RSX High-Force Electric Actuators Deliver Contamination-Free Alternative to Hydraulics at a Whiskey Barrel Manufacturer 

While hydraulic actuators deliver high-force pressing in many industries, the contamination and safety risks of hydraulic fluid leaks limit their success in other applications. Electromechanical actuators offer a leak-free alternative to hydraulics while offering high forces and greater efficiency. These benefits are especially important in the food and beverage industry. 

A customer that manufactures whiskey barrels replaced its hydraulic pressing equipment with all-electric machines to unlock better energy efficiency and force control. Whiskey barrels are constructed from oak staves, which must be gathered and then bound by a metal ring that is pressed onto the stave bundle. This process requires a high-force press to push the tooling against the metal hoop, which slides around the staves to bind them.   

Although the manufacturer initially used hydraulic presses, hydraulic fluid contacting the barrel caused the entire barrel to be discarded. To avoid the production losses attributed to barrel replacement and press repairs, the manufacturer opted for electromechanical presses, which offered a leak-free alternative without sacrificing performance. 

 The barrel manufacturer specified two RSX15 actuators for the new system, each supplying 17,450 pounds of force. With a combined force of 34,900 pounds, the actuators traveled a stroke length just over 20 inches (508 millimeters).  

Not only did the new system eliminate leaks, it also provided motion profile improvements to increase coordination and efficiency throughout the entire system. This improved system was made possible by high-quality roller screw actuators like the RSX.   

The RSX offers high power density, efficiency and precision that can withstand rugged environments including extreme cold, thanks to its Type III hard-coat anodized aluminum housing. Another key contributor to the long life of the RSX is its planetary roller screw design.   

Even though the whiskey barrel manufacturer specified the RSX to keep things dry, the actuator can also handle wet environments with an IP67 rating. And while the manufacturer chose to replace its hydraulic system with two RSX actuators, a single RSX could have met the force requirements — up to 66,000 pounds of force. 

Find out more in the case study or check out the RSX product page.