Actuators convert potential energy into kinetic energy (i.e., mechanical motion) when prompted by a control signal. They are integrated into a variety of devices and systems to perform various tasks. There are many types available, each of which is suitable for different applications. One way of categorizing them is by their power source (i.e., what form of energy they use to produce mechanical motion).
Pneumatic actuators—also referred to as pneumatic cylinders, air cylinders, and air actuators—rely on compressed air for their operation. While all pneumatic actuators have the same basic components (a cylinder, ports or valves, and a mechanical element), they can vary in design; for example, rotary actuators convert energy into rotary motion, while linear actuators convert energy into linear motion.
Typical applications for pneumatic actuators include:
As mentioned above, a pneumatic actuator uses compressed air to produce mechanical motion. It does this by containing regular air, pressurized gas, or a combination of the two within a chamber and allowing it to expand. As the air/gas expands, it creates a pressure differential between the inside of the chamber and the surrounding environment, which energizes the air/gas. The air/gas is then directed out of the chamber toward a mechanical component (e.g., gear or piston), which actually performs the task.
Compared to other types of actuators, pneumatic valves offer a number of advantages.
Pneumatic actuators can be classified according to a variety of design factors. For example, they can be categorized into three main varieties based on what type of mechanical motion they produce: linear, rotary, and combination.
Linear actuators are designed to produce linear motion. They use various mechanisms to perform this function, such as pistons and diaphragms. In piston-style linear actuators, the stroke length is dependent on the length of the cylinder. In diaphragm-style linear actuators, the stroke length is dependent on the stretch tolerance of the diaphragm.
Piston-style linear actuators can be further classified into single-acting actuators and double-acting actuators. Single-acting actuators rely on air pressure to move the piston in one direction and a spring to move it back to the original location. Double-acting actuators rely on air pressure to move the piston forward and back. The former has a simpler design, a smaller footprint, and lower compressed air requirements. The latter offers greater force capacities, faster operating speeds, and longer lifespans.
Rotary actuators are designed to produce rotary motion. Similar to linear actuators, they use a variety of mechanisms to perform this function. Some of the most commonly used are pistons, diaphragms, yokes, vanes. Piston-style rotary actuators offer a limited range of rotation, yoke-style rotary actuators offer up to 90 degrees of rotation, and vane-style rotary actuators offer up to and exceeding 360 degrees of rotation.
Combination actuators are designed to produce both linear motion and a limited degree of rotary motion. They are commonly used in work holding applications, where they are used for clamps that must be constantly engaged, disengaged, and reengaged to switch out workpieces.
Pneumatic actuators play a vital role in many different devices and systems (e.g., in valve systems, they open and close the valve to start and stop the flow of fluid). Given their importance, it is essential to source them from a reliable supplier. Otherwise, they may underperform or fail, which can lead to loss of productivity and profitability.
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