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How do electric actuators work? Construction and operating principle
An electric actuator is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical motion. It plays a crucial role in many industrial sectors, enabling the automation of processes that previously required manual intervention. Electric actuators have a wide range of applications, from advanced production lines to everyday devices like automatic gates or adjustable car seats. Their versatility allows them to be tailored to various needs, making them an integral part of modern technology.
A typical linear actuator consists of several key components: an electric motor, a lead screw, a drive mechanism, and a control system. The electric motor provides the energy to drive the mechanism, and its simple yet robust design allows it to be used in various industries and devices. The lead screw is responsible for converting the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion, which is crucial for the actuator’s operation. The drive mechanism and control system enable precise control of the actuator’s movement, which is essential in applications requiring high accuracy.
An electric actuator operates by converting electrical energy into mechanical motion. To understand its operation, it helps to know that when the electric motor receives power, it begins to rotate a gearbox, which then moves a piston or arm. The actuator converts the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion by turning the actuator’s screw, enabling push and pull movements for various loads. This linear motion is used for tasks such as lifting weights, moving machine parts, or controlling mechanisms. With the use of appropriate gearboxes, including multi-stage gearboxes, actuators can generate significant forces, allowing them to be used in diverse applications, from simple home systems to advanced industrial technologies.
Linear actuators transform rotary motion into linear piston movement, serving purposes such as lifting, lowering, shifting, or tilting. They contain a DC or AC motor, a planetary gearbox, and a lead screw. The electric motor can be powered by direct current, allowing precise control for various applications. They are commonly used in both industrial process automation and home devices like electric windows or furniture. In industry, linear actuators enable automation of numerous processes, improving production efficiency, while in home devices, they enhance comfort and ease of use.
Electric actuators are widely used across various industries and devices. In industry, they are invaluable for automating production lines, where precise control of motion and force is key to production efficiency and quality. They make it possible to automate processes that previously required manual intervention, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
In the medical field, electric actuators are used in hospital beds, wheelchairs, and other assistive devices where precise and reliable operation is essential for patient comfort and safety. In the automotive sector, electric actuators are used in systems for seat adjustment, mirrors, or automatic doors, enhancing vehicle comfort and functionality.
In everyday life, electric actuators can be found in devices such as automatic gates, blinds, or adjustable furniture. Their versatility and reliability make them an indispensable part of modern technologies that simplify and improve our daily lives.
Modern applications of linear actuators are extremely diverse and span many areas of life. In furniture making, linear actuators are used in mechanisms for lifting desks, allowing easy adjustment of the tabletop height to suit user needs. An electric actuator for a cellar hatch is another example, where precise control of linear motion enables convenient and safe opening and closing of hatches.
In agriculture, 12V electric actuators are used in machines such as sprayers, orchard platforms, and plows. They enable precise control of equipment, improving work efficiency and reducing operator effort. In vehicles, electric actuators are used for automatic trunk or door opening, significantly improving user convenience.
Similar solutions are employed in cellar hatches and garden gates, where linear actuators facilitate easy and convenient operation. Thanks to their versatility and reliability, linear actuators are becoming increasingly popular in various fields, offering new possibilities for automation and improved user comfort.
Electric actuators offer many benefits, such as high precision, reliability, and ease of operation. They are ideal for applications requiring precise motion control. Their precise control allows them to be used in devices requiring accurate settings, such as adjustable furniture, industrial robots, or advanced production machines. However, they also have some limitations, such as lower force and speed compared to hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. The choice of the right actuator depends on the specific requirements of a given application, such as the required force, speed, and operating environment. For applications requiring high force, hydraulic actuators may be a better choice, while for applications where precision is key, electric actuators are the best option. Pneumatic actuators, which quickly generate low to medium force and convert compressed air into mechanical motion, are an efficient solution for servomechanisms.
When selecting a linear electric actuator, it is important to consider electrical and mechanical aspects such as the required force, speed, and control method. Choosing the right size and power can sometimes be challenging, especially in non-standard applications. Therefore, it is advisable to seek expert advice to ensure optimal device selection. For instance, it is important to consider the torque generated by the motor, the type of gearbox, and working conditions such as temperature and humidity. Incorrectly selected actuators can lead to premature wear, device failure, or insufficient system performance.
Controlling electric actuators in open-close applications is done by changing the polarity of the motor’s power supply. The actuator’s screw rotates clockwise or counterclockwise, converting the rotary motion of the motor into linear motion. Various switches can be used for this purpose, such as toggle switches, push buttons, or lever switches. These solutions enable simple motion control without the need for advanced control systems. In more complex applications, microprocessor controllers can be used to allow precise control of position, speed, and force, which is particularly important in advanced industrial automation systems and robotics.
Michał Gałdyn
Technical Director
AMG Industry Supply and Automation
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