Quality actuators are the keystone of modern motion. Without them, we’d be stuck in the world of simple machines. With twenty-first-century actuator technology, we can stand in awe of the power machines produce.
Organizations as big and important as NASA use actuators to meet the performance standards needed for aerospace travel.
So how do you know which is the best actuator to use? Which is better, a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator?
Keep reading to learn about various types of actuators and which will work best for your given needs.
What Are Different Types of Actuators?
Three main types of actuators exist in the world of mechanics: the hydraulic actuator, the electro-hydraulic actuator, and the pneumatic actuator.
Hydraulic Actuator
A hydraulic actuator uses a fluid-filled chamber to build pressure and create the necessary power for a machine. Hydraulic actuators work best to create great force. They can manage higher pressures than other actuators.
The hydraulic actuator’s tolerance for great force makes it ideal for heavy construction equipment that needs to create massive amounts of power. Because no one can compress fluids, a hydraulic actuator can hold its torque and force without needing a power source to apply continuous force.
Electric Actuator
An electric actuator produces pressure through one of two ways. You can use an electromechanical actuator to help create mechanical torque. The actuator powers the motor that converts electrical energy into mechanical torque.
An electro-hydraulic actuator still uses an electric motor as the primary motor. However, the electric motor produces the torque that powers a hydraulic accumulator. The hydraulic accumulator then transmits force the same way you see a diesel engine or hydraulic system work in heavy equipment.
Pneumatic Actuator
Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to create power. Compressed air has a lower pressure rating than hydraulic actuators create, making them less powerful. However, they’re a safe, stable way to create power as well.
Pneumatic Actuator vs. Hydraulic Actuator
When you’re looking at the world of pneumatic vs. hydraulic, which is best for your needs?
Hydraulic actuators create the most significant amount of force. They can handle higher pressure than pneumatic actuators can. This is why we often see them used for heavy construction equipment.
On the downside, because of the fluid they require, hydraulic actuators can leak fluid that can cause damage to other parts of the machine. Plus, you need several other devices like motors and fluid reservoirs to make a hydraulic actuator work.
Hydraulic actuators are also loud. You can attempt to fit them with noise-reduction add-ons, but they’re still a pretty loud machine.
Pneumatic actuators use air pressure instead of fluid. Thus they do not run the risk of leaking fluid that can contaminate other parts of the machine.
Pneumatic actuators have their particularities too. They require an air compressor for power, and you need to keep the air compressor relatively close to the actuator. Also, you need to keep the air compressor working continuously.
Pneumatic actuators run at lower pressures than hydraulic actuators. They provide reliable, consistent motion and can tolerate extremely lower or high temperatures. Hydraulic actuators, in comparison, cannot tolerate temperature fluctuations.
As you continue to figure out your system’s needs, consider the amount of power you need to determine which works best for you.
Power vs. Stability
A pneumatic actuator provides steady, stable power because of the constant air pressure. As you continue to search for the perfect actuator, check out our site.
For all of your heavy machinery parts, contact us. We have what you need.