Manufacturing Floor Reference · Interactive Suite

Actuator & Mechanism
Simulator Catalog

Twelve actuators and mechanical devices used across automated production, assembly, and processing lines — each rendered as a live, animated shop drawing. Click a card to open its simulator, then use the cycle controls to slow the motion down and study how the mechanism actually works.

ACT-01LINEAR

Pneumatic Cylinder

A fluid power device that converts energy from compressed air into linear mechanical force and motion using a piston within a cylindrical housing.

Launch simulation →
ACT-02LINEAR

Hydraulic Cylinder

A heavy-duty fluid power actuator that uses pressurized, incompressible hydraulic oil to generate very high linear forces.

Launch simulation →
ACT-03LINEAR

Electric Servo Motor & Ball Screw

A high-precision electromechanical linear actuator: a closed-loop servo motor coupled to a precision ball screw shaft with a recirculating ball nut.

Launch simulation →
ACT-04LINEAR

Solenoid

A compact electromechanical device producing short-stroke linear or angular motion through electromagnetic induction.

Launch simulation →
ACT-05ROTARY

Stepper Motor

A brushless DC motor that divides one full rotation into many equal steps (typically 200 steps / 1.8 degrees per step).

Launch simulation →
ACT-06INTERMITTENT

Geneva Drive (Maltese Cross)

A gear mechanism that converts continuous rotary motion into precise, intermittent rotary motion.

Launch simulation →
ACT-07OSCILLATING

Mechanical Cam & Follower

A profiled rotating member (cam) paired with a contacting link (follower) designed to generate a specific, repeatable motion profile.

Launch simulation →
ACT-08LINEAR

Rack and Pinion

A gear pair consisting of a circular gear (pinion) engaging a flat, straight-toothed gear track (rack).

Launch simulation →
ACT-09MICRO

Piezoelectric Actuator

A solid-state actuator that uses ferroelectric ceramics to produce precise sub-nanometer displacement when exposed to an electric voltage.

Launch simulation →
ACT-10ROTARY

Direct-Drive Rotary Table (Torque Motor)

A high-torque, permanent-magnet synchronous motor directly integrated with a rotary worktable bearing, eliminating gears or belts.

Launch simulation →
ACT-11ROTARY

Harmonic Drive (Strain Wave Gearing)

A gear-reduction mechanism built from a wave generator, a flexible flexspline, and a rigid circular spline, delivering high ratios with zero backlash.

Launch simulation →
ACT-12OSCILLATING

Voice Coil Actuator

A single-phase, direct-drive electromagnetic linear actuator using a permanent-magnet field structure and a lightweight coil winding.

Launch simulation →
Quick Reference

Comparison Summary

Device TypePower SourceForce OutputSpeed / FrequencyPrecision
Pneumatic CylinderCompressed airMediumHighLow
Hydraulic CylinderHigh-pressure oilVery highLow to mediumLow to medium
Electric Servo Motor & Ball ScrewElectricityMedium to highMediumHigh
SolenoidElectricityLowHigh (short stroke)Binary (on/off)
Stepper MotorElectricityLow to mediumLow to mediumMedium to high
Geneva Drive (Maltese Cross)Mechanical inputDepends on inputFixed ratioHigh (mechanical)
Mechanical Cam & FollowerMechanical inputHighHighHigh (fixed profile)
Rack and PinionMechanical inputMedium to highHighMedium to high
Piezoelectric ActuatorHigh-voltage DCVery lowUltra highSub-nanometer
Direct-Drive Rotary Table (Torque Motor)ElectricityHigh torqueMedium to highVery high
Harmonic Drive (Strain Wave Gearing)Mechanical inputHigh torqueLow to mediumExtremely high
Voice Coil ActuatorElectricityLow to mediumExtremely highVery high