Which is best Pneumatic vs Electric Actuators? Pros and ...

Which is best Pneumatic vs Electric Actuators? Pros and ...

Hydraulic vs Pneumatic vs Electric Actuators: Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons of Hydraulic Linear Actuators

Hydraulic linear actuators utilize a piston-cylinder configuration. An incompressible liquid from a pump fills the cylinder and forces the piston to move. With increased pressure, the piston moves linearly inside the cylinder, and the speed can be adjusted by changing the flow rate of the fluid. A high-speed hydraulic actuator is not only fast, but it can supply significant force. The piston returns to its retracted position by either a spring-back force or fluid being supplied to the opposite side.

Advantages of Hydraulic Linear Actuators

• Hydraulic actuators can maintain a constant force without requiring the pump to supply more fluid due to the use of an incompressible fluid.
• They can produce very high forces and speeds.
• The system can achieve high speeds.

Disadvantages of Hydraulic Linear Actuators

• Hydraulic fluid leaks can lead to a loss in efficiency and cleanliness issues.
• Numerous components are required, including a fluid reservoir, pumps, motors, release valves, heat exchangers, and noise reduction equipment.
• High maintenance systems require constant monitoring of multiple components.

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Pros and Cons of Pneumatic Linear Actuators

Pneumatic actuators operate similarly to hydraulic ones, but they use air instead of hydraulic fluid. The compressed gas in a piston-cylinder setup creates a linear force.

Advantages of Pneumatic Linear Actuators

• Pneumatic actuators are very simple, with most aluminium cylinders having optimal maximum pressure ratings that allow for a range of forces.
• They are often used in extreme temperatures because air is safer than hazardous chemicals or electricity.
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• They are a cost-effective solution.

Disadvantages of Pneumatic Linear Actuators

• Pressure losses and the compressibility of air make pneumatic devices less capable than other linear motion systems. A compressor must run continuously to maintain operating pressure.
• Pneumatic actuators must be correctly sized for a specific task, requiring proportionately sized valves, regulators, and compressors, which increases cost and complexity.
• The air can be contaminated by oil or lubrication, leading to downtime and maintenance issues.

Pros and Cons of Electric Linear Actuators

Electric linear actuators convert rotational motion into linear motion. An electric motor generates rotational motion, which is then reduced by a gearbox to increase torque. This torque turns a lead screw, resulting in the linear motion of the drive nut. Picture driving a screw into wood; instead of the screw moving towards the wood, the wood moves towards or away from the screw depending on rotation direction.

Electric linear actuators are adaptable, convenient, and provide the highest precision control!

Advantages of Electric Linear Actuators

• Electric actuators offer the highest precision.
• They are scalable for any purpose or force requirement.
• They can be easily networked and quickly programmed, providing immediate feedback for diagnostics and maintenance.
• They provide full control over motion, offering custom speeds, stroke lengths, and applied forces.
• They are quieter compared to pneumatic and hydraulic actuators.

Disadvantages of Electric Linear Actuators

• The initial cost is higher than pneumatic and hydraulic actuators.
• They are not suitable for all conditions, whereas pneumatic actuators are safe in hazardous and flammable areas.
• Electric motors can be bulky.

Final Word

Each actuator technology has its place in the industry. However, the flexibility and decreasing cost of electric linear actuators make them more popular choices. The best actuator for your application depends on your working environment.
If you need further assistance selecting the right electric linear actuator, please call us at 1-800-676-6123 or email us at sales@progressiveautomations.com.

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