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Mechatronics, electric linear actuators and control system design
If you’ve been around engineering, you’ve probably heard the term “mechatronics” used to refer to a design process that blends mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, control engineering, and computer engineering. Mechatronics is a multidisciplinary approach that rejects splitting engineering into rigidly separate fields. Originally, mechatronics just included mechanics and electronics; however, as technical systems have become more complex the word has been broadened to include more technical areas.
How electric linear actuators improve automation results
The industrial revolution continues to rock the world as improvements in factory automation create ongoing change. The goal of saving money while improving quality is at the core of the drive towards more sophisticated automation. Savings come from reduced labor costs, higher throughput, lower energy use, or reduced waste. Better quality is a by-product of controlling variables within tight tolerances.
10 tips for sizing pneumatic rodless linear actuators
Pneumatic linear actuators are used throughout manufacturing to position loads reliably. When your application calls for a pneumatic rodless linear actuator, use these tips from to ensure you size your linear actuator correctly.
VIDEO: Selecting an electric linear actuator for safe food processing
The food processing industry is fanatical about safety. Producers want to be known for offering safe and delicious products. In addition, governments want to protect their populations against illnesses caused by contamination and food-borne microbes.
In the U.S. the entire food processing industry is moving toward more microbiologically clean production environments. This follows the lead of meat, poultry, egg, and dairy production where the risk is high and stringent cleaning methods like caustic washdowns and swabbing for contamination are the norm. These industries fall under the watchful eye of the USDA, a government agency with strict standards. (EHEDG plays this role in Europe.)
Our video provides insight into the key factors to consider in linear actuator selection for food production safety.
Stepper or servomotor? Selecting the best for your electric linear actuator.
When you specify an electric linear actuator for your application, you also need to specify a motor. The two basic types commonly used with linear actuators are stepper motors and servo motors. But what’s the difference? How do you choose? Here’s an explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of each motor type.
Electric linear actuator selection tips: Rod or rodless
When you need to specify a linear actuator, you want to do it right. Some basic decisions come first. Like electric or pneumatic. If you're going with electric, you’ll next need to decide if a rod or rodless linear actuator is the best choice. We offer both types of electric linear actuator, so you can count on us for motion control advice and application expertise.