SANDIP
UNIVERSITY
N A M E : A K S H AY N I V R U T T I K A D A M
ROLL : 2
PRN : 210101091002
S U B J E C T: I N D U S T R I A L A U T O M AT I O N 2
G U I D E D BY P R O F [ S U B H O D S H I R S AT H S I R ]
Introduction to
Actuators
Actuators are the heart of industrial automation, playing a
crucial role in transforming electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic
energy into mechanical motion. These devices are responsible
for moving, controlling, and operating various components in a
wide range of industrial applications, from manufacturing and
robotics to transportation and beyond. Understanding the
different types of actuators and their unique capabilities is
essential for engineers and technicians working in the field of
industrial automation.
Definition and Role in Industrial
Automation
1 Definition of an 2 Role in 3 Importance for
Actuator Industrial Productivity and
Automation Efficiency
An actuator is a Actuators play a
component of a crucial role in The use of actuators
machine that is industrial automation in industrial
responsible for by providing the automation helps to
moving or controlling necessary improve productivity,
a mechanism or mechanical force to increase efficiency,
system. It receives a power and control and reduce manual
control signal, various systems and labor, enabling
typically in the form processes. They are manufacturers to
of an electrical used to open and streamline their
current or close valves, position operations and stay
pneumatic/hydraulic robotic arms, adjust competitive in the
pressure, and the speed and market.
converts it into direction of motors,
mechanical force or and much more,
Types of Actuators
Electrical Actuators Pneumatic Actuators Hydraulic Actuators
Electrical actuators Pneumatic actuators use Hydraulic actuators use
convert electrical energy compressed air to pressurized fluid, such as
into mechanical motion, generate mechanical oil, to generate high levels
often using electric force and movement. of force and torque. They
motors or solenoids. They They are known for their are often used in heavy-
are known for their simplicity, reliability, and duty applications where a
precision, speed, and ease safety, making them a significant amount of
of control, making them a common choice in power is required, such as
popular choice in many environments where in construction equipment
industrial applications. explosion hazards are a and industrial machinery.
concern.
Electrical Actuators
1 Linear Electric Actuators
These actuators convert electrical energy into linear motion, often used to
control the position and movement of mechanical components. They are
commonly found in applications such as robotic arms, medical equipment, and
industrial automation systems.
2 Rotary Electric Actuators
Rotary electric actuators generate rotational motion, allowing for precise
control of angular positioning and speed. They are widely used in applications
such as valve control, robotic joints, and industrial machinery like conveyors
and packaging equipment.
3 Stepper Motors
Stepper motors are a type of electric actuator that can precisely control the
angular position and velocity of a shaft. They are often used in applications
that require accurate and repeatable motion, such as 3D printing, CNC
machines, and computer-controlled systems.
Pneumatic Actuators
Diaphragm Actuators Piston Actuators Rodless Actuators
Diaphragm actuators use Piston actuators use Rodless pneumatic
compressed air or gas to compressed air or gas to actuators use a unique
move a flexible move a piston, which is design that eliminates the
diaphragm, which in turn connected to a need for a piston rod,
moves a mechanical mechanical component. allowing for a more
component. They are They are known for their compact and efficient
commonly used in high force output and are solution. They are
applications such as valve often used in heavy-duty commonly used in
control, damper applications like industrial applications where space
positioning, and process machinery and is limited, such as in
automation. construction equipment. packaging machinery and
assembly lines.
Hydraulic Actuators
Hydraulic Cylinders Hydraulic Motors
Hydraulic cylinders are the most Hydraulic motors convert
common type of hydraulic hydraulic energy into rotational
actuator, using pressurized fluid to motion, allowing for precise
generate linear motion. They are control of speed and torque. They
often used in heavy-duty are widely used in industrial
applications such as construction machinery, such as cranes,
equipment, industrial presses, and conveyors, and drilling equipment,
material handling systems. where high-power output is
required.
Hydraulic Actuators in Robotics
Hydraulic actuators are also used in advanced robotic systems, providing the
necessary power and precision for complex movements and heavy-duty
tasks. Their high force-to-weight ratio and durability make them a popular
choice for industrial and military robotics applications.
Mechanical Actuators
Gear-based Actuators Lever Actuators Cam Actuators
Gear-based actuators use Lever actuators use the Cam actuators use the
the mechanical advantage principle of a lever to profile of a rotating cam to
of gears to convert amplify the force or motion convert rotational motion
rotational motion into of an input, converting it into linear or oscillating
linear or angular into a different type of motion. They are often
movement. They are motion. They are used in packaging
known for their high torque commonly found in manual machinery, textile
output and are used in a control systems, such as equipment, and other
variety of applications, valves and switches, as industrial applications that
such as robotic joints and well as in some industrial require precise, repeatable
industrial machinery. automation applications. motion patterns.
Selecting the Appropriate Actuator
Application Needs
The first step in selecting an actuator is to clearly define the application
requirements, including the required force, speed, precision, and
environmental conditions. This will help narrow down the suitable types
of actuators for the job.
Actuator Characteristics
Once the application needs are understood, consider the unique
characteristics of each actuator type, such as power, efficiency,
response time, and control capabilities. This will ensure you choose the
most appropriate actuator for the specific application.
Evaluation and Testing
Finally, it's important to thoroughly evaluate and test the selected
actuator to ensure it meets the application requirements. This may
involve lab testing, simulations, or even prototyping before finalizing the
design and deployment.
