Actuators Repair

What Are Actuators, and How Do They Work?

In simple terms, an actuator is a device which helps to convert energy into motion. Actuators are used on all sorts of machinery, including electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic. An actuator works within a particular application to convert a force into a desired mechanical action. Actuators are found in everything from electric motors, to combustion engines, to robotics, production machinery, appliances, and even cell phones.

Understanding Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Electric Actuators

While every form of the actuator is designed to turn energy into mechanical motion, there are several different kinds of actuators used for different functions. Linear actuators produce straight-line motion, while rotary actuators deliver circular motion. The power type used to supply force to the actuator can vary as well. Three of the most common types of actuators include hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric.

Hydraulic actuators take advantage of the properties of dense fluids to increase force and create dedicated movement. One advantage of a hydraulic application is that it can produce more force than pneumatic or electric devices, and it can also maintain force over longer distances. Hydraulic systems are also more complex, and require more maintenance than other types. Pneumatic actuators work similarly to hydraulic actuators, except that they rely upon pressurized air rather than on fluids. These actuators are less complex, take up less space, and also require less maintenance. The main downside is that a pneumatic system can’t generate as much force as a hydraulic system, and also doesn’t offer as much production power. A third option is an electric actuator. These are more precise than hydraulic or pneumatic actuators, and there’s also no worry of leaks. Electric actuators are also more expensive, require large motors to operate, and carry more potential for overheating.

Common Issues with Valve Actuators

Most actuators operate by allowing for the automated movement of necessary valves within the system. As these valves are opened and closed by the actuator, more or less needed force is created for motion. If your valve actuator stops working, there could be any number of causative factors in play. Even so, the most likely culprits are a handful of components found within the system. Here are five of the most common sources of issues:

The valve or valves

Whenever there’s an issue with an actuator, more often than not, it’s likely to actually be an issue with a valve or valves. Valve stems can become worn out, the packing can seize up, the valve may have picked up an obstruction, the valve could be experiencing too much torque, etc.

The valve connection

Another common issue is a problem with the actuator connection to the valve, which often takes the form of an actuator drive nut. A worn-out or faulty drive nut simply won’t move the valve stem properly.

The center column drive

The actuator opens and closes valves by acting upon the respective valve stems. This is accomplished through the action of the center column drive. These drives have been known to break in some instances.

The motor contactor

With an electric actuator, there’s also an internal contactor which “tells” the actuator to either open or close the valve, based upon input signals. If your motor contactor fails, then your actuator won’t function at all. Sometimes this could be a simple fuse issue, or in some cases, it may require a component repair or replacement.

The electric motor

An electric actuator also relies upon an electric motor to provide torque. Over time, issues like overheating or stress can cause an electric motor to fail. In this case, motor repairs and/or rebuilding may be required.

AES Actuator Maintenance Services

One of the best ways to keep your actuators functioning smoothly is to show them a little regular TLC. An actuator that’s well-maintained is much more likely to keep right on humming along, and much less likely to fail prematurely. Here are some actuator maintenance services we provide at AES:

Seal Evaluation

Hydraulic and pneumatic actuators rely upon tight seals to function correctly, and to prevent any fluid or air leaks. Our team will check all your seals to make sure they’re set properly and are in good condition; any that aren’t will be promptly replaced.

Ring & Wiper Appraisal

Excessive wear of your rings or wipers can compromise the effectiveness of your actuator, too. We’ll check all of these items, and will replace any as required.

Bushing Assessment

End bushings are another actuator component which need periodic evaluation. Even in situations of normal use, bushings can wear out over time. We’re happy to provide bushing inspection, and replacement as needed.

Port Examination

Your actuator’s pressure and return ports need regular examination, too. If we find any signs of damage, we’ll make any needed repairs to keep your actuator functioning smoothly.

Rod Inspection

It’s also important to inspect the condition of your actuator rods. A rod that’s become damaged can cause an actuator to fail. In many cases, the rod substrate itself may be in fine shape, but the rod surface has become worn and may need rechroming or refinishing. Our team can restore the surface of your rods to like-new condition!

