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Linear hydraulic actuators

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About linear hydraulic actuators

Types of Linear Hydraulic Actuators

Linear hydraulic actuators come in different types, representing internal constructions, working principles, and operational features. The choice often depends on the desired application requirements when using hydraulic fluid to create motion.

Linear Hydraulic Actuator With Piston Rod

These are the most typical and commonly used hydraulic actuators. The construction features a piston within a cylinder that moves back and forth to generate linear motion. The movement produced by this actuator is usually very precise and controlled. It also provides a high force output and is mainly used in construction equipment, industrial machines, and commercial applications.

Linear Hydraulic Actuator Without Piston Rod

These actuators are also referred to as rodless actuators. They provide linear motion without the use of a conventional piston and piston-connecting mechanical rod. Most of these actuators utilize a pressurized fluid that can be dispensed through different outlet openings during operation. These actuators are suitable for compact applications requiring a smaller footprint and less installation space. Further, they are commonly found in automated systems and material handling equipment.

Belt-Driven Actuator

Users can also consider linear actuators that are driven by belts. These actuators convert the hydraulic fluid power to mechanical energy through a belt system. They are suitable for applications that require a higher speed and a smooth operation. Some examples of industries where these types of actuators are used include packaging, textile, automation, and other related manufacturing industries.

Ball Screw Actuator

These actuators utilize a ball screw mechanism to convert hydraulic fluid power into linear mechanical power. The construction consists of a screw and a nut with ball bearings inserted between the two to reduce friction and transform motion. This type of actuator offers a high efficiency and great precision. Users can find these actuators commonly used in robotics, aerospace, and medical device manufacturing.

Tube-Supported Actuator

These actuators are often guided by a cylindrical, supported linear tube or rail through which the load moves. The tube has a minimal friction contribution to allow for a smooth operation of the actuator. These actuators are mainly used in packaging, electronics assembly, and lab equipment engineered to have a small footprint.

Industrial Applications of Linear Hydraulic Actuators

Buyers should analyze and understand the different fields where these actuators are applied to give them a reason to purchase rodless actuators if needed. Knowing this will also help them to encourage their customers to purchase linear hydraulic actuators.

Industrial Machinery

Linear hydraulic actuators are effectively used in industry machinery such as lifts, clamps, dies, and presses. The high force and precision make them suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Aerospace

The aerospace industry widely uses these actuators in control surfaces, landing gear systems, and satellite mechanisms. Their lightweight construction, durability, and reliability features make them ideal for critical applications requiring lightweight and reliable components.

Automotive

In the automotive field, linear hydraulic actuators can be seen operating hoods, tailgates, and seat adjustment mechanisms. They are also used in production lines and automation processes.

Renewable Energy Sector

The renewable energy sector uses hydraulic actuators in tidal, wind, and solar tracking systems. They offer smooth controlled movements for optimal energy capture.

Marine

Linear hydraulic actuators are also in the marine industry. Here, they are used in hatch covers, steering systems, and winches. Their resistance to harsh marine environments ensures reliable operation.

Robotics

Many people might not know this, but linear hydraulic actuators are used by robotics constructors. They utilize them in robotic arms, grippers, and other precision motion components. Generally, hydra actuators provide a high force density and a good accuracy, making them suitable for heavy load lift in robotic applications.

Construction

Hydraulic actuators are commonly used in construction equipment. They power the lifting, digging, and moving of heavy items. Commonly they are found in excavators, backhoes, cranes, and loaders.

Medical Equipment

Linear hydraulic actuators are usually found in medical equipment such as surgical tables, pumps, and prosthetics. Their precision and reliability make them suitable for critical health applications.

Product Specification and Feature Differences of Linear Hydraulic Actuators

Even though various hydraulic cylinders, such as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder and others, have many similarities. There are often product specification and feature differences that make one more suitable than the other for a given application than another.

Different Cylinder Materials

Cylinder material is one specification that can differ from one linear hydraulic actuator to another. Most premium models manufacture these cylinders from steel. However, some cheaper models go the additional way of manufacturing from aluminum.

Steel offers better durability and strength to withstand high pressure and loads. On the other hand, aluminum is conventionally lightweight and will not rust. This makes it a suitable option for those applications requiring this material's mobility feature.

Different Rod Materials

Manufacturers also prefer to make the piston rod in some models using chrome-plated steel for its durability and resistance to wear. Other model manufacturers use stainless steel. This material comes in handy for owners in industries where corrosion is a high concern, such as in food processing or medical applications.

