Advantages and Disadvantages of Electric Actuators and Hydraulic Actuators
In terms of movement, actuators can either produce linear or rotary motion, and they can be powered electrically or hydraulically. That being said, there are several advantages and disadvantages to electric and hydraulic actuators, those of which we will outline in this blog.
To begin, a linear electric actuator utilizes electricity from a motor to generate power. As electricity flows through the system, the motors rotate a lead screw with a nut on a thread, and the direction that the nut moves on the lines determines the direction the screw turns. When you require speed and accuracy, electric actuators are your best option. This is because these systems can operate at up to 80% efficiency with the capacity to stop in any position.
Electric actuators tend to be compact, require little maintenance, and lack external components. Additionally, they have fail-safe brakes referred to as acme screw units that initiate self-locking if the motor loses power. However, a major disadvantage to these actuator types is that, while they have a good design, excellent efficiency, and simple construction, they are usually expensive. More than that, they are not ideal for hazardous operating environments, and they overheat when run continually.
Unlike electrical actuators, hydraulic actuators get their power from an incompressible hydraulic fluid consisting of differing oils. The liquid creates enough pressure to make the cylinders in the system move in straight lines. Unfortunately, the presence of the fluid makes the actuator susceptible to leakage; thus, they require a lot of maintenance and plumbing to ensure they remain in working condition.
Despite needing routine checks, hydraulic actuators are incredibly powerful with high load capacities, making them perfect for high-force applications. Furthermore, they operate well under intense pressure. Linear hydraulic types in particular offer decent speeds but have trouble controlling them as they usually produce a jerking motion when shifting from stillness to movement.
With regard to the benefit of electric actuators over hydraulic actuators, or vice versa, selecting one over the other lies in the job at hand. Nonetheless, electric actuators are preferred for their precision, safety, small size, and speed. In spite of these reasons, most businesses opt for their hydraulic counterparts because of their low cost.
ASAP Inventory is a leading distributor of actuators, all of which have been sourced from top global manufacturers on our Approved Vendor List (AVL). ASAP Inventory has a wide selection of products including new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find options. Backed by quick turnaround times and unbeatable cost savings, customers can easily meet rigid time constraints and strict budget parameters. As our expansive network of distribution centers spans across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, we are equipped to offer expedited shipping to both our domestic and international customers.
Kickoff the fulfillment process with a competitive quote which may be acquired through our Instant RFQ service. We only ask that you please provide as much information as possible regarding your part requirements, so that we can formulate a sourcing solution that meets your needs. Get started today and see why customers depend on ASAP Inventory time and time again. For questions about our other offered services, call or email us at any time; we are available around the clock!
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