Lesson
Actuation Systems
Completion requirements
Actuators are output devices which convert energy from
pressurized hydraulic oil or compressed air into the required
type of action or motion. In general, hydraulic or pneumatic
systems are used for gripping and/or moving operations in
industry. These operations are carried out by using
actuators.This lesson consists of short questions on
actuators.
Actuators
Actuators can be classified into three types.
- Linear actuators: These devices convert hydraulic/pneumatic energy into linear motion.
- Rotary actuators: These devices convert hydraulic/pneumatic energy into rotary motion.
- Actuators to operate flow control valves: these are used to control the flow and pressure of fluids such as gases, steam or liquid.
The construction of hydraulic and pneumatic linear actuators is similar. However they differ at their operating pressure ranges. Typical pressure of hydraulic cylinders is about 100 bar and of pneumatic system is around 10 bar.