Pune Vidyarthi Gruha College Of Engineering And Technology

FLUID POWER AND CONTROL

LAB
 STUDY OF
ACTUATORS
BY :

o 4103_Tanmay Kulkarni

o 4104_Rajiv Shelake Guided By : Dr. G.V. More Sir

Introduction to Actuators
An Actuator is a mechanical device that is responsible for
moving or controlling a mechanism or system.
It converts energy into motion and is crucial in various industrial and
engineering applications.

Actuators can be found in a wide range of systems, from simple everyday

devices to complex industrial machinery. They play a key role in enabling the
automation of processes, enhancing efficiency, and improving precision.

When delving into the world of actuators, it is essential to understand their

diverse types, including hydraulic, pneumatic, electric, and more. Each type
has its unique characteristics and applications. Hydraulic actuators utilize fluid
pressure to generate motion, while pneumatic actuators rely on compressed air.
This diversity in actuator types allows for tailored solutions to meet specific
operational requirements, making them a vital component across industries.
o Definition and Purpose of
Actuators
Actuators are devices used to convert various forms of energy into mechanical
motion. They are essential components in machinery and systems, providing
control and automation capabilities. Actuators serve the purpose of enabling
precise positioning, force exertion, and movement control in a wide range of
applications, from industrial manufacturing to robotics and automotive systems.
o Types of Actuators
• Electric actuators: Convert electrical energy into mechanical motion and are widely used in various
applications.
• Hydraulic actuators: Utilize pressurized fluid to generate linear or rotary motion, commonly found in
heavy machinery.
• Pneumatic actuators: Operate using compressed air to create motion, commonly used in automation and
robotics.
• Mechanical actuators: Rely on mechanical force or manual operation to produce movement, commonly
seen in everyday tools and equipment.
o Electric Actuators
• Linear Electric Actuators: Commonly used for pushing, pulling, lifting, or positioning applications.

• Rotary Electric Actuators: Convert electrical energy into precise mechanical motion in a rotary manner.

• Electro-hydraulic Actuators: Combine electrical and hydraulic power to achieve high power density and
precise control.
o Hydraulic Actuators
• Operating Principle: Utilize fluid power to convert hydraulic energy
into mechanical motion.
• Applications: Commonly used in heavy machinery, construction
equipment, and automotive systems.
• Advantages: Provide high force output, precise positioning, and can
operate in harsh environments.
o Pneumatic actuators
• Design: Pneumatic actuators use compressed air to generate motion and
are widely used in industrial applications due to their simple and reliable
design.
• Advantages: They offer high force output, quick response times, and can
be designed for precise control over a wide range of motion.

• Applications: Commonly used in manufacturing, automotive, and

aerospace industries for tasks such as gripping, clamping, and
positioning.
o Mechanical actuators
• Rotary Actuators: These convert energy into rotation or torque, often
using gears or pulleys.
• Linear Actuators: They create motion in a straight line, commonly
found in robotics and manufacturing.
• Rack and Pinion Actuators: Utilize a circular gear to convert rotational
motion into linear motion.
o Piezoelectric Actuators
• Operation: These actuators utilize the piezoelectric effect, where electric
charges cause materials to deform.
• High Precision: They offer extremely accurate positioning, making them
suitable for nanometer-scale applications.
• Fast Response: Piezoelectric materials have a swift response time,
making them ideal for dynamic control systems.
o Electroactive Polymer Actuators
• Conductivity: The polymer-based material's ability to conduct electricity for actuation.
• Applications: Widely used in robotics, haptic feedback systems, and biomimetic devices.
• Flexibility: Offers flexibility and lightweight properties, making it suitable for soft robotics and medical
devices.
o Design considerations for actuators
Reliability Efficiency Environmental Impact

Actuators must be reliable to Efficient actuators optimize Consider the environmental

ensure consistent performance in energy usage and minimize impact of actuators and strive for
various applications. operational costs. sustainable designs.

