Have you ever heard of a linear actuator? Regardless of your answer, you’ve almost certainly used one before. A linear actuator is a type of tool that converts rotational motion into linear motion. Moreover, numerous devices across a wide range of industries use them. There are several different types of linear actuators, with each type having strengths that suit them for different applications. So what exactly are the common uses of a linear actuator? Read on to learn more about the various roles these devices play.
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Electric linear actuators are quite common in the food and beverage manufacturing industry. The food and beverage manufacturing industries rely heavily on automation and moving machines to process, prepare, and package food and drink. In these industries, cleanliness is also a priority, and electric linear actuators effectively provide the motion that machines need while also being simple to clean.
Robotics
As technology advances, robotics is becoming far more prevalent. Linear actuators play a large role in enabling movement in robotic mechanisms of all kinds. They’re very accurate devices with high levels of repeatability, and it’s easy to control their speed and power. Thus, robotic parts equipped with linear actuators can move or grab objects the same way each time with ease.
Window and Door Operation
Large, heavy windows and doors can be difficult to open and close manually. The addition of a linear actuator allows these doors and windows to change positions smoothly and with little resistance. You may see this type of linear actuator on a hard-to-reach skylight or the trunk door of your car.
Machine Tools
Many machine tools that people use for cutting and similar applications are completely automatic. Linear actuators provide these machines with motion capabilities by moving parts up and down, back and forth, and around objects. Because of the repeatability and accuracy of their linear actuators, these machines can create multitudes of products that are nearly identical with very few errors.
Understanding the common uses of a linear actuator will help you understand the importance of these devices throughout our society. Considering their versatility, perhaps you can find a use for them in one of your own machines or projects.
