Electric actuators provide a green alternative to pneumatic and hydraulic actuators. They operate using an electric motor connected to a lead screw that drives a threaded nut to move a cylinder linearly. Electric actuators offer better accuracy, repeatability, variable speed control, and operate in a wider temperature range than other options. They also have benefits like reduced energy usage, cleaner operation, and less maintenance. Common applications include lifting devices, agricultural vehicles, stair lifts, conveyors, and material handling equipment. Selection depends on the load, stroke length, cycles per minute, application, and manufacturer.

1. Electric Actuators: Green solution against pneumatic and
hydraulic actuators.
As the industrial world becomes increasingly connected, the designer’s need for
intelligent components that can communicate with each other and operate without the need for
manual interaction is growing.
Hydraulic- Pneumatic Actuators: Pneumatic linear actuators consist of a piston inside a
hollow cylinder. Pressure from an external compressor or manual pump moves the piston inside
the cylinder. As pressure increases, the cylinder moves along the axis of the piston, creating a
linear force. The piston returns to its original position by either a spring-back force or fluid
being supplied to the other side of the piston.
Accuracy Requires expensive position sensing and precise electrohydraulic valving to implement. Has
tendency to creep.

2. Hydraulic linear actuators operate similarly to pneumatic actuators, but an incompressible
liquid from a pump rather than pressurized air moves the cylinder.
Electric Actuators:
An electric linear actuator converts electrical energy into torque. An electric motor
mechanically connected turns a lead screw. A threaded lead or ball nut with corresponding
threads that match those of the screw is prevented from rotating with the screw. When the
screw rotates, the nut gets driven along the threads. The direction the nut moves depends on
which direction the screw rotates and also returns the actuator to its original position.
Accuracy :Very repeatable (to ± 0,013 mm) and rigid, multi-stop capabilities
Speed :Smooth, variable speed from 0 to 2 m/s with controlled acceleration..
Environment: Standard models rated for -30 to +70°C. Inherently clean and energy efficient.

3. Why Convert to Electric Actuators? : There are many reasons to switch from a pneumatic or
hydraulic actuator solution to an electric one. Better controllability, reduced complexity and a
smaller footprint are often the main ones. Less energy consumption, cleaner operation and
reduced maintenance are others but often you will also experience additional benefits such as
better performance, reduced downtime, and faster assembly and commissioning.
Applications Examples of Electric Actuators:
• Lifting Devices, Fork Lifts Driver Cabins and other Material Handling Vehicles
• Agricultural Vehicles
• Staircase Lifts, Patient Lifts and Wheel Chairs
• testing in Garbage handling Machine
• Antina Positioning
• Conveyor height adjustment
• Synchronize Lifting

4. Selection Criteria of Electric Actuators:
• Load
• Stroke Length
• Cycle per minutes and working hour per day
• Applications
Manufacturer of Electric Actuators:
Today, Thomson is the market leader for electric linear actuators used in the most demanding
applications, including construction and agriculture vehicles.