How Rotary Electric Actuators Help in Industrial Automation Processes

It’s worth noting there are various actuators available, each with different stroke, speed, shape, size, and capacity to suit a specific application. Read on to discover several industries where actuators are essential components in automated systems and how they streamline manual processes.

Control Valves and Dampers

One leading application for rotary actuators is valve and damper control. Various industries, like oil and gas, chemical processing, and water treatment, use valves and dampers to regulate the materials’ flow through pipes and channels. 

Here is where a rotary electric actuator comes into play, as it helps control valves and dampers’ position, ensuring that the right amount flows through the system at the right time.

Military

Actuators play a crucial role in military industries, where precise movement control and positioning is essential for several applications. For instance, the military use actuators in aerospace and defense, mainly for aircraft control surfaces, missile guidance systems, and weapon systems.

The military might also use actuators in ground vehicles for steering, braking, and suspension systems. Additionally, the actuators’ incorporation in military robotics and self-operating systems offers precise, repeatable motion control in harsh environments and challenging conditions.

The Construction Industry

Industrial construction relies on high-speed automated systems to perform various hazardous and monotonous tasks. These industries can use various actuators to help in common heavy-duty machinery such as:

• Loading trucks
• Towing trucks
• Operating cranes

Engineers specifically design actuators for the construction industry to deliver reliable, durable, and long-lasting performance.

Control Conveyor Systems

It is typical for industries like manufacturing and logistics to use conveyor systems to move materials and products from one place to another. These industries can use electric actuators to control conveyors’ motion and, in the process, ensure smooth and precise movement. 

This smooth movement can help optimize the materials’ flow and reduce the jams’ risks and disruptions.

Warehouses

Electric actuators are essential in warehouses where precise, automated movement and positioning are vital. These devices improve and reduce manual labor by controlling sorters, lifts, conveyors, and other material-handling equipment. 

For instance, electric actuators control the vertical lift modules and carousel movement, allowing for efficient storage and goods retrieval. Plus, the electric actuators usage in warehouses helps to reduce the injury risk and increase productivity by automating tedious and repetitive tasks.

Medical Devices Control

In the medical field, electric actuators like surgical robots and MRI machines help regulate the device’s motion. Since these devices require precise and repeatable motion, rotary actuators can offer the necessary control to ensure a safe and effective operation. This control can help improve patient outcomes and reduce errors and complications.

Robotics Control

Robotics is another important area that benefits from electric actuators. For example, robots can perform tasks like welding, painting, and assembly in manufacturing. Rotary actuators can control these robots’ motion, allowing them to move precisely and perform tasks accurately. Ultimately, these devices’ use can help improve the manufactured products’ quality while reducing the risk of errors and defects.

Satellites

Rotary actuators provide precise movement control and positioning for various satellite systems and instruments. In addition, these devices can seamlessly control antennas, solar arrays, and instruments such as cameras and sensor orientation. 

The electric actuators’ use enables satellites to make minor adjustments to their orientation and position, ensuring that they point in the correct direction and optimize the data and communication collection with ground stations. 

Are Rotary Electric Actuators Essential?

Yes. Indeed, actuators don’t only apply to the industries listed above but also to other industries like food processing, agriculture, automotive, nuclear, transportation, arts, entertainment, and others. 

These devices help optimize manufacturing processes, increase productivity, and reduce costs by providing precise and reliable motion control.

Bottom Line

As automated machinery becomes more prevalent, there has been an increased demand for rotary actuators. These devices are crucial for moving, controlling, or positioning mechanisms and systems, making automated equipment operation seamless.