Designs should focus on

Consider factors like lifecycle, enhancing energy conversion Materials, emissions, and
failure rates, and maintenance and minimizing waste. recyclability should be key
requirements. considerations in the design
process.
 Types of Actuators Used in Hydraulics
Hydraulic Cylinders Hydraulic Motors
Hydraulic cylinders are the most common type of
Hydraulic motors are used to convert fluid power
actuators used in hydraulics. They consist of a
into rotational motion. They are often used in
cylindrical barrel, piston, and hydraulic fluid.
applications where high torque and low speed are
When pressurized, the fluid forces the piston to
required, such as in heavy machinery and
move, generating linear motion.
industrial equipment.

Hydraulic Valves
Hydraulic Pumps
Hydraulic valves control the flow and direction of
Hydraulic pumps are essential components of
the hydraulic fluid within a system. These valves
hydraulic systems, responsible for generating the
are crucial for regulating pressure, allowing for
flow of fluid. They come in various types,
precise control and efficient operation of hydraulic
including gear, vane, and piston pumps, each
actuators.
suited for different applications.
 Working principles of hydraulic
•
actuators
Hydraulic actuators operate based on the principles of fluid power transmission, utilizing the
incompressibility of fluids to generate linear or rotary motion.

• These actuators consist of a cylinder, piston, and hydraulic fluid, with the application of pressure resulting
in the movement of the piston to perform mechanical work.

• Fluid under pressure exerts force on the piston, leading to the conversion of hydraulic energy into
mechanical energy, enabling the actuators to perform tasks such as lifting heavy loads or controlling the
movement of industrial machinery.
Advantages and disadvantages of
hydraulic actuators
Advantages Disadvantages
• High force output: Hydraulic actuators can
• High maintenance: Hydraulic systems
generate a significant amount of force,
require regular maintenance to ensure
making them suitable for heavy-duty
integrity of the seals, hoses, and fluid
applications such as industrial machinery
quality, increasing operational cost
and construction equipment.
• Complexity: The hydraulic system design
• Smooth operation: Hydraulic systems
components can be complex, requiring
provide precise and smooth motion control,
skilled technicians for installation,
allowing delicate and precise movements in
troubleshooting, and repair.
various applications.
• Potential for leaks: Hydraulic systems are
• Excellent controllability: The speed and
prone to fluid leaks, which can be a safety
force of hydraulic actuators can be easily
hazard and lead to environmental
controlled, making them adaptable to a
contamination.
wide range of tasks.
• Noisy operation: The movement of
• High energy density: Hydraulic systems
hydraulic actuators produce noise, which
have high power density, allowing compact
may concern in noise-sensitive
design and efficient use of space in
environments.
machinery.
• Environmental impact: Hydraulic fluids can
• Wide temperature range: Hydraulic
pose environmental hazards if not handled
actuators can operate effectively in a wide
and disposed of properly.
range of temperatures, making them
suitable for both indoor and outdoor
applications.
Applications of Hydraulic Actuators

Manufacturing Construction Maritime Energy Sector

Hydraulic actuators are In the construction Hydraulic actuators are Within the energy
extensively used in industry, hydraulic utilized in various sector, hydraulic
manufacturing actuators play a crucial maritime applications, actuators are employed
processes for tasks like role in heavy machinery including ship steering in power generation
stamping, shaping, and such as excavators, mechanisms, cargo facilities, particularly in
forging. They provide cranes, and loaders. handling equipment, the operation of valves
the high force and They provide the and hatch covers. They and control systems.
precise control required necessary power for offer reliability and They enable precise and
for these industrial lifting, pushing, and robust performance in responsive control for
applications, ensuring other pivotal tasks on challenging marine power distribution and
efficiency and accuracy construction sites. environments. plant operations.
in production.
 Types of Actuators Used in Pneumatics
1 Pneumatic Cylinders
Pneumatic cylinders, also known as air cylinders, are mechanical devices that use
compressed air to produce motion. They convert the potential energy of compressed
air into kinetic energy, which is then used to perform various types of mechanical
work.

2 Pneumatic Rotary Actuators

Pneumatic rotary actuators are devices that produce a rotary motion or torque using
compressed air as the power source. These actuators are commonly used in
applications that require rotational motion, such as turning a valve or actuating a
damper.

