ACTUATORS

• REPORTERS:
• Ebora, Reymart B.
• Fetalver, Eunice R.
• Malapitan, Romalette C.
• Panopio, Gerry H.
INTRODUCTION
Any moving mechanical
device which acts as a control part
of a system can be called an
actuator. This mechanical device is
externally controlled by a source of
energy which in turn converts that
energy into a control motion that
can be linear or rotary to hold or
stop an object in one position.
INTRODUCTION
An actuator requires a control signal and a source of energy. The
control signal is relatively low energy and may be electric voltage or
current, pneumatic or hydraulic pressure, or even human power. The
supplied main energy source may be electric current, hydraulic fluid
pressure, or pneumatic pressure. When the control signal is received,
the actuator responds by converting the energy into mechanical
motion.
CONTENT OF THE TOPIC:
• Definition of terms
• Importance of actuators
• Different types of actuators
• Advantages and disadvantages of different actuators
• Figures and diagrams of different actuators
• Safety precautions
• Operation and maintenance of actuator devices
DEFINITION OF TERMS
IMPORTANCE OF ACTUATORS
TYPES OF ACTUATORS
There are five main types of actuators used in automation
industry.
• Hydraulic
• Pneumatic
• Electrical
• Thermal or magnetic
• Mechanical
 HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS
A hydraulic actuator consists of a cylinder or fluid motor that
uses hydraulic power to facilitate mechanical operation. The
mechanical motion gives an output in terms of lines, rotary or
oscillatory motion. Because liquids are nearly impossible to compress,
a hydraulic actuator can exert considerable force.
 HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS
The hydraulic cylinder consists of a hollow cylindrical tube along which
a piston can slide. The term single acting is used when the fluid pressure is
applied to just one side of the piston. The piston can move in only one
direction, a spring being frequently used to give the piston a return stroke. The
term double-acting is used when pressure is applied on each side of the piston;
any difference in pressure between the two side of the piston moves the piston
to one side or the other.
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS
Advantages
- High η + power-to-size ratio.
- Accurate control of speed/position/direction.
- Few backlash problem
- Large forces can be applied at locations.
- Greater load carrying cap.
- Self lubricating
- Low wear + non-corrosion
- Capable of withstanding shock.
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS
Disadvantages
– Leakages occur
– Higher fire risk
– Power pack is 70 dBA
– Temperature change alters viscosity.
– Viscosity at temperature causes sluggishness.
PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS
A pneumatic actuator converts energy formed by vacuum or
compressed air at high pressure into either linear or rotary motion.
Pneumatic energy is desirable for main engine controls because it can
quickly respond in starting and stopping as the power source does not
need to be stored for operation.
Pneumatic actuators enable large forces to be produced from
relatively small pressure changes. These forces are often used with
valves to move diaphragms to affect the flow of liquid through the valve.
It is responsible for converting pressure into force.
PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS

Pneumatic rack and pinion actuators

for valve controls of water pipes.
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS
Advantages
– Cheapest form of actuators. – Few moving parts Reliable and low maintenance
costs
– Components are readily available.
– Relevant personnel are familiar with the
– Compressed air is available in factories.
technology
– Compressed air can be stored, and
– Safe in explosive areas as no electricity contact
conveyed easily over long distances.
– Systems are compact.
– Compressed air is clean, explosion-proof
– Components are easy to connect.
& insensitive to temperature variation
– Very quick Fast work cycles
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS
Disadvantages
– Air is compressible.
– Precise control of speed/position is not easy.
– If no mechanical stops resetting is slow.
– Not suitable for heavy loads
– If moisture penetrates rusts occur.
 ELECTRIC ACTUATORS
An electric actuator is
powered by a motor that
converts electrical energy into
mechanical torque. The electrical
energy is used to actuate
equipment such as multi-turn
valves. It is one of the cleanest and
most readily available forms of
actuator because it does not
involve oil.
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
ELECTRIC ACTUATORS
Advantages
– Widespread availability of power supply.
– Basic drive element is lighter than fluid power.
– High power conversion efficiency.
– No pollution
– High accuracy and high repeatability compared to cost.
– Quiet and clean
– Easily maintained and repaired.
– Components are lightweight.
– Drive system is suitable to electronic control.
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
ELECTRIC ACTUATORS
Disadvantages
– Requires mechanical transmission system.
– Adds mass and unwanted movement.
– Requires additional power and cost.
– Not safe in explosive atmospheres.
 THERMAL OR MAGNETIC (SHAPE
MEMORY ALLOYS) ACTUATORS
Actuators which can be actuated by applying thermal or magnetic energy
have been used in commercial applications. They tend to be compact, lightweight,
economical and with high power density. These actuators use shape memory
materials, such as shape memory alloys or magnetic-shape alloys.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
THERMAL OR MAGNETIC ACTUATORS
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
THERMAL OR MAGNETIC ACTUATORS
MECHANICAL ACTUATORS
A mechanical actuator
functions by converting rotary
motion into linear motion to
execute movement. It involves
gears, rails, pulleys, chains and
other devices to operate. An
example is a rack and pinion.
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
MECHANICAL ACTUATORS
ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF
MECHANICAL ACTUATORS
FIGURES AND DIAGRAMS
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
Actuators Precautions. Be sure to read this before handling products.
1. Confirm the specifications.
2. Confirm the applicable specification range.
3. There is a danger of sudden action by cylinders if the sliding parts of
machinery are twisted, etc., or changes in forces occur.
4. If there is a chance that the product will pose a hazard to humans, install a
protective cover.
5. Be certain that the secured portions will not loosen.
6. Consider the possibility of a power source related malfunction.
7. Design the circuitry to prevent the sudden lurching of driven objects.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:
Actuators Precautions. Be sure to read this before handling products.
8. Consider the action of the cylinder in the event of an emergency stop.
9. Intermediate stops.
10. Do not disassemble the product or make any modifications, including
additional machining.
11. Use the product within the limits of the maximum usable stroke.
 OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF
ACTUATOR DEVICES
MAINTENANCE:
Perform maintenance inspection according to the procedures indicated in the
operation manual.