Electric Actuator Benefits

Phones, cars, robots and more have something in common: they require machinery called actuators to create motion. Electric actuators are geared motors with varying voltages that create torque, or movement. They are broken into three parts: an electrical winding, armature, and gear train. Simply put, the winding takes in the power supply, which creates a magnetic field that causes the armature to rotate constantly while supplied with power. The gear train works with the motor to create an optimal amount of torque and to control its speed.

Electric actuators are the parts of most machines which create movement; from your phone vibrator to home appliances and factory industrial equipment, they exist nearly everywhere and are responsible for much of the automation of the world around us. Besides being useful in farming and agricultural equipment, electric actuators are used in several industries including fitness, medical healthcare, construction, and office environments.

Think of electronic assembly machines, robots, and even machine tools. They all employ electric actuators, which are prevalent mechanical devices used to convert electricity into kinetic energy. This means they can exert force that moves loads in a straight or rotating motion. The energy they create is then controlled to suit the specific machine’s intended purposes.

It’s helpful to look at an actuator as a remote that is turned on and off to create motion in several different directions. Electric actuators employ either an internal alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) motor in a linear or rotary output. Linear electric actuators create movement in a straight line and are typically used to open and shut doors, shutters, and move machinery parts. The motor rotates quickly, and this creates a slow, strong movement as its output. On the other hand, rotary electric actuators offer slow, yet high-torque rotary movement which can create an unlimited number of rotations during a cycle. This makes the rotary actuator perfect for controlling valve movements.

There exists different types of actuators, including electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic ones. While hydraulic and pneumatic actuators utilize water, oil, and air to produce movement and energy, electric actuators are superior for several reasons. First, electric actuators are far easier to implement than their hydraulic and pneumatic counterparts because they have controllers and microprocessors, which control most of today’s industrial machines. In addition to being easier to assemble, they also are more precise in comparison to their water- and air-powered counterparts because the torque, force, and speed of the machinery change at different parts of the movement cycle. Electric actuators are significantly safer than their alternatives because there is no risk of a leak or contamination, which would be a cause for serious concern. They are also more durable and will cost you less in the long term because they are about 75 to 80 percent efficient in turning electricity into movement, whereas hydraulic systems are only 40 to 50 percent efficient.

Besides the above benefits, electric actuators are simple to build, have a smaller environmental footprint, and are noiseless in comparison to ones powered by air or water. They also can be used in colder climates and are easy to maintain. When temperatures get cold, hydraulic systems’ oil gets thick, which means more heating equipment is needed to maintain the performance of the respective machine. In terms of their efficiency, electric actuators need fewer accessories in order to function and can be easily turned on and off to save energy, which helps to reduce costs. Hydraulic systems have the potential to leak, which could create an environmental hazard. On the other hand, electric actuation is a clean technology that produces far less contaminants. Electric actuators are a more cost-efficient, environmentally-friendly, and durable way to move machinery.

If you are looking to purchase quality electric actuators, Internet for Aviation is your best bet. With access to more than 2 billion hard-to-find parts available for purchase, you will not only find what you’re looking for on our website, but you will also be receiving high quality products, many of which are subject to rigorous quality assurance measures. We work diligently to get the parts you ordered delivered to your shipping address as quickly as possible; this separates us from the competition, as we are dedicated to quick shipping for domestic and international customers. Visit our website to view our inventory, and send us an email or call if you have any questions. We’re here to help.