3 Pneumatic Grippers
Pneumatic grippers are an essential part of automated robotic systems. They are
designed to pick up, hold, and release objects using compressed air as the driving
force. Pneumatic grippers are widely used in manufacturing and assembly processes
where precise handling of objects is required .
Working principles of pneumatic actuators
Pneumatic actuators are devices that use compressed air to create motion or force. They operate based on the
principles of converting energy from the air into mechanical motion. One of the key components in pneumatic
actuators is the piston, which moves in response to the changes in air pressure. When compressed air is introduced
into the system, it pushes the piston, generating linear or rotary motion.

The working principles of pneumatic actuators involve utilizing the force generated by the compressed air for
various mechanical applications. The valves in the actuators control the airflow and direction, allowing precise
control over the movement. The simplicity and efficiency of pneumatic actuators make them suitable for a wide
range of industrial and commercial applications.

Moreover, the use of pneumatic actuators contributes to a cleaner and quieter working environment compared to
hydraulic systems. The reliable and rapid response of pneumatic actuators make them favored in industries where
fast and precise motion control is essential.

Additionally, the maintenance of pneumatic actuators is relatively easier, as they do not require the same level of
fluid management as hydraulic systems. The use of pneumatic actuators is widespread in various industries,
including manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness.

An image could depict a high-pressure pneumatic system in a clean industrial workspace, showcasing precision
control and the advanced motion control technology. The scene should highlight the pneumatic actuator in
operation, demonstrating its efficiency and precision in controlling mechanical motion.
Advantages and disadvantages of
pneumatic actuators
Advantages of Pneumatic Disadvantages of Pneumatic
1 Actuators 2 Actuators

Pneumatic actuators have a quick One of the drawbacks of pneumatic

response time, making them suitable for actuators is their limited power output
applications requiring rapid and precise compared to hydraulic systems.
movement. They are also relatively Additionally, pneumatic systems require
lightweight and compact, making them a constant supply of compressed air,
easier to install and maneuver in limited which can be challenging in
spaces. Additionally, pneumatic systems environments where contamination or
are generally more cost-effective than moisture control is crucial. Moreover,
hydraulic or electric systems, providing pneumatic actuators can produce noise
a cost-efficient solution for various during operation, which may be
industrial applications. undesirable in certain settings.
Applications of pneumatic actuators

Industrial Automation Automotive Systems Material Handling

Pneumatic actuators play a key Pneumatic actuators are widely In manufacturing facilities,
role in industrial automation, utilized in automotive systems, pneumatic actuators are employed
particularly in the operation of particularly in braking in conveyor systems for material
robotic arms. These actuators mechanisms. The image handling. The image captures a
provide precise and efficient illustrates a pneumatic actuator pneumatic actuated conveyor
movement, enabling the integrated into an automotive system in a busy production
automation of tasks such as braking system, showcasing its environment, showcasing the
assembly, pick-and-place robust and durable design. high-speed movement facilitated
operations, and material handling Pneumatic actuators in by pneumatic actuators. These
in manufacturing facilities. The automotive applications ensure actuators enable the seamless
image depicts an industrial efficient and reliable braking transport of materials and
robotic arm equipped with a performance, contributing to the products within the
pneumatic actuator, operating in a safety and functionality of manufacturing facility, optimizing
clean and well-lit environment, vehicles on the road. productivity and operational
showcasing the precision and efficiency.
reliability.
Conclusion
After a comprehensive study and trial on actuators used in hydraulics and
pneumatics, it is evident that these devices play a crucial role in various
mechanical systems. The importance of understanding the types, working
principles, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of both hydraulic and
pneumatic actuators cannot be overstated. Their impact on industries, from
manufacturing to aerospace, highlights the need for continued research and
advancements in this field. As technology evolves, actuators will continue to be at
the forefront of innovation, driving progress and efficiency.
The image showcases a futuristic assembly line with robotic arms equipped with
advanced hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. The scene is illuminated with a blend
of cool and warm LED lighting, creating a visually striking and modern industrial
environment. The robotic arms are in motion, demonstrating the seamless
integration of actuators with cutting-edge technology, symbolizing the future
potential and significance of these devices.