What is a Electric Actuators?
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- Issue Time
- 2022/11/14
Summary
Each of the different types of electric actuators serves a different purpose, read on to learn everything you need to know about the different types of electric linear actuators.

Electric actuators are used in nearly every industry, from aerospace to construction, from agriculture to packaging. Electric Linear Actuators There are two key types of actuators: positioning and thrust. Each of these types of electric actuators serves a different purpose, but what makes these two types different and should you know about them?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the different types of electric linear actuators.
What is an Electric Linear Actuator?
An electric linear actuator is a device used to control the position or motion of an object or system. It consists of a mechanical system with an electric motor and usually a gearbox.
Positioning electric linear actuators provide translational motion of objects to precise positions. If desired, this can achieve repeatability of only a few microns. This type of actuator is often used in machine automation, so the axes of motion can be provided by a single device, making design and manufacturing simpler and more cost-effective. This type of actuator is also used where longer strokes are required, such as in palletizing systems.
Thrust actuators use push/pull tubes combined with motors and gearboxes to provide thrust, such as raising and lowering medical beds, raising tables, opening hatches, etc. This type of actuator has a short stroke and is generally not used where a high level of positioning accuracy is required.
Electric linear actuators are commonly used in a wide range of applications and industries, including manufacturing, robotics, packaging, food and beverage industries, and many others
There are several benefits to using an electric actuator. For example, they can be more precise than hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. Electric actuators are also easier to control and maintain and generally have a longer lifespan.
Energy efficiency and sustainability are two key drivers away from pneumatic and hydraulic actuators. Pneumatic actuators and pneumatic systems in general need to store large amounts of compressed air (using a lot of energy) and often suffer from energy losses due to leaks in the piping system. Hydraulic actuators need to store and pump fluid under high pressure, reusing energy, and the fluid itself is a potential environmental problem. Historically, high-pressure actuators have dictated the use of hydraulic systems. However, electric linear actuators with forces up to 500kN are now available.
Electric linear actuators only use energy when they are moving, so they save a lot of energy and resources.
This makes electric linear actuators an excellent choice for a wide range of applications.
What Are Electric Actuators Used For?
Electric actuators can be used wherever movement or force needs to be controlled. Here are a few examples of where electric linear actuators can be used in industry:
Provides a 7th axis for Cobots
Positioning of medical beds, tables, and other equipment
Pick and place machinery
Palletizing system
Positioning mirrors and lenses
Pressure system
Anyhow
It is clear that electric actuators are versatile and reliable devices that can be used in a wide range of applications. Whatever your sporting or positioning requirements, there is an electric actuator to meet your needs.
If you need help choosing the right electric actuator for your application, our linear motion experts are here to help. Welcome to contact us for the electric actuator.
UG is a professional custom valve actuators and accessories manufacturer. For nearly 20 years, we have used our engineering expertise and industry experience to continuously improve our products, striving to provide efficient solutions and competitive prices. UG provides solutions for all industries, including chemical, water, oil and gas, mining, power plants, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and more.