What Industry Uses Actuators the Most?

Actuators are incredibly widespread today. Any industry you might think of is using them in one form or another. Heavy machinery, construction, even home design - you name it. For example, linear actuators can be found in machine tools and computer hard drives.

Why are linear actuators so popular? Because they use energy from a motor and convert it into straight-line motion. You push a button, and linear actuators lift heavy weights, apply strength, push or pull. Besides, linear actuators are easy to use, comparatively cheap, effective, as well as incredibly versatile.

Depending on the type of linear actuators, they have multiple uses in different industries. Hydraulic and pneumatic actuators work on the pressurized liquid and gas respectively. They are capable to apply strong force and are often quite durable as they are heavily protected from mud, water, heat, and cold. However, they are also prone to leaking. In addition, pneumatic actuators have a problem of being too loud. This feature set makes the application of both pneumatic and hydraulic linear actuators the most appropriate (although not exclusive) in construction, heavy machinery, and agriculture settings.

The actuators could be used even underwater. The most common type of motion for actuators is to move up and down or back and forth. For example, the actuators are used in the automotive industry need those that move up and down to allow the trunk to be movable for opening. TV lifts are becoming more popular because people need more functional space. In forestry and packaging industries more popular actuators that move back and forth.

An electric linear actuator is yet another type of widely used actuators. This type is much cleaner and often cheaper than other types of linear actuators. It can provide repeated and precise motion. This feature makes electric actuators indispensable in industry contexts that require automation, adaptable motion, accuracy, and controlled acceleration. They become essential wherever gates and valves are used, such as window automation and solar panel operation. Processing plants, food and beverage manufacturing, cutting equipment, material handling, and even robotics are among the industries that use electric linear actuators the most.

Although industrial applications probably use electric linear actuators the most, their utilization rapidly spreads into other sectors, as well. Non-industrial settings such as residential and office environments give preference to this type of linear actuator. The reason for this is because they allow automation and remote operation without the environmental considerations of pneumatic and hydraulic actuators.