Episode #65: What is an Electric Actuator?

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The Motion Control Show

What is an electric actuator?

• A device that takes electricity in and it makes mechanical movement out
• “Electric” + “mechanical” gives us “electromechanical”
  • We actually use the term electromechanical actuators
  • “Electric actuator” is just so much easier to say
• Different types of electric actuators
  • Solenoid Actuators
    • On/off current or electricity through a coil that creates magnetism
    • Magnetism attracts a piece of metal that is tied to some mechanics
    • Then it returns with a spring
  • Voice Coil Actuator
    • What a speaker is on a stereo system
    • Has adjustable current through a coil to create magnetism
    • Magnetism moves a series of magnets for dual direction
    • Also used in industrial applications for short, quick, high response applications
  • Motor Actuator
    • Has a motor tied to an actuator
    • Controlled by adjustable current through its coils to create the magnetism
    • Coordinated magnetism of multiple phases moves a series of magnets in the motor
    • Motor moves the mechanics
  • Piezo Actuator
    • Does not use magnets
    • Uses current to an element that causes it to wiggle
    • The wiggle walks along a service
    • That surface is also tied to the mechanics
• Pros of Electric Actuators
  • Good control
  • Efficient
  • Clean
  • Different designs
• Cons of Electric Actuators
  • Magnets are expensive
  • Force-to-size ratio may be a little bit bigger

If you have any questions or are just looking for some help, we're happy to discuss your application with you.  Reach out to us at (855) 737-4716 or fill out our online form.