The Role of Actuators in Productivity Growth

The United States economy relies heavily on the manufacturing industry. The production of commercial goods, exports and the abundance of jobs helps this country thrive. Last year, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that over the last decade, growth in manufacturing productivity only increased an average of 0.7% versus an astounding 4.3% the previous decade.

Industry leaders strive for improvement through upgrades in factory machinery and manufacturing techniques. One example of these efforts is the implementation of actuators in valve operation.

How Do Valves Work With Actuators?

Valves are responsible for controlling the amount of air or fluid that is directed into various parts of the machine. Although valves can be opened and closed manually, there are benefits to using automated solutions.

Actuators can be programmed, decreasing the risk of human error. In emergency situations, they can automatically revert to an open or closed position, depending on which is safest for that particular machine. Not only does this neutralize a dangerous situation automatically, but it removes a human worker from a potentially threatening position.

There are many different applications for actuators in the manufacturing and industrial space. Many factories are switching from pneumatic rotary actuators to electric actuators, because electric models tend to be more reliable and require less maintenance. Electric actuators also operate with greater accuracy.

Why Do Actuators Increase Productivity?

Production lines are often precise processes that rely on a narrow margin of error. When one stage of the operation breaks down, the entire workflow breaks down. Lost time means smaller manufacturing yields and less profitability; this can put a factory way behind schedule and cause it to fail to meet demands on time.

Actuators have the ability to automate valve operation, resulting in fewer human errors. A facility that can operate for more hours throughout the day has the potential to produce greater volumes of goods. Larger manufacturing operations help contribute to the U.S.’s GNP, which ultimately helps the economic forecasts.

How Can You Help Improve the Numbers? The use of industrial actuators for boilers is most common in the metal manufacturing sector. Often a more compact rotary actuator is required when dealing with manufacturing equipment. Conversion to electric actuators can do the same job of its counterparts with added benefits to the environment. To start the process of upgrading your own factory equipment, reach out to a valve actuator manufacturer that has a good engineering team to help configure a solution for your application.