Engineering English
Actuator
Chemical Engineering · Mechanical Engineering · Last updated: July 30, 2026 · How this entry was written
Definition: An actuator is a device that converts a control signal into mechanical motion. It is used to move or control a mechanism or system, such as opening a valve or adjusting a damper.
Example in context
“The control valve actuator receives a 4-20 mA signal from the DCS to modulate the flow.”
“Kontrol vana aktüatörü, akışı modüle etmek için DCS'den 4-20 mA sinyali alır.”
Where engineers use it
Actuators are final control elements in process loops, converting controller output into physical movement. Engineers specify them based on torque, stroke, fail-safe mode, and response time for safe operation.
Synonyms: final control element, positioner
In Mechanical Engineering
A device that converts an input energy signal, typically electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic, into controlled mechanical motion or force. It is the element of a control system that physically moves or regulates a mechanism.
“The control system sends a four to twenty milliamp signal to the actuator, which then positions the damper blade with high accuracy.”
Practice: can you use “Actuator” at work?
During a plant startup, a control engineer notices a valve is not responding to the set point change. Diagnose whether the actuator or the controller is faulty.
Show a model answer
“The actuator must be sized correctly for the valve to ensure proper control.”
“Actuator” in 21 languages
| English | Actuator |
|---|---|
| Turkish | aktüatör |
| French | actionneur |
| German | Aktuator |
| Spanish | actuador |
| Chinese | 执行器 |
| Arabic | مُشغّل |
| Portuguese | atuador |
| Russian | привод |
| Japanese | アクチュエータ |
| Italian | attuatore |
| Vietnamese | cơ cấu chấp hành |
| Hindi | एक्टुएटर |
| Thai | แอคชูเอเตอร์ |
| Indonesian | aktuator |
| Korean | 액추에이터 |
| Bengali | অ্যাকুয়েটর |
| Dutch | actuator |
| Swedish | ställdon |
| Finnish | toimilaitte |
| Ukrainian | привід |
Frequently asked questions
What does Actuator mean in engineering?
An actuator is a device that converts a control signal into mechanical motion. It is used to move or control a mechanism or system, such as opening a valve or adjusting a damper. In Chemical Engineering, the term carries a usage-frequency rating of 10/10 in the Engineering English library.
How do you pronounce Actuator?
Actuator is pronounced /ˈæktʃuˌeɪtər/ (IPA). The Engineering English app plays audio for the term and checks your pronunciation with speech recognition.
How is Actuator used in a sentence?
Example from an engineering context: “The control valve actuator receives a 4-20 mA signal from the DCS to modulate the flow.”
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