Electric, Hydraulic, and Pneumatic Linear Actuators: The Differences, Benefits, and Application

Actuators are machinery that transforms energy into motion. The entire idea behind them in that in order to perform a task, the force is generated by a control command that communicates a change in a physical system. While the energy source varies, the instructing signal can be human operated or automatically operated. Actuators serve an important role in our daily life, even though they are rarely spotted outright. In this article we will go over the importance of actuators based on their three different types: electric, hydraulic and pneumatic.

What Are Actuators Used For?

Machinery parts can move and articulate thanks to actuators. These actions include lifting, clamping, obstructing, and ejecting, among hundreds of others. Actuators are essential parts of manufacturing and industrial processes where they turn on switches, pumps, motors, and valves. They are used in practically every sector in some capacity. For example, actuators are needed for operations in the extraction of oil and gas, aviation and aerospace, maritime, mining, military, and road construction. In addition, cranes, drill rigs, coal crushers, man lifts, missile launchers, and material handling equipment are all manufacturing machinery that uses actuators.

1. Hydraulic Linear Actuators

As opposed to pneumatic actuators, which move a cylinder in a linear motion using compressed air, hydraulic linear actuators move a cylinder in a linear motion using an incompressible liquid supplied by a pump. Two key components comprise this hydraulic actuator: a control mechanism and an actuation element, such as a piston or regulating valve slide.

a.   Main Uses:

They are highly prevalent in:

• The transportation industry
• Military
• Freight
• Construction sectors

b.   Important Advantages that They Offer

Hydraulic actuators are better suited for heavy-duty operations since the oil is incompressible. Compared to pneumatic cylinders of the same size, they generate 25 times higher forces. These machines can maintain consistent torque and force without additional fluid. Operating hydraulic systems is also very secure and safe. They are simple to manage, which makes them perfect when it comes to workplace safety. Additionally, you may move their pumps and motors further away without suffering too much power loss.

2. Pneumatic Linear Actuators

A simple piston housed inside a hollow cylinder is the primary component of pneumatic linear actuators. A manual pump or an external compressor will move the piston inside the cylinder housing. As this pressure rises, the cylinder will move along the piston's axis, producing the necessary linear force. Applying fluid to the piston's opposing side or experiencing a spring-back force extends back to its original length after retracting.

a.   Uses

They are often used in:

• Transportation sector
• They can be found in air compressors
• Combustible car engines
• Packing machines

b.   Clear Advantages

It doesn't need power or ignition because it utilizes compressed air instead. Particularly in high temperatures, pneumatic actuators are safer than other kinds. They are the quickest machines on the market, although their basic, enabling longer cycle times. In addition, systems with two active components provide force even more quickly. Pneumatic systems are generally the least expensive choice. Additionally, they are long-lasting and simple to maintain.

3. Electric Linear Actuators

Electrical energy is transformed into torque by an electric linear actuator. An electric motor mechanically turns a lead screw. The rotation of a threaded lead or ball nut with equivalent threads that match the screw is stopped from rotating. Instead, the nut is forced along the threads as the screw turns. The actuator is also brought back to its initial position by the movement of the nut. It is dependent on the direction in which the screw revolves. At first, actuators electric were significantly less powerful. Even though manufacturing technology has advanced and improved, there are still some applications where electric lift cylinders fall short in load ratings, force, or speed. For example, some situations have a maximum velocity that cannot be exceeded and are not suited for electric actuation. Rarely, it may be the case that electric actuators can overheat if there are drastic changes in the duty cycle.

a.   Different Uses

They are often used in:

• Food industry
• Wastewater treatment
• Automotive sectors

b.   The Main Advantages

Another form of sustainable energy is electricity; as a result, there are no dangers of contamination or leaking. Electrically driven systems are the most efficient of the three types of actuators. However, they don't lack slack, flex, and backlash limitations. They also offer quick response times, making it possible to move efficiently, accurately, and quietly. In addition, the placement and force output may be easily programmed by users.

The Bottom Line

As a conclusion, actuators serve many purposes depending on their specification. For example, With electric actuators, you can control things like speed and stroke length. When it comes to dealing with higher temperatures, the pnemuatic actuators are the solution, and finally the hydraulic ones that are best served in heavy-duty operations.