What Is an Industrial Actuator?

An industrial actuator is a part of a device or machine that helps it to achieve physical movements by converting energy, often electrical, air, or hydraulic, into mechanical force. Examples of industrial actuators are Grippers, Vacuum pumps, Valves, and others. The specific mechanisms vary between types, but the end goal is the same: controlled, repeatable movement.

Classic vs Industrial Actuators

The term ‘actuator’ encompasses a broad class of devices that convert energy into motion — whether it be in a car’s power windows, a robot arm, or heavy machinery. Classic actuators are often found in simpler, everyday applications. In contrast, industrial actuators are designed for more robust, high-stakes environments like manufacturing plants, where durability, precision, and power are crucial.

Industrial actuators usually handle higher loads, offer greater force, and endure more demanding operation cycles than their classic counterparts. They are built with the rigors of industrial use in mind. Their construction resists wear and external elements like dust, heat, and moisture.

Different Types of Industrial Actuators

Industrial actuators can be characterized by the type of energy they convert — whether it be electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic power. Each one has distinct advantages depending on the application requirements such as required speed, force, precision, and environment.

Electric Actuators

Electric actuators transform electrical energy into mechanical torque, with precise control and relatively quiet operation, making them suitable for a variety of indoor applications.

Hydraulic Actuators

Hydraulic actuators offer excellent power density and can generate immense forces because they use liquid under pressure. They excel in heavy-load applications but require a fluid reservoir and pump, so they tend to have more complex setups.

Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to create motion and are valued for their high speed and reliability. They’re a good choice for applications that need a clean operation but may not be as precise as their electric counterparts.

When choosing among these types, decision-makers consider factors such as the nature of the motion required (linear or rotary), the desired speed, the weight of the payload, and the physical constraints of the work environment.

Industrial Linear Actuators for Manufacturing

An industrial linear actuator is a device that provides straight-line motion as opposed to the rotational motion of other actuators. These linear actuators are essential in manufacturing settings for tasks that require pushing, pulling, or lifting with high levels of accuracy and consistency. 

Industrial linear actuators come with various options for control and feedback systems, allowing for precise synchronization with other parts of the manufacturing process.

IO-Link Wireless Actuators

IO-Link Wireless-based actuators offer a variety of benefits in motion applications and complex installments, where they enable simplification. CoreTigo’s IO-Link Wireless products allow converting IO-Link actuators, digital actuators, and analog actuators, into IO-Link Wireless actuators. 

Whereas TigoBridge A1/B1 and TigoBridge A2/B2 enable converting a single actuator into IO-Link Wireless, TigoHub can do it for several actuators (and sensors). For analog actuators, TigoConverter is used for converting from analog to IO-Link first, and from there – to IO-Link Wireless. Notably, only IO-Link Class A ports are suitable for use with TigoConverter.