Actuators: Definition, Types &

Examples

Dr.Devender Kumar
 Actuator
• An actuator is a device that makes something
move or operate. An actuator initiates
movement of a machine part upon obtaining a
part of the input energy as a feedback control
signal. In other words, an actuator converts
the energy into physical motion or mechanical
movement. The main purpose of an actuator
is to control the movements within the
machines. 
 Types of Actuators

• On the basis of the motion of the object

• On the basis of the movement of the
mechanical part, actuators can be divided into
two broad categories as listed below:
 1. Linear Actuators 
If an actuator tends to move an object along a straight
line, then such an actuator is known as a linear
actuator. A simple linear actuator typically consists of
a nut, a cover, and a sliding tube. The sliding tube
transfers motion to the object, whereas the
combination of nut and cover holds the actuator in
place.
 2. Rotary Actuators 
• Rotary actuators help the object connected to it or a part of the machine
rotate about its axis or simply allows it to exhibit a circular motion. It makes
use of a pneumatic cylinder that provides the necessary torque force
required to turn or rotate the mechanical part of the machine periodically. 
• 1. Rotary Vane Actuators 
• A rotary vane actuator consists of a vane attached to a central spindle. The
compressed air tends to push the vane, which in turn causes the spindle to
rotate. The air behind the vane gets released through a port. When the vane
reaches its precalibrated angle of rotation, the airflow is reversed, causing
the spindle to move back to its original position. The process is then
repeated again and again after regular intervals. As compared to rack and
pinion actuators, the rotary vane actuators generate less torque and,
therefore, can rotate up to a limited distance. These types of rotary
actuators are generally used for lighter loads.
 2. Rack and Pinion Actuators 
• Rack and pinion actuators consist of two cylinders and two pistons
interconnected with the help of a rack. A pinion gear is present in
contact with the rack gear. When there is a pressure difference
between the ports of the actuator set up, the rack is able to move
to and fro, causing the pinion gear to rotate accordingly. When the
rack moves completely towards one side, the pinion gear rotates
in the clockwise direction. When the rack moves back to its
original position, the pinion gear tends to rotate in the counter-
clockwise direction. Rack and pinion actuators offer greater torque
as compared to the rotary vane actuators. They are best suited for
the applications that require more speed and less wear such as
automation, pharmaceutical industries, etc.
 On the basis of source of energy
• On the basis of the source of energy used to power an actuator,
there are eight types of actuators:
• 1. Electric Actuators 
• Electric actuators make use of electrical energy to operate. The
signal transmission rate of electric actuators is quite high. Also,
they are easy to operate and offer high accuracy and sensitivity.
Electric actuators are classified into two broad categories, namely,
electromechanical actuators and electrohydraulic actuators.
• 1. Electromechanical Actuators 
• Electromechanical actuators convert the input
electrical energy into linear or rotary
movement. In certain cases, an
electromechanical actuator is also used to
exhibit a combination of both linear and
rotary motion in a mechanical component. 
 2. Electro-Hydraulic Actuators
• Electrohydraulic actuators are powered with
the help of electrical energy. The output of
electrohydraulic actuators is fed to a hydraulic
accumulator. The accumulator then generates
the force used to move the object.
 2. Hydraulic Actuators 
• Hydraulic actuators are powered by a variety of
liquids or fluids. They make use of a fluid-filled
cylinder with a piston suspended at the centre.
A hydraulic actuator typically helps the objects
to move along a straight line and exhibit a linear
motion. 
 3. Pneumatic Actuators 
• Pneumatic actuators use compressed air for their operation.
Pneumatic actuators are highly reliable and accurate. The
use of pressurized gases to induce mechanical movement is
usually preferred because it improves precision and allows
the object to exhibit fine motion. Even a slight change in
pressure can generate a huge amount of force. Pneumatic
actuators are used in applications where it is required to
start or stop a machine quickly.
 4. Thermal Actuators 
• Thermal actuators convert thermal energy into kinetic
energy. These types of actuators contain a temperature-
sensitive element that expands and contracts as per the
temperature variations in the surroundings. The
expansion and contraction of the temperature-sensitive
element cause the piston to move. Thermal actuators are
reliable and best suited for hazardous locations. Thermal
actuators are used in applications such as temperature
control, freeze protection, etc.
 5. Mechanical Actuators
•  Mechanical actuators are one of the most used
actuators in everyday life. For instance, a pulley system,
gears, rack and pinion system, etc., are prominent
examples of mechanical actuators. The muscular force
is applied to the input of the mechanical actuators, the
actuator then provides a significant amount of leverage
to the efforts applied, and finally, the desired
movement of the object is achieved. 
 6. Supercoiled Polymer Actuators 
• Supercoiled polymer actuators are majorly
used in robotics and in the medical field to
create prosthetic limbs. They make use of a
coil that contracts and expands upon heating
or cooling, thereby using pressure to induce
motion.
 7. Magnetic Actuators
• Magnetic actuators work upon the principle of magnetic
actuation based on the Lorentz force equation. The force
required to cause the part of the machine to get displaced from
its original position with the help of magnetic actuators is
produced by placing a current-carrying conductor in a static
magnetic field. The magnetic field produced around the current-
carrying conductor interacts with the static magnetic field and
generates a high magnitude force.
 8. Piezoelectric Actuators
• Piezoelectric actuators are the actuators that take electronic
signals as input and are used to control the mechanical
movement of a device. Piezoelectric actuators do not use
guides and pistons to transfer energy, instead, they make
use of the pressure variations caused due to compression
and expansion of materials like ceramic to produce high-
frequency strokes. These types of actuators have a high-
frequency response and greater displacement resolution.