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Actuators
Electric, Hydraulic or Pneumatic
Mechanical effects may be powered by one of several types of actuators. The vast majority of machines use either electric motors or fluid power cylinders (either hydraulic or pneumatic), and so these two basic types will be the primary focus of this chapter. The selection process involves first choosing whether a motor or cylinder is most appropriate for the given application and then determining the sizing and configuration of the individual actuator. The advantages of each will be covered in the sections which follow, as well as the process used to select the appropriate actuator.
Powering the Actuator
All actuators require an external power input. Electric motors require a motor starter to control ...
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