Actuator Repair Process with AES

Got some repairs that need to be made to your actuator? Well, you’re in good hands with the AES team, because actuator repairs are right up our alley! In fact, we’ve developed a proven process for accurately diagnosing and repairing any and all types of equipment you send our way:

Send It On

Just pack your equipment into a box with foam, bubble wrap, or other types of protective material. Also, the more you can tell us about the nature of the failures or issues you’ve been experiencing, the better prepared our repair technicians will be to take care of the problem. But if you really have no idea what the problem is, that’s fine – just send it on anyway!

Shipping Instructions

Ship your equipment to AES at 101 Technology Lane, Mount Airy, NC 27030 with your name, your company name, phone number, email, and any other relevant contact information. We’ll get the ball rolling, and we’ll let you know what we discover!

Equipment Check-in, Evaluation, & Repair Quote

Once your equipment arrives, we’ll check it in and also assign a unique tracking ID for each item. We’ll go through a series of troubleshooting and evaluation steps, and perform a thorough analysis. Once that’s complete, we’ll be able to generate a complete repair quote detailing exactly what needs to be done in order to make your actuator work like new again.

Personalized Follow-Up

Your individually-assigned Customer Service Representative will connect with you personally; at AES, we just believe that the personal touch is best. We’ll let you know once we receive your equipment, and we’ll also notify you about the results of our evaluation, including repair recommendations and cost quotes.

Time to Make It Happen!

After you approve the service quote, we’ll put your items on our repair schedule and get right to work! We’re careful and meticulous with all of our repairs and services, and we promise to give your actuator all the individual attention it needs. Once repairs and service are complete, we’ll carefully package your items for a safe return, and then we’ll promptly ship them back to you.

Why You Should Entrust AES with Your Actuator Repair Services

Replacing actuators can be expensive. The good news is you have other viable options – that’s why the AES team is here! We can offer you a better, more ideal, and more affordable repair solution!

Quality Repair Work

At AES, quality is one of our core values. Our commitment is to provide you with the best possible quality of repair services for any and every item you entrust into our care. We’ve successfully repaired countless numbers of hydraulic actuators, pneumatic actuators, and electric actuators for satisfied clients, and we can take care of your equipment repair needs, too.

Fast Turnaround Time

You probably need all of your repairs done NOW; who doesn’t? But naturally, a quality actuator repair will require some time to complete with excellence. And the good news? Our trained & skilled team has all the knowledge, tools, and experience to get it done for you both correctly AND quickly. Our standard turnaround time is 8-10 business days, but you can also choose to put a RUSH on your order, if that’s what your timetable dictates.

Experienced Repair Technicians

Actuator repair isn’t just something we do on the side; at AES, we have specially-trained technicians who focus exclusively on hydraulics, pneumatics, and electric motors, along with the rest of our industrial electronics and equipment repair team. We collectively possess decades of combined experience, so it’s fair to say that we know what we’re doing! We also provide regular training opportunities for our team too, so that we’ll continue to be in a great position to serve your needs down the road.

A Truly Cost-Effective Solution

Why pay to replace an expensive actuator or related piece of equipment, when quality repairs are really all you need? We can service and restore your actuators for LESS, and we’ll return them to you in like-new (or even better-than-new) condition! Our clients appreciate how AES comes alongside to meet their equipment repair needs, while also saving them lots of time, money, and needless headaches in the process!

Industry’s Best Warranty!

And don’t miss this game-changer about AES, either. Every repair provider will of course tell you that they do good work, but many providers don’t actually put their money where their mouth is. At AES, we’re proud to stand behind everything we do by offering a 24-Month Limited Warranty for ALL REPAIRS! If a problem should arise within that time frame, which is deemed to be a workmanship issue, we’ll provide a follow-up repair service for you at NO cost! How’s that for service you can trust?

Connect with AES for Your Actuator Repair Service Needs

Ready to get all your actuators back online, so your equipment can keep things moving in the right direction for you and your enterprise? We can take care of that and more; AES has you covered! Reach out today at (866) 386-1001, and let us provide you with your perfect repair solution! We’re standing by to help!