Further, stainless steel constructions will also blend in wooden furniture as stainless steel acts as a good disguising material for the furniture's nails. Therefore, it will not be easy to notice that the nails have been made from stainless steel.

Different Seal Materials

In these hydraulic actuators, different seals are made from different materials. Some seal manufacturers make seals from polyurethane to provide a good wear resistance. Other manufacturers also make these seals from nitrile rubber due to its excellent oil resistance. PU is usually chosen for heavy-duty applications. Meanwhile, nitrile rubber is often used in a wide range of industries owing to its great oil-resisting ability.

Output Force

The output force specification tends to vary greatly from one linear hydraulic actuator to another. This is because the output force is influenced by numerous factors within the actuator. These factors include the rod diameter, hydraulic pressure, and cylinder size. That is why these actuators can generate forces ranging from several pounds to thousands of pounds. The force required for a certain application will determine which actuator is the best fit.

Speed

Hydraulic actuator models generally have variable speeds. Manufacturers have to put varieties in speed to control how fast or slowly the mechanical motion could go. The operating speed mostly depends on the flow rate of the hydraulic fluid in the actuator.

How to Choose Linear Hydraulic Actuators

The kind of linear hydraulic actuators buyers choose for their businesses should be based on various factors. Below are factors businesses should consider when purchasing hydraulic actuators.

The Application

Buyers should first get their customers to consider what the linear hydraulic actuator will be used for. Customers who intend to use theirs for heavy applications will require a model that can produce a high amount of linear force. On the other hand, those intending to use it for light application will not need such a strong actuator. They can settle for one that requires less force. Also, the industry will significantly help the customer choose the right type of actuator. This is because a construction industry linear hydraulic actuator will have different requirements from a medical one.

Cylinder Design and Size

Buyers should encourage their customers to consider the cylinder design and size. A bigger cylinder can provide more force, while a smaller one will give a lesser force. The cylinder design is also an important consideration. That is, a closed hydraulic cylinder will give the customer more control than a standard one. Also, a customer interested in high precision should go for a hydraulic actuator with a high precision cylinder design. Such a design will ensure accuracy during operation.

Material and Durability

Customers who intend to use their actuators in outdoor applications will require one made from durable material that can withstand dynamic environmental elements. In this case, they will likely need a marine or construction-grade hydraulic actuator. Those who will use theirs indoors will not require such heavy-duty materials. A cover against dust and other particles is optional for indoor applications but recommended for outdoor ones.

Hydraulic System Compatibility

Buyers should tell their customers never to forget to check the actuator's hydraulic system compatibility. The actuators are manufactured to operate at different fluid pressure ranges. Therefore, customers must ensure they purchase one compatible with the hydraulic fluid of their system.

Speed Requirements

Buyers should consider what speed their customers will require when purchasing a linear hydraulic actuator. If their customers' projects need high speed, they will need an actuator with a fast-speed response. Those in low-speed applications can work with any standard actuator. However, it is worth noting that high-speed actuators are increasingly becoming in demand due to their widespread applications in various industries.

Q&A

Q1. Will installing a rodless hydraulic cylinder be a hard task?

A1. No. The task itself is not hard at all. This is because rodless hydraulics are easy to install and remove. For instance, users can install some of them using a couple of mounting brackets at the end. Others simply slide onto existing machinery parts. Hence, installing or removing them does not require a lot of time or effort.

Q2. Can linear hydraulic actuators produce varying output force?

A2. Yes, they can. Most of the hydraulic actuators manufacturers make are designed to produce a constant output force. However, they come with a variable hydraulic pump. Therefore, the pump can help adjust the fluid pressure to vary the output force as required. This makes it possible for the actuator to work under different conditions.

Q3. Do linear hydraulic actuators used outdoors require any maintenance?

A3. Yes, they do. Outdoor actuators are exposed to environmental elements, and their constituents can wear out. Therefore, owners must regularly maintain them. Fortunately, maintenance mainly includes inspecting seals, lubricating parts, and replacing worn components. These tasks are easy and straightforward.

Q4. Are there any applications unsuitable for linear hydraulic actuators?

A4. Apparently, no. Owners can use these actuators in almost every application. The one thing to note is that hydraulic actuators are unsuitable for applications that require a negligible force. In such cases, manufacturers usually recommend electrical actuators instead.

Q5. Are linear hydraulic actuators eco-friendly solutions?

A5. No, they are not. The hydraulic fluids used in these actuators are often petroleum-based. This means that once released to the environment, they will cause pollution. Luckily, there are now more and more manufacturers making these fluids from biodegradable materials. While they still pose an impact on the environment, the effect will not be as much as petroleum-based fluids.