Actuators
What is an actuator?
Actuators are devices that convert energy (usually electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) into a mechanical motion, either rotational or linear. They are used to perform physical work and are an important part of many industrial and technological systems. Actuators play a central role in automation, robotics, and control systems, as well as in everyday applications such as beds, tables, wheelchairs, or dental chairs.
Overall, actuators play a critical role in many technical and industrial systems, and the choice of actuator depends on the application's requirements for power, precision, speed, stroke length, and environmental factors.
Applications for an actuator
Industrial automation
Actuators are extensively used for automating processes such as opening valves, moving parts on production lines, or controlling robots. In material handling conveyor belts, air locks, and lift tables are relevant applications. Typical applications in agriculture may include the control of harvesters, grain handling or feeding automation to name a few.
Furniture
Recliners/chairs and beds are well-known applications. However, actuators can also be used for concealed installations such as TV lifts, kitchen cabinets, movable shelves/wine storage, etc. Only imagination sets the limits for what can be automated.
Vehicles
Actuators are widely used in cars (eg. electric seat adjustments, custom modifications for individuals with disabilities or interior equipment), marine vessels (panels, seat adjustments, and hatches on boats, material handling or feeding solutions in fish farming facilities), trains, construction machinery, trucks, buses, and even aircraft (to control movable parts such as flaps and rudders).
Medical equipment
In medical applications, actuators can be used in surgical robots, prosthetic devices, and diagnostic equipment that require precise control. Hospital beds, patient lifts and wheelchairs are all somewhat operated with actuators to assist with heavy lifting or to adapt the application to the patient.
Construction and civil engineering
Hydraulic and pneumatic driven actuators are common in heavy machinery such as excavators and lifting equipment, but electric 12/24V versions can also be supplied with a pushing force of 10-15 tons! Applications for electric actuators in construction and civil engineering include, for example, opening windows/roof lights/emergency exits, greenhouse ventilation, doors, vents and bollards.
Advantages of an electric actuator: It can generate very high force with precise positioning and is cost-effective to install in demanding industrial environments where hydraulic power is not already available.
Our suppliers
Actuators play an important role in automation and mechanical systems by converting energy into physical motion. Our suppliers, Kabasi and Hurd, offer advanced solutions in actuators, but they have diverse approaches and specifications.
Kabasi Actuators
Kabasi offers electric actuators in a micro format, known for their precision, reliability, and adaptability. Their products are primarily used in industrial applications and systems that require precise positioning and control, such as 3D printers, drones, RC-vehicles and lock boxes.
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Type: Electrical linear actuator
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Energy Source: Electric power 4-12VDC
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Applications: Kabasi actuators are used in everything from robotics to automation on production lines, medical equipment, and vehicles
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Features: High precision PWM, compact design - micro format, flexible control systems that can be integrated with other technologies - RF, quiet operation and smooth movement, easy to control via electrical signals and modern control systems
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Advantages: Precise control and positioning, low maintenance, easy integration into existing systems, compact and lightweight
Hurd Actuators
Hurd specializes in high-performance actuators, and their products are known for their robustness and high power. Hurd focuses on electric in-line actuators and offers models that can easily be adapted for use in tight spaces where an external motor is not desired.
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Type: Electric in-line actuator and linear guides
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Power Source: Electric power 12/24VDC
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Applications: Hurd actuators are often used in heavy industrial machinery, greenhouses, transportation vehicles, assistive devices, and more. They are ideal for applications that require high power or movement under extreme conditions
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Features: Buildt-in current protector - OCP, Hall sensor/Reed switch/end-stop as needed, easy installable control board(PCB) available with or without an RF receiver/transmitter, precise control for both linear and rotational movements
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Advantages: Extremely powerful and robust (6,500N/IP68), capable of handling heavy loads and extreme environments, long lifespan and durability, sizes range from Ø26mm til Ø45mm
For more information
John Roar Vanebo | john@freber.no | +47 924 68 223
Trond Eriksen | trond@freber.no | +47 995 17 498
Ingar Ottosen | ingar@freber.no | +47 974 09 717
