What is meant by the duty cycle of an actuator?

The duty cycle of an actuator specifically refers to the ratio of operational time to the total cycle time. In practical terms, this means it describes how long an actuator operates compared to how long it rests within a given time frame. For example, if an actuator works for 5 minutes and rests for 5 minutes, the duty cycle would be 50%, indicating that it is active half of the time.

Understanding the duty cycle is crucial in robotics and automation as it impacts the actuator's performance, heating, and longevity. Depending on the application, selecting an actuator with an appropriate duty cycle ensures it can handle the required operational demands without overheating or wearing out prematurely.