Art - Linear Actuator (2)

Linear Actuator

A linear actuator is a device that develops motion and force from an energy source. Unlike with electric motors, which generates energy rotationally, a linear actuator outputs energy in a linear fashion. One can buy one of the different kinds of linear actuator available in the market. A linear actuator, characteristically, changes rotary motion on the handle or control knob to linear displacement through gears and/or screws. Some examples of the mechanical linear actuator are the carjack and the jackscrew linear actuator. Mechanical actuators are common in optics and lasers as they manipulate the linear stages, mirror mounts, goniometers and rotary stage position. A disadvantage of the mechanical actuator is that it can only be operated manually and no automation is possible on the device. A linear actuator is preferred because it is cheap and repeatable. Additionally, they do not require a power source to work and are self contained.

Another type of linear actuator is the hydraulic actuator. This type of linear actuator is also known as a hydraulic cylinder and characteristically consists of a single cylinder with a piston inserted into it. The piston sides are pressurized and depressurized alternately so that the user can gain precise control on the piston which is controlled by linear displacement. A car jack is a good example of the hydraulic linear actuator. The piezoelectric linear actuator is yet another type of this device. This linear actuator has a very good positioning resolution and the motion range is equally short. The piezoelectric effect in particular is a characteristic that causes the expansion of the material, once voltage has been applied to it. Electric actuators are another type of the linear actuator and work with electric motors instead of a handle or a control knob. One of the advantages of the electro mechanical linear actuator is that it is not expensive. Another advantage is that it can be repetitive. Unlike the mechanical linear actuator, the electro mechanical linear actuator can be automated. It is also possible to self contain the actuator as well. One disadvantage of the linear actuator is that has a large number of moving parts that are easily worn out.

One should do some research in order to find outlets that sell linear actuators at a good price before purchasing the device. One can out research on the internet or also ask for advice from people that have experience dealing with linear actuator. It is also advisable to purchase a linear actuator from dealers with a favourable reputation to access the services that come with the purchase. Additionally, one could also purchase a linear actuator from dealers that have online stores. The cost of the actuators varies from one dealer to another and the research conducted should help one locate the best dealer possible. It is, however, important to consider a whole range of factors apart from the price.