Guide to Selecting Motors and Actuators

What is an Actuator?

An actuator is a device capable of performing actions in the physical world, particularly generating movement, controlled by a processor like Arduino.

Factors for Choosing a Motor

When selecting an actuator, consider mechanical and electrical characteristics, control requirements, and price.

Mechanical Characteristics

• Speed: The rate of displacement or angular rotation.
• Force/Torque: The ability to apply force or rotate a load.
• Power: The energy delivered by the actuator per unit of time.
• Maximum Load: The maximum weight the actuator can support without breaking.
• Precision: The accuracy of movements, with stepper motors offering high precision.

Electrical Characteristics

• Nominal Voltage: The voltage required for correct operation, commonly 6V, 12V, or 24V.
• Nominal Current: The current needed for proper operation, measured in Amperes.
• Electrical Power: The energy consumed by the motor, measured in Watts.

Control Characteristics

Actuators can be controlled for:

• Speed: Knowing the movement rate of the vehicle or device.
• Position: Tracking the exact position of the actuator.
• Orientation: Determining the direction of movement.

Adding an Encoder

Encoders improve actuator control by allowing precise tracking of position and speed. Common types include optical and magnetic encoders.