Actuator – how industrial components work
An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example by opening a valve. In simple words it is a “movement generator”.
An actuator requires a control signal and an energy source. The control signal is relatively low-energy and can be electrical voltage or current, pressure of compressed air or hydraulic fluid, or even human power. The main energy source can be an electric current, hydraulic pressure or compressed air. When an actuator receives a control signal, it responds by converting the source's energy into mechanical motion. In the electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic sense, it is a form of automation or automatic control.
An actuator is a mechanism through which a control system acts to carry out an operation or task. The control system may be simple (a fixed mechanical or electronic system), software based (e.g. a printer driver, robot control system), human, or other input.
Further information on how actuators work
Inquiry for actuators and other spare parts
If you are looking for industrial actuators and spare parts, visit the online catalog of Unitec:
Actuators in our online catalog
Buy books
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Best-selling reference book on electric motors and drives for non-experts that bridges the gap between mathematics and theory.
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