actuators utilize the pressure pushing against a piston to produce force and potion. In the case of hydraulic actuators pressure arises in the form of compressed liquid and in the case of pneumatic actuators in the form of gas.

Mechanical actuators convert one type of motion into another. In the case of linear
mechanical actuators rotational motion is converted into linear using a gears or screws. Electro-mechanical linear actuators utilize motors to produce rotational motion which is then converted into linear motion using screws, gears or other mechanical elements.