How Does an Electric Actuator Work

How Does an Electric Actuator Work

In this age of automation and smart technology, the electric actuator has become a vital tool for many industries seeking to optimize their processes for improved productivity, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

Electric actuators come in different sizes and types, each designed for specific applications and requirements. Electric actuators are an essential component of modern control systems, from small and compact units for residential and commercial applications to large and robust ones for heavy-duty industrial use.

Whether you need to control the flow of fluids, gases, or even solids, electric actuators can help you achieve the desired level of accuracy and efficiency. This blog teaches you all you need to know about the working principle of an electric actuator including answers to the question ‘how does an electric linear actuator work’.

What is an Electric Actuator?

Electrical actuators are devices that convert electrical energy into mechanical force or kinetic energy, capable of causing movements in a part of an appliance. They are typically used to control the movement of valves, pumps, gates, dampers, and other types of equipment or machinery.

Components of Electric Actuator

Electric actuators have several components that combine to convert electrical energy into mechanical motion. The specific components of an electric actuator may vary depending on the type and application of the actuator, but here are some of the common components found in most electric actuated valves by different valves manufacturers:

1. Motor: This is the primary component that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The motor can be an AC or DC motor, and it can be configured to provide rotational or linear motion.
2. Gearbox: In some electric actuators, a gearbox amplifies the output torque or changes the direction of motion. The gearbox consists of a set of gears that mesh with each other to increase or decrease the rotational speed or torque.
3. Control unit: The control unit is responsible for managing the electrical signal that controls the motor. It can be a simple switch or a more complex electronic controller that can adjust the actuator’s speed, direction, and position.
4. Mounting bracket: This component attaches the actuator to the mechanism or structure it is designed to move. The mounting bracket can be customized to fit specific applications.
5. Actuator body: This is the outer casing that contains all the components of the electric actuator. It protects and supports the internal components and may include features such as seals or covers to protect the actuator from environmental factors.

How Does an Electric Actuator Work

To answer the question ‘how do electric linear actuators work’, we will compare it to the muscles of the human body. Muscles allow energy to be converted into motions of the arm, legs or other parts of the body where the energy is geared towards.

How do electric actuators work – The working principle of electric actuated valves is based on converting electrical energy into mechanical motion. Electrical actuators are used to control the movement of various mechanisms in a wide range of applications.

There are several types of electrical actuators, but the most common ones work based on the principles of electromagnetism or piezoelectricity.

1. Electromagnetic actuators consist of a wire coil wrapped around a magnetic core. When an electrical current is passed through the coil, it creates a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic core, causing it to move. The amount and direction of the movement depend on the polarity and strength of the magnetic field, as well as the physical characteristics of the actuator.
2. Piezoelectric actuators use a material, such as quartz or ceramic, that generates an electric charge when it is subjected to mechanical stress. When a voltage is applied to the material, it causes it to expand or contract, generating mechanical motion. The amount and direction of the motion depend on the polarity and magnitude of the applied voltage, as well as the physical characteristics of the actuator.

In both types of electrical actuators, the motion generated can be used to control the movement of a mechanism. This is achieved by connecting the actuator to the mechanism using a mechanical linkage or coupling, which allows the motion of the actuator to be transmitted to the mechanism.

What Electric Actuator can Work for

Electrical actuators can work for a wide range of applications, including industrial ball valve, where precise and reliable mechanical motion control is required. Some of the common applications of electrical actuators are:

1. Industrial automation: Electrical actuators are used in various industrial machines and processes, such as conveyor systems, packaging machines, and assembly lines, to control the movement of components and products.
2. Aerospace and defense: Electrical actuators are used in aircraft and spacecraft systems, such as landing gear, flaps, and control surfaces, to provide precise and reliable control of motion.
3. Automotive: Electrical actuators are used in various automotive systems, such as power windows, door locks, and seats, to provide comfortable and convenient control of motion.
4. Robotics: Electrical actuators are used in various robotic systems, such as robot arms and grippers, to provide precise and flexible control of motion.
5. Medical devices: Electrical actuators, such as surgical robots and prosthetic limbs, are used in various medical devices to provide precise and reliable motion control.
6. Consumer products: Electrical actuators are used in various consumer products, such as home appliances, toys, and electronics, to provide convenient and user-friendly motion control.

How to Choose Electric Actuator for Valve

Choosing an electric actuator from an industrial valves manufacturer depends on several factors, including the type and size of the valve, the operating conditions, and the control requirements.

1. Valve type and size: The electric actuator should be compatible with the type and size of the valve. For example, ball valves, butterfly valves, and globe valves may require different actuators, and the valve size may affect the actuator’s torque and speed requirements.
2. Operating conditions: The operating conditions of the valve, such as the pressure, temperature, and media, should be considered when selecting an electric actuator. The actuator should be able to withstand the environmental factors and provide reliable performance under varying conditions.
3. Torque and speed requirements: The valve’s torque and speed requirements depend on the valve’s size, type, and operating conditions. The electric actuator should be able to provide sufficient torque and speed to operate the valve efficiently and reliably.
4. Control requirements: The control requirements of the valve, such as the type of control signal and the desired control accuracy, should be considered when selecting an electric actuator. The actuator should be compatible with the control system and be able to provide precise and responsive control of the valve.
5. Mounting and installation: The electric actuator should be easy to mount and install on the valve and be compatible with the valve’s mounting configuration. The actuator should also be easy to wire and connect to the control system.
6. Maintenance and support: The electric actuator should be easy to maintain and repair, and sufficient support should be available from the manufacturer or supplier. The actuator should also have a reliable warranty and after-sales support.

