The Business Case for Actuators: A Strategic Buyer’s Guide to Sourcing Motion Control 

Motion control is the process by which elements in a manufacturing process are set into a precise and controlled system of motion. It plays a very critical role in ensuring that all operations keep running smoothly. Actuators are very significant components of industrial automation systems and home appliances, and convert different forms of energy, such as electrical or hydraulic energy, to mechanical energy. For businesses, it is important to be able to find the right actuator as it is a huge investment that can directly impact efficiency and long-term profitability. 

Why Actuators Matter Business Operations

Actuators have many operations when they convert energy into motion, such as opening valves in oil and gas systems and positioning arms in factories. They are direct indicators of increased productivity and improving precision and cutting down on maintenance costs. If businesses do not pay attention to sourcing good actuators, they eventually face increased costs in repairs and suffer losses in the long run. Actuators also help improve production time and decrease all forms of inefficiencies.  In 2024, the global actuators market was valued at 67.72 billion US dollars! Here are some other reasons why actuators matter in business operations. 

Increased Reliability

When you have an actuator that minimizes the number of breakdowns, it automatically reduces wasted time in unplanned downtimes that are bad for your business. In the long run, this means that your operations are consistent, and you do not have to spend much on maintenance. 

Long-Term Cost Savings

It is a very well-known rule that the higher quality products you invest in, the longer they last, and the more they help you save up in the long run. The same is the case with actuators. Investing in high-quality actuators means that they last longer and require fewer repairs. They also mean improved energy efficiency. If you opt for a cheaper alternative, you will end up spending money buying a new one, so is it not better to get a good quality one in the first place? 

Safety and Compliance

A lot of the sectors, such as automotive, aerospace, and medical, follow strict regulation rules, and choosing a good quality actuator ensures that you follow safety standards and reduce any risks of liability. 

Competitive Advantage

Investing in good quality actuators also means that you can meet market demands quickly and efficiently and not lag in the competition. You can produce reliably and scale your business eventually and reach the level of your competitors and even leave them behind in growth. 

Evaluate Application Requirements

Before investing in an actuator, you should evaluate the requirements based on these things. 

Actuating Working Power 

There are some parameters that you can consider before buying an actuator. One of the most important ones is operating power. The actuator power must match the power of your system, and this is also important in valve applications, as the type and size of valves have a direct impact on the amount of power they require, such as butterfly valves require less force, bell valves require higher torque, and dampers require a different power. 

Angular Movement Angles 

By standard, most actuators work at 90 degrees. Still, you may need to adjust the actuators’ angles according to your application or system, which requires customization and will require you to consult the experts. 

Other Requirements 

There are also some other requirements that you should keep in mind, such as the type of movement, as you could either require linear or rotary motion. You should also check its operating environment and whether it can resist extreme temperatures. And of course, the type of power source that you can provide determines the type of actuator that you should purchase. 

Conclusion 

When purchasing an actuator, do not take the decision lightly as it is just not a component but a key factor behind increased efficiency and safety, which obviously means increased profitability. And by investing time in understanding your requirements and buying an actuator that suits your needs, and buying one of good quality, you can have a competitive edge over other businesses and can improve your success rates.