What are linear actuators? Linear actuators are machines that make mechanical linear movement through the conversion of various forms of energy into mechanical energy. Basically linear actuators are machines designed to apply force linearly. A good way to explain what a linear actuator is that it is a devise that moves only horizontally or vertically. Linear actuators are considered to be space efficient and comparatively cheaper in certain fields of its application such as a motor or for robotics.
While linear actuators may seem completely alien to most people, linear actuators or machines that are based on the principle of linear actuators are present in our daily lives. One of the most common applications that we can see every day is the hydraulic carjack. The hydraulic car jack expands and contracts linearly or in vertically while you apply force on the lever. Though hydraulics explains the non-contraction of the liquid the conversion of the force applied to the lever which results to the expansion or vertical movement of the hydraulic jack is an example of a linear actuator. While several kinds of linear actuators may seem more complicated than a hydraulic jack, the governing principle behind them is the same – the force applied is converted to mechanical energy that causes the devise to move or expand in a linear manner
For more information about Actuators look at Linear Actuators, Electric Actuators,
Rotary Actuators, Pneumatic Actuators, Valve Actuators.