Dombor, Take Your Valve Business to the Next Level

Overall, it is recommended to consult with a qualified supplier to ensure that the selected actuator meets the specific needs of the valve and the application.

Dombor is a well-established China valve manufacturer that has been designing high-quality electric actuators for years. With a strong focus on innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction, Dombor has become the industry’s leading supplier of electric actuators.

At Dombor, we understand that selecting the right electric actuator for your application can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the technical aspects of the product. That’s why we offer consultation services to help you make an informed decision about the type and requirements of the electric actuator you need to purchase.

We take pride in providing high-quality products that are reliable, efficient, and durable. All our electric actuators are manufactured using the latest technology and are rigorously tested to ensure they meet the highest industry standards. We also offer excellent after-sales support to ensure our customers’ satisfaction with their purchases.

If you are looking for a reliable and trustworthy supplier of electric actuators, or you need more answers to ‘how does an electric actuator work’ look no further than Dombor. Contact us today to get a free quote and experience the quality of our products and services.

Selecting a Linear Actuator

As we have seen already, actuators have myriad applications in different fields. But this doesn’t mean that all actuators are made equal. When purchasing an actuator, you should be able to know which suits your requirements best. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right actuator for your needs.

Step 1. Assess the movement required:

Does the object you need to move in your project require linear or rotary movement? Linear actuators are useful in exerting a mechanical force that would move an object in a straight line while rotary actuators, as the name suggests, generate circular motion.

Step 2: Consider the energy input:

Electrical actuators are becoming more and more popular due to their increasing sophistication and flexibility in handling various kinds of operations. But that doesn’t mean it's suited for every work out there. Consider hydraulic or pneumatic actuators if your work does not include electrical voltage input.

Step 3: Assess the precision level required:

Some actuators are ideal for heavy-duty work in rough environments, but they may not work well when it comes to handling smaller work like packaging which requires precision and the ability to repeat the same action hundreds or thousands of times.

Step 4 : Find out how much force you need:

The purpose of an actuator is to move or lift an object. Find out, in your case, how much this object weighs. The load capacity of an actuator decides how much it can lift, and although many actuators may look similar, their load capacity will vary. Before you buy an actuator, make sure the weight of your object matches the capacity of the actuator.

Step 5: Find out how far you need the object moved:

Distance, or stroke length as it is technically known, matters here. The stroke length decides how far your object can be moved. Manufacturers often sell actuators of varying stroke length.

Step 6: How fast do you want the movement to be:

The speed of the actuator is often an important factor for most people, depending on their project. Usually, projects that require actuators to exert high force would move slower than those that generate low force. Speed of an actuator is measured in distance per second.

Step 7: Consider the operating environment:

Does the actuator need to work in a rugged or rough environment, where dust or humidity is a concern? If this is the case, you would want to choose a product with higher protection rating.

Step 8: Decide on the mounting style:

Actuators in the market come in different mounting styles and understanding their benefits is necessary before buying an actuator. For instance, a dual-pivot mounting method in a linear electric actuator allows the device to pivot on both sides while extending and retracting. With this, the application gets to have two free pivot points while moving on a fixed path. Conversely, stationary mounting, which secures the actuator to an object along the shaft, is useful for actions such as pushing a button. At this stage, you should be able to narrow down your options to a significantly smaller pool from where you started. From here, you will need to narrow down further. For instance, linear actuators come in different styles for different kinds of functions. Rod-style, for instance, is the most common and simple among them, with a shaft that expands and retracts. Track style, which does not change its overall length or size during operations are more suited when space constraints are an issue. There are also column lifts and other actuators that would be ideal for setting up TV and table lifts. Factors such as operating voltage and motor type may also be worth considering.

Choose the Actuator

Capabilities of a Linear Actuator

Performance metrics are quantifiable outputs that help you evaluate the quality of a particular product. Actuators can be considered under several performance metrics. Traditionally, most common among them have been torque, speed, and durability. These days, energy efficiency is also considered equally important. Other factors that may be considered include volume, mass, operating conditions, etc.

Torque or force

Naturally, torque is one of the most important aspects to consider in the performance of an actuator. A key factor here is to note that there are two kinds of torque metric to consider, static and dynamic load. Static load torque or force refers to the actuator’s capacity when it is at rest. The dynamic metric refers to the device’s torque capacity when it is in motion.

Speed

Speed of an actuator differs depending on the weight of the load it is supposed to carry. Usually, the higher the weight, the lower the speed. Hence the speed metric should first be looked at when the actuator is not carrying any load.

Durability

The type of actuator and the manufacturer’s design decides the durability of an actuator. Although those such as hydraulic actuators are considered more durable and rugged compared to electric actuators, the detail specs on the quality of the material used will be up to the manufacturer.

Energy efficiency

With increasing concerns on energy conservation and its direct impact on operational costs, energy efficiency is becoming more and more a decisive metric in all kinds of machinery. Here the lesser the quantity of energy required for an actuator to achieve its goal, the better.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of what are electric actuators. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.