Mechanism vs. Actuator — What's the Difference?

A machine or mechanical appliance.

An actuator is a component of a machine that is responsible for moving and controlling a mechanism or system, for example by opening a valve. In simple terms, it is a "mover".

The arrangement of connected parts in a machine.

One that activates, especially a device responsible for actuating a mechanical device, such as one connected to a computer by a sensor link.

A system of parts that operate or interact like those of a machine

Something that actuates something else.

An instrument or a process, physical or mental, by which something is done or comes into being

A usually electric device that causes a mechanical device (i.e., a mechanism) to be switched on or off. For example; an electric motor that opens and closes a valve.

A habitual manner of acting to achieve an end.

(computer hardware) The mechanism that moves the head assembly on a disk drive.

(Psychology) A usually unconscious mental and emotional pattern that shapes behavior in a given situation or environment

(electrical) A relay that controls the flow of electricity.

The sequence of steps in a chemical reaction.

One who actuates, or puts into action.

(Philosophy) The doctrine that all natural phenomena are explicable by material causes and mechanical principles.

A mechanism that puts something into automatic action

(within a machine or machinery) Any mechanical means for the conversion or control of motion, or the transmission or control of power.

Any combination of cams, gears, links, belts, chains and logical mechanical elements.

A group of entities, such as objects, that interact together.

A mental, physical, or chemical process.

Any process of, or system designed to manage useful energy conversion.

(philosophy) The theory that all natural phenomena can be explained by physical causes.

The arrangement or relation of the parts of a machine; the parts of a machine, taken collectively; the arrangement or relation of the parts of anything as adapted to produce an effect; as, the mechanism of a watch; the mechanism of a sewing machine; the mechanism of a seed pod.

The series of causal relations that operate to produce an effect in any system; as, the mechanism of a chemical reaction.

Mechanical operation or action.

An ideal machine; a combination of movable bodies constituting a machine, but considered only with regard to relative movements.

The atomic process that occurs during a chemical reaction;

The technical aspects of doing something;

A natural object resembling a machine in structure or function;

(philosophy) the philosophical theory that all phenomena can be explained in terms of physical or biological causes

Device consisting of a piece of machinery; has moving parts that perform some function