What Do You Know about Linear Actuators

(MENAFN- iCrowdNewsWire)   Jan 25, 2021  10:58 AM ET

Have you heard the term 'linear actuator'? If you haven't, this article will provide you with general information about these devices. You will learn some of their main uses and applications. You may not know it, but they are used for the automation of environments we use daily: offices, cars, etc.

Modern linear actuators convert rotational motion into linear push/pull movements. The rotation usually comes from an electric motor. Other types of linear actuators are powered by hydraulic or pneumatic systems. However, they are rapidly being replaced by electric ones.

Manufacturers of electric linear actuators usually offer a large variety of these devices. Thereby they can meet different applications. For example, you can see the line of actuators by a known manufacturer at [...] . Notice that all the devices are characterized by three main parameters, namely:

• Voltage. It is the electric supply needed to activate the electric motor. The most common value is 12 VDC, although this may vary. To operate this type of actuator with the common AC electricity network, an adaptor must be used. Such an adaptor is an electronic circuit that reduces the voltage and converts AC to DC;
• Stroke. This parameter refers to the largest outward extension of the actuator's rod. The rod transmits the linear push/pull movement;
• Force. This is the force delivered by the device and that is effectively measured at the tip of the rod.

As you can see at the link above, there are many different stroke and force options to choose from. But, why are some many alternatives offered? What types of applications do these devices have?

Applications of Linear Actuators

Linear actuators are used anywhere where controlled linear motion is needed. Hence, they are used for automation applications at homes, offices, factories, and a myriad of other scenarios. For instance, at home, they are used in TV lifters and adjustable tables in the kitchen. At an office, the standing desk is the most commonly cited example of the use of actuators.

Industrial automation uses many linear actuators. Electric actuators are being rapidly adopted in many industries. The reason is the many advantages they have over other technologies. For example, electric actuators can be controlled more accurately. Hence, one can get more precise movements than we get with hydraulic or pneumatic actuators.

Most electric actuators are plug-and-play devices. Since no hoses or valves are needed for their operation, one can integrate them into existing machines easily. Also, they need very little maintenance. They are ideal for environments in which a clean environment is a must. For example, to automate operating tables in hospitals, electric actuators are the best option. They don't represent any risk of oil spills or other contaminants.

How to Control Linear Actuators

Controlling an electric linear actuator consists of regulating the voltage input to get the desired movements. It can be done with special switches that allow the push movement in one position, and the pull movement in another. For more sophisticated applications, computer programs are used to control these actuators more accurately.

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