Science continues to make major advancements in mechanical energy. The science of how actuators convert potential energy into mechanical energy or motion continues to be a hot scientific topic. Many scientists believe that actuators hold the future not only for robotics, but for medical purposes as well. The more scientists discover about actuators, the more it helps all of mankind.
Actuators are amazingly simple devices. The way an actuator works is that a motor rotates a drive screw using a timing belt, worm gear drive, or direct drive. As the screw turns, it pushes a drive nut along the screw which pushes a rod out. If the screw turns in the opposite direction, the rod will retract. There is a cover over the screw which protects it from the environment. The drive screw is usually a ACME or ball thread and is usually belt driven which allows the machine to convert the motion of rotation into in and out energy. There are radial thrust bearings which allow the screw to rotate freely under loaded conditions.
Advanced motion control systems use actuators. Control systems are devices used to move or control objects and are found everywhere. These computer controlled systems are made possible by advancements in actuators.
Actuators are used heavily in robotics and industrial robotics. The energy used to power them can come from a variety of sources such as: pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic.
Whatever type of actuator you use, it will depend on the required motion you seek. By far and away the most popular type of actuator used is for linear or straight line motion. You also have a few options available when purchasing an actuator. You have stroke length which is the amount of linear motion you get per revolution and also the load rating which is how heavy the object that you are going to move can be. Also you should keep in mind the amount of space an actuator will require. You can also buy a programmable actuator which allows you to program various operational efficiencies of your actuators.
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