Why Actuators are used in Automation Functions?

With the increasing utilization of automated machinery/systems, there has also been a rise in the demands for actuators, which play a play a vital role in the automation process. Actuators, which are responsible for moving, controlling or positioning a mechanism or system, make the working of automated equipment seamless and easy. There are several types of actuators available with different stroke, speed, shape, size and capacity to best suit the application or in other words, to make the best actuation possible.
Let us now examine a few industries wherein actuators play a crucial role in automated systems to simplify processes which were once done manually.

• Solar: The industry utilizes several types of actuators including ball screw and ACME actuators to automate the functioning of various solar tracking devices, solar power concentration equipment, photovoltaic device, and photovoltaic concentration equipment, among several others. Thus, solar actuators play a vital role in solar energy generation by providing desired motion to the equipment used.
• Military: Actuators for the military industries are ruggedly built to withstand harsh environmental conditions, extreme weathers, and severe attacks. These military actuators are basically equipped in tanks, cannon carriers, airplanes, fighter planes, helicopters, ships, and robots, because they offer complete movement.
• Satellite: The industry has swiftly switched from mechanization to automation. The use of several linear and rotational actuators help automate the working of several equipment. These include dish antennas, sensors, earth-imaging equipment, and so on. Specially designed and high quality satellite actuators are sought after for precise positioning and motion control for the industry.
• Construction: The industry depends on high speed automated machines/systems to carry out several dangerous and tedious tasks. Actuators of varied types are used in these systems, because they are known to delivering powerful movements to heavy duty machineries like loading trucks, towing trucks, and cranes. Actuators for the construction industry are built to offer durable, reliable and long-lasting performance.
• Warehouse: Modern day warehouses rely on the highly advanced automated systems to optimize logistics management, and related activities. A wide range of actuators are being used in the making of robotic systems, conveyor units, forklift units, among others to provide superior performance in terms of precision, power and speed of operation. Actuators for warehouse are designed to thrive in rugged environments and extreme conditions.

Besides the aforesaid industries, actuators help to automate several processes and systems in agricultural, food, medical, nuclear, automotive, manufacturing, arts and entertainment, and transportation industries.

Learn more on this topic in our related blog: How are Electric Linear Actuators Helpful in Industrial Applications

Being a critical element in every actuation system, actuators are being produced in several specifications by huge numbers of manufactures. Here comes the selection of the right manufacturer becomes crucial. To get the best performance out of the actuators, it is important that they must be manufactured to the highest quality standards keeping in mind the specific automation requirements of the industries. This calls for the importance of partnering only with the leading manufactures in the industry. Venture Mfg. Co. is a trusted name when it comes to manufacturing good quality linear actuators for various automation applications across industries.

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Know about Top 3 Applications of Actuators in Defense Vehicle Systems

Today, actuators are used in almost all facets of defense vehicle operation. The advances in automation technology enable troops to avail superior vehicle safety, as well as security. Here are the 3 ways actuators that are helping troops operate defense vehicles in battlefields.

• Military Vehicle Door Automation: Most military vehicle manufacturers are facing a major challenge – designing vehicles that can overcome the threats inflicted by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). This challenge has spearheaded the adoption of v-hull designs in various military vehicles. As a result, many military vehicles are using advanced hydraulic actuators for opening and closing doors, as well as operating the engine/ hood covers.
• Vibration Control of Armored Vehicles: When a vehicle rolls on the ground, it creates vibration. This is due to the surface it rolls over. This vibration is countered using actuators, which opposes the motion, and helps avoid the friction. Today, linear electric actuators in military aircraft are also used for vibration controls.
• Trailer Hitching: Trailers are used in the military vehicles to increase the carriage capacity. Typically, the trailers are used to haul specialized weapons and equipment to the war zone. Most military vehicles, including HMMWVs, and jeeps are equipped with specially designed trailers. Most military trailers are designed in the same size as regular commercial trailers, which helps them perform in all conditions, as well as simplify the logistics-related hassles. Actuators help to connect trailers safely without leaving the vehicle.

Learn more on this topic in our related blog: “Designing Actuators for the Military Industry“

Thus, various military vehicle solutions are benefitting from linear electric actuators in many ways. With a wide range of applications and roles to play, these actuators are wielding big influence in the military industry. Thus, it is important that you source them from a reliable manufacturer. Venture Mfg.Co is one of the leading manufacturers of actuation systems for armored military vehicles.

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Designing a Military Actuator

The following points include the basic information that one needs to keep in mind when selecting linear actuators for the military industry:

• Select the Type of Actuator:

  The type of actuator will make an immense difference to the application’s success. Generally, manufacturers offer the following actuators for military purposes:

  • Electromagnetic Actuators –

    These are low voltage devices that provide high stroke and actuation force. They are suitable for compact positioning effect.

  • Hydraulic Actuators –

    Hydraulic actuators provide large amounts of force. They are primarily used for military vehicles such as tanks, trucks, and bomb loading equipment.

  • Electro mechanical Actuators:

    These provide precise control in terms of speed and motion. They are a popular choice for applications such as guns, turrets, and ground surveillance systems.

• Select the Technology:

  Actuators can be designed with a variety of technologies to meet the application requirements. However, the two primary types are Acme and Ball screw technologies.

  • Acme Screw –

    These consist of trapezoidal teeth and strong threads. The threads allow for efficient transmission of linear force to the actuator. This efficiency also prevents resistance to external loads.

  • Ball Screw –

    These comprise ball bearings in between the grooves of the threads to create linear motion. Ball screws can be designed in a variety of leads and diameters, and adjusted in numerous ways.

• Provide the Specifications:

  The success of a linear actuator in an application depends greatly on it meeting the exact requirements. As a customer, you need to provide all the requirements that the engineers will need to design the actuator. This includes the application area, length, height, speed, and width. Environmental factors such as dust, grime, wind, and extreme temperatures should also be taken into consideration.

• Choose the Manufacturing Materials:

  The designers and engineers can suggest the optimum materials that will allow the actuator to provide the necessary level of performance in the application. Carbon or stainless steel can be used for the screw and primary body. Steel and aluminum are generally suggested for line shafting. Nylon and neoprene are options for the boots that protect the actuator tube.

• Design the Prototype:

  To ensure that the actuator will perform efficiently in the final application, it is best to create an initial prototype for basic testing. Generally, designers utilize 3D CAD software to design the prototype. This will allow the engineers to understand the problems, choose an appropriate solution, and eliminate any discrepancy. Once the prototype is approved, the linear actuator is manufactured, tested, and sent for delivery.

Learn more on this topic in our related blog: How & Why Are Actuators Trending in the Military & Defense Industry?

Understanding the basic process of designing linear actuators for the military industry can be extremely useful when looking for improved solutions to different types of military applications.

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