Actuators have been explained in quite a few articles on this site, but the information is a bit spread out, so hopefully this article will serve to collect and contextualize the others.

Actuators 101 Part I

As we've learned, an actuator is 'a motor that transfers energy from whatever is powering it into motion'. This is the classic definition of an actuator, and covers the basic textbook description of the device. Good to read if you're not certain what an actuator actually is or does from a fundamental standpoint. It's here we learn that the classic actuator is comparable to the 'simple machines' defined in nearly every Physics textbook.

Actuators 101 Part II: Electric Linear Actuators

We then went on to learn about Linear Actuators, specifically electric linear actuators. This article lists the basic parts of a linear actuator, and the four attributes used to describe them. Those attributes are Stroke, Speed, Force, and Lock-Up Force. Each of these attributes has to be carefully scrutinized when planning a project that requires linear actuators, as they are the basic elements that will define how your task or application is designed. A linear actuator that is good at pushing lots of weight (Force) might not be as good at pushing that load quickly (Speed), or vice versa.

Actuators 102 Actuator Installation and Setup

The next article went into detail about Actuator Installation and Accessories. While it's all well and good to have an actuator, it's nearly useless without a way to power it, a way to control it, and a way to mount it. The most common power source for linear actuators is a 12v/24v DC electric motor, to the point where it is nearly an industry standard. However, it's easy to also use AC power by attaching a power converter or control box, as mentioned in the linked article above.

Actuators 201 Automotive Actuators

Lastly, to give more insight into how actuators are used every day, we have an Automotive Actuators article that touches on some of the real-world applications that actuators have in that most useful invention, the modern automobile. Just about everything that whirrs, springs, latches, or moves in a car requires some kind of actuator to provide the motive force behind the motion. This doesn't mean just conveniences like auto-locking doors and movable wing mirrors; actuators are are also involved in nearly every fuel efficiency innovation and engine improvement in the last 40 years.

By reviewing these articles you hopefully will gain more of a background about the world of actuators, what they are, why you'd need one, and what kind you should get. Like these articles, or have a question about them? Please let us know!