electric actuator

Understanding the nuances between different kinds of actuators - namely pneumatic, hydraulic, and electrical - can provide engineers, from entry-level to advanced, with a clear perspective to choose the appropriate type for their applications. In this article, we will delve into each of these actuator types, delineating their components, pros and cons, and comparing their characteristics and costs.

What makes a bus based Motion Controller deterministic?   What are the three types of Step Motors?   What is the difference between an Absolute Encoder and a Resolver? These questions (and many more) are quickly answered Motion Control Technology Primer.

A new RSH electric hygienic rod-style actuator from Tolomatic delivers clean, continuous control to automation machinery. 

The all stainless steel ERD actuator from Tolomatic with protective motor enclosure (ERD-SS2) accommodates both servo (23-frame) and stepper (NEMA 17 and NEMA 23-frame) motors.  Combine any ERD-SS2 with the Tolomatic ACS servo or stepper drive and get a complete motion control system with high performance at a very competitive price.  

New YouTube Video-   54:01 min.  

A machine builder of conveying machinery had utilized pneumatic systems for product diverting but wanted to offer an electric conveying system to their customers and an electric actuator solution was required. The existing machine design had proprietary controls that operated the pneumatic cylinder in a spring return operation with one digital output to the pneumatic valve. ON=Extend; Off=Retract; The customer could not redesign the proprietary controls and also wanted a solution that could be retrofitted in the field.

Application: High Speed Label Applicator

Industry: Packaging Automation & Material Handling

A client in the packaging and material handling industry required a stable, secure multi-axis system that was capable of carrying an 80lb. labeling machine with vertical and horizontal movement, while matching carton speed and position to apply labels to packages of varying sizes travelling on a pass through conveyor.

Solution:

To provide the client with XY movement, Macron Dynamics supplied the bulk mailing company with a system composed of three MSA-135 belt-driven actuators, capable of horizontal or vertical motion. The result was a multi-axis linear system adjustable to different heights and widths to apply labels to a steady stream of various sized, randomly oriented packages. The system provides agile movement at 80″ per second to successfully label each individual, different sized package passing at a rate of up to 1 per second.

System benefits:...

This white paper from Tolomatic explores the advantages and disadvantages of rod-style pneumatic cylinders , electric actuators and integrated electric actuators in motion control applications.  It also compares the effectiveness of each technology in reducing purchasing, operating and installation costs, machine footprints, and number of components — all key issues in motion control and automation today.