Products, Parts, Processes, and Poetry #2: Linear Actuators and Cylinders

A linear actuator
Gives motion in a straight path,
So stay out of its way
Unless you want to feel its wrath.

There are many varieties,
You’ll find them everywhere,
They can work with hydraulics,
Electricity, or air.

You might use an electric
To push something quick but light.
They will give you high precision
So location’s always right.

Some choose to use pneumatics,
Driven by a gas compressed.
Their push depends on pressure,
Yet they need no oil to test.

Hydraulic cylinders are different
On the other hand.
Their energy is pumped through oil,
High forces are their brand.

Some even blend technology,
By mixing oil and Amps.
These hybrid actuators
Pump more oil as current ramps.

Circling back to hydraulic,
There are more fine details still,
For example some might telescope
While others never will.

A double acting cylinder
Can push or pull its load,
While single acting versions
Are more like a one-way road.

Find cylinders on loaders,
Or watch them compact your waste,
They can swing large doors wide open,
They simply can’t be replaced.

So think of linear actuators
Pushing here to there.
They are mechanical marvels
Moving masses everywhere.

By Kanan R Wanha
Written 2024-11-16