The need for actuators has grown exponentially. Nearly everywhere you look, you can see one of the three types of actuator motion systems at work in an endless variety of applications. There are many misconceptions involving pneumatic, hydraulic, and electric actuators. While some of these ideas may be true, many of the notions we have associated with these motion components are outdated and need to be revisited. Whereas you may think that your application’s need for actuation rests on one specific type of actuator, technological advances have allowed us to reexamine the specifics of each, which could mean more than one option for your project. It is essential first to identify the primary way each type of actuator completes its job.
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Pneumatic linear actuators are composed of a simple piston inside of a hollow cylinder. A manual pump or external compressor will move the piston within the cylinder housing. As this pressure increases, the cylinder will move along the piston's axis, creating the linear force needed. It returns to its original retracted length by either a spring-back force or providing fluid to the piston's opposite side.
Hydraulic linear actuators are quite similar to pneumatic actuators, except for the use of an incompressible liquid supplied by a pump instead of pressurized air moving the cylinder in a linear motion. This hydraulic actuator comprises two essential parts: a control device, such as variable throttles (nozzles with slide gates or paired slide valves with an initial axial gap), and an actuation component, such as a piston or controlling valve slide.
Electric linear actuators – also called an electric cylinder, an electric cylinder actuator, or an electric lift cylinder – take the rotational force of a motor (electrical energy) and convert it into linear movement (torque). By rotating the actuator’s screw via the motor, the nut will move in a lineup and down, creating the load's push/pull effect.
Each type of these actuators is essential to their appropriate application, but as mentioned before, significant advances in the manufacturing world have allowed for these motion devices to be interchangeable. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to weigh the options before deciding on the right actuator for your project.
Although advances in the manufacturing world have come quite a long way, there are still specific applications in which electric lift cylinders cannot compete with the load ratings, force, or speed necessary. Some environments are unsuitable for electric actuation and have a maximum velocity that cannot be exceeded. Although it is rare, electric actuators can overheat if there are extreme changes in the duty cycle or used outside of their warranty.
Shock loads on an electromechanical actuator affect its lead screw or bearing, resulting in the possibility of it affecting the entire system’s performance. Some electric actuators can have difficulty holding a locked position or have issues with backlash, usually dependent on the screw pitch. Although the electric motion system's initial cost may be more expensive than other actuators, the whole operation's increased efficiency coupled with the little to no maintenance required over its life span makes the total cost lower than different types of actuators.
Each actuator type exhibits both good and bad characteristics that one must weigh when determining their application project's best solution. By deciding what features are non-negotiable from the start, you will begin to rule out particular actuators based on these needs. Suppose it comes down to two specific actuators, both able to do the necessary job efficiently. In that case, you may want to consider the entire cost of the system: this includes the initial investment, maintenance, and repair fees, as well as the cost of potential risks you could take with each motion component system.
It is also essential to choose the right company to purchase your product for optimum results. TiMOTION is an industry-leading provider of electric linear actuators, capitalizing on a global team specializing in innovative solutions to manufacture the best products for industrial, furniture, medical, and ergo markets worldwide. We understand that the right technology can solve nearly any problem and that drop-in replacement, customizable electric linear actuators are used increasingly in applications that have outgrown pneumatics and hydraulics. TiMOTION strives to provide the highest quality, customizable components at competitive pricing. For more information, visit us online today at TiMOTION.
In today’s fast-paced world of industrial automation, the demand for efficient and precise control systems continues to grow. One particular solution that bridges the gap between electrical control and pneumatic power is the electro-pneumatic system. Combining the strengths of both electrical and pneumatic technologies, these systems are widely used in manufacturing, automotive, robotics, and a host of other sectors.
In this blog, we will provide a comprehensive introduction to electro-pneumatic systems and explain what they are, how they work, and why they matter. Read on to find out more.
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An electro-pneumatic system is a hybrid control system that uses electrical signals to manage and direct the movement of compressed air. These systems enable automation by allowing precise control of pneumatic actuators (such as cylinders) through electronic components like sensors, relays, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
Electro-pneumatic systems are widely favoured in industrial settings due to their speed, reliability, and ability to be easily integrated into existing automated processes. They are especially useful when mechanical force is needed, but with the responsiveness and programmability of an electrical system.
While you may now have a better understanding of what an electro-pneumatic system is, they are made up of several core components, each playing a vital role in ensuring the system operates smoothly. Let’s break it down and look at each component and the role it plays:
Electro-pneumatic systems operate by translating electrical control signals into pneumatic action. Here’s a step-by-step overview of how a typical operation works:
This closed-loop operation enables highly accurate and repeatable performance, making electro-pneumatic systems ideal for automated industrial tasks.
Now that you have a clear understanding of what an electro-pneumatic system is and how one works, let’s take a look at some of the advantages and challenges:
Electro-pneumatic systems are versatile and widely used in various sectors. Here are some of their most common applications:
Their adaptability and performance make them an indispensable part of modern automation strategies.
Electro-pneumatic systems represent the best of both worlds – combining the power of pneumatics with the intelligence of electrical control. By understanding their components, operation, and benefits, engineers and industry professionals can harness these systems to build more efficient, flexible, and automated processes.
Whether you’re designing a new automation line or upgrading an existing system, having the right components, such as reliable check valves, durable ball valves, high-quality pneumatic fittings, and accurate pneumatic pressure regulators, is crucial to success.
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