Linear Actuator and Its Types

A linear actuator is a machine or assembly of various tools that creates linear force and motion using an externally applied energy source. They are primary blocks for shaping live wire automation equipment. The external energy source may be as varied as mechanical, hydraulic, Pneumatic, Piezoelectric and Electro-mechanical. Mechanical actuators convert rotary motion of a general or stub acme screw thread or worm gear into linear movement through generating mechanical force. An ideal example is an automobile jack or scissor jack that is of great utility. Mechanical linear actuators also assist to arrange lasers and optical devices, as well as the sequence of rotary stages, linear stages, and other positioning instrumentation. There are another advanced category of linear actuators with the enhanced power of a digital encoder or a Linear Voltage Displacement Transducer (LVDT) to ensure in accurately positioning the linear actuator for the requisite function.

Hydraulic actuators are also popularly recognized as hydraulic cylinders that generally involve a hollow cylinder with a piston in it. The two ends of the piston are alternately pressurized and de-pressurized to result in controlled accurate linear displacement of the piston. The part connected to the piston also displaces as a result. The linear dislodging is along the axis of the piston or the cylinder only. This model is based on the hydraulics principles. A hydraulic car jack is an example of a manually operated hydraulic actuator.

Pneumatic systems are extensively used in industry, where factories are commonly plumbed with compressed air or other compressed inert gases. This is because a centrally-located and electrically-powered compressor that powers cylinders and other pneumatic devices through solenoid valves is often able to provide motive power in a cheaper, safer, more flexible, and more reliable way than a large number of electric motors and actuators.

There are certain industrial sectors in which factories are usually plumbed with compressed inert gases or compressed air. The principle is accepted as an electrically-powered and centrally-located compressor which powers cylinders and other pneumatic devices by solenoid valves that on most of the occasion are effective in producing motive power that is economical, safer, and more dependable than a large number of electric motors and actuators. Pneumatic actuators also popularly known as pneumatic cylinders resemble hydraulic actuators except for the fact that they use compressed gas to generate pressure instead of any liquid.

Piezoelectricity is the electrical charge which is deposited in solid materials like crystals, a few types of ceramics, and biological elements such as bone, DNA and a variety of proteins in response to applied mechanical strain. Piezoelectricity signifies electricity derived by generating pressure. The Greek terms piezo or piezein which means to squeeze or press, and electric or electron that stands for fossilized tree resin (not sap), with wonderful color and natural organic beauty since Neolithic times, one of the earliest source of electric charge. Piezoelectricity is the direct procurement from the piezoelectric effect. The piezoelectric effect is considered as the linear electromechanical interaction between the mechanical and the electrical state in crystalline materials with no inversion symmetry. The piezoelectric effect is a reversible process in compounds or elements exhibiting the direct piezoelectric effect (the internal generation of electrical charge developing from an applied mechanical force) and also shows the reverse piezoelectric effect (the internal generation of a mechanical force coming out from an applied electrical field).

Electro-mechanical actuators are simple variations of mechanical actuators with the control knob or handle replaced with an electric motor. Rotary motion of the motor generates linear displacement of the actuator. Medical equipment, furniture, consumer products, hobby design and any other products where automation is necessary uses linear actuators. Linear actuators are a boon as far as automation is concerned and its use in applicable functions raises productivity and reduces overall production cost.

Progressive Automations is an amazing on-line wholesaler of linear actuators and lifting columns to consumers in the United States, Canada and the rest of the world. Progressive Automations has in store a large variety of reasonably priced linear actuators in different size, force and speed. Progressive Automations maintains a large inventory on hand in their warehouses in the United States and Canada to support the innumerable orders they receive every day. Progressive Automations also addresses custom orders where it manufactures linear actuators based on your requirements of actuator type, force, stroke size and voltage.