Actuator

Part of a Control system.

The 'actuator' is the name given to a device that moves something when commanded to do so.

For example an electric motor is an actuator. Its output shaft is connected to the thing that needs to be controlled such as a window or automatic gate.

A pneumatic piston is an actuator, when its control valve opens, compressed air rushes into the piston to push or pull something.

Note: A light such as an LED is an 'output device' but *not* an actuator, as it does not move anything.

Challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: Actuator

2020-10