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Selection tips: rodless electromechanical & electric rod actuators
When you specify a linear actuator, some basic decisions come first. Like electric or fluid-powered?Like do you need the push/pull of an electric rod actuator or the load-carrying action of a rodless electromechanical actuator?
We’ve compiled tips for selecting these actuator types. Here’s an opportunity to increase your knowledge of electric linear motion.
The great debate: Electric linear actuators vs. pneumatic
There’s a new debate in motion among machine designers. What’s best? Pneumatic or electric linear actuators? The truth is it depends on the application. What follows is an honest comparison of linear actuator choices – an assessment of strengths and weaknesses – so you can choose what’s best for your project.
Extreme force electric linear actuator controls lumber drying
The lumber processing industry demands rugged, strong, reliable and accurate equipment in all its operations. Machine designers who serve this industry need extreme force linear actuators to move heavy loads. Hydraulic cylinders have been the go-to, but they have limitations, such as poor control, leaks, temperature sensitivity, maintenance requirements and lack of feedback. Now there are electric rod actuators powered by roller screws that can meet the requirements of these high force applications.
High force linear actuators: How to convert from hydraulics to electric
For high force linear actuator applications, machine designers often first look to hydraulic cylinders. For good reason, too – hydraulic cylinders can be a bargain to purchase, delivering high force at a low cost per unit of force. Plus, they’re rugged and well understood. But there’s another technology to consider. Electric linear actuators are available with high force capacities. These actuators are more flexible, precise and reliable than their hydraulic counterparts.
Electric high speed linear actuator reduces conveyor’s TCO
Higher production speeds usually translate into higher output volumes – a good thing in manufacturing. At least it’s good if product quality stays high and operating costs remain in line. Machine designers are on the look-out for high speed linear actuators and other devices that can streamline processes. But those high-speed solutions need to be reasonably priced and efficient to use.
Test your motion control smarts. Take the electric linear actuator quiz.
Linear actuators are common and critical elements in many industrial machines and automation systems. With so many choices on the market, it’s important to know how to select the best one for your application.
You probably know a lot about linear actuators. But do you know everything? Our electric linear actuator quiz will test your engineering smarts.
Electric rod actuators add accuracy and repeatability to PCB manufacturing
Some manufacturing processes require high precision -- printed circuit boards (PCB) production, for example. In these instances, the capabilities of each component in a production system are critical. Although machine designers know pneumatic cylinders well, these cylinders struggle to deliver the accuracy and repeatability demanded by high precision processes. Many design engineers now turn to electric rod actuators for accuracy and repeatability and for better operating efficiency.
10 tips for specifying electric rod actuators: Part 2
In many applications electric rod actuators are a great solution. Compared to pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, electric linear actuators offer more control over application parameters like position, velocity, and force. They deliver high degrees of accuracy and repeatability and can handle complex motion profiles. All things considered, an electric rod actuator is often the superior actuation choice.
10 tips for specifying electric rod actuators: Part 1
There are lots of good reasons for specifying an electric rod actuator. Electric linear actuators offer a high degree of control over application parameters like position, velocity, and force. They deliver high degrees of accuracy and repeatability and can handle complex motion profiles. All things considered, an electric rod actuator is often a superior actuation choice compared to pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders.
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