Posted by Andrew Zaske on August 11, 2020

How electric actuators keep tire manufacturing up to speed

Motion control systems throughout the tire-manufacturing process meet specific requirements for increased quality, faster assembly, improved reliability or flexibility to adjust sizes and changeovers. Many systems are currently driven by pneumatic or hydraulic motion control systems.  Manufacturers are increasingly opting for electric systems that are cleaner, faster and more efficient.

Posted by Tolomatic on July 28, 2020

Making the case: Why convert a tube-bending machine from hydraulic to electric

Tube-bending machines have been driven by hydraulics for the past 80 years. Operators know how to get the best out of their machines, so why switch to electric cylinders? Yes, there are some disadvantages to going electric, but the fundamental reason to consider making the switch is simple: Electric cylinders make better parts. And that saves money. We'll discuss reasons to consider making the switch and take a look at two examples using electric-weld tubing and fluid-transfer tubing. 

Posted by Tolomatic on July 14, 2020

Demystifying electronic camming

Electronic cams may at first appear challenging, but electric actuators and motion controllers make them surprisingly easy to configure. Here’s how to approach electronic camming with confidence.

Posted by Andrew Zaske on June 16, 2020

Linear motion for meat processing

Linear actuators used in meat processing are designed for corrosion resistance, washdown protection and bacterial growth prevention. 

Posted by Ryan Klemetson on June 2, 2020

Motion control solutions for medical device applications

Solutions for medical procedures include equipment for radiation treatment, a contrast dye injection, and a specialty machine that safely performs scans on large animals.

Posted by Tolomatic on May 14, 2020

The Big Era of electromechanical linear actuators

Traditionally, hydraulic power is the go-to answer for heavy lifting. Now, high-force electric actuators have overtaken hydraulics in terms of flexibility, precision and reliability.

Posted by Andrew Zaske on April 28, 2020

Automating the squeeze: Tolomatic prototype improves on hand-held emergency ventilator for COVID-19 patients

Our prototypes use electric linear actuators to automate a hand-held, portable and non-invasive emergency ventilator. The advantage of screw-driven linear actuators is that they provide smooth and consistent operation--allowing the device to control the velocity, the acceleration and the distance of any move at any point in time. This controlled motion allows for a more continuous volume of air per compression cycle and a more typical breathing cycle.

Posted by Ryan Klemetson on April 21, 2020

How to Calculate Electric Linear Actuator Lifespan

 Every machine design engineer gets asked about the anticipated life of their machine—life that’s based on machine components including electric linear actuators. Also, expected service life is a factor engineers consider when they’re evaluating competing components.

Calculating electric linear actuator life can be straight-forward for ball screw and roller screw actuators. You use the L10 life formula for ball bearings. Here's a summary of the method.

Posted by Ryan Klemetson on April 7, 2020

Timing belt or power screw drive: What’s best for a rodless actuator?

As a designer, you may be faced with an application in which you have to carry and support a load as well as move it.  These are ideal applications for rodless electromechanical actuators.

While determining which rodless actuator model will suit your needs, you'll also need to select the type of drive: belt or screw. This blog will briefly explain these drive systems and summarize their advantages and disadvantages