Engineering Actuators for Extreme Environments

A holistic approach to protective design can greatly reduce or eliminate the harmful effects of harsh environmental conditions on electric actuators.

Tolomatic, Inc., Hamel, MN

With their performance and efficiency advantages over hydraulics, electric actuators are increasingly used in unforgiving operating environments that demand hardened components. Yet, not every actuator is up the task of thriving or even surviving under the harshest conditions.

Most off-the-shelf actuators are simply not engineered to withstand the corrosive agents, temperature extremes, ingress of foreign material, high shock loads and electromagnetic interference (EMI) that characterize many harsh environments. If you're designing a system that will need to perform in these conditions, here's an overview of what to look for in an actuator.