Extensive product testing on load durability cycle stands, harsh high-pressure wash down stands, environmental stands and hybrid salt spray testing has raised the level of actuator performance.
Electromechanical linear actuators' versatility provides high thrusts with better positioning and controlling qualities.
Each type of actuator has advantages and disadvantages given the requirements of the application. Each has a niche, and it depends on the design specifications when determining which type would best satisfy the applicable parameters.
While the many available actuators eye the open spot on a bill of materials - depending on the design - one type according to industry members, has come to stand out in front of the others in terms of innovation, the electromechanical linear actuator.
"Electromechanical [actuators] dominate the industry due to precision, high-speed, clean and long travel length and high-power operation," says Tom Lingafelter, lead engineer of the actuator group at Nook Industries. Lingafelter adds, "People are looking more toward electric solutions."
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"Electromechanical linear actuators (ELAs) currently offer the widest range of performance, and the most direct compatibility with machine microprocessors or PLCs," adds Al Wroblaski, product manager of industrial linear actuators at Thomson, a Danaher Motion Company. "The ELAs that achieve the highest success are those that are derived from flexible platforms which are easily and cost-effectively customized to meet the needs of specific OEM customers."
ELAs are one of the most versatile actuators available, capable of providing high thrusts similar to a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator, but with much better positioning and controlling qualities. "The ELA can be found in test labs, steel mills and coal prep plants," reports Paul Kuczma with RACO International.
"They not only have the ability to position very large or very small objects, but they are extremely energy efficient. They don’t require fluids that could potentially pollute the environment like those found in hydraulic actuators." Kuczma also notes the ELA’s easy installation and virtually maintenance free operation as added benefits.
Increased Functionality
In each market segment where actuators play a predominant role, one key manufacturer will develop a platform that addresses the specific needs of the marketplace. Shortly after the new product is introduced, clones arrive on the scene and add price point competition.
To combat the flurry of copycats, it’s up to companies to have a staff consistently developing added functionality.
"The leading actuator companies have resident, dedicated engineering-design capability and core manufacturing competency (lead screws, flexible assembly, motors, etc.), coupled with aggressive marketing programs to identify the future needs of customers," says Wroblaski.
Currently, innovation is defined by offering significantly increased functionality while reducing the actuator’s footprint and main taining or reducing the cost of ownership.
The market has recently benefited from the ability to provide low-level power switching that has facilitated the use of microprocessors controlling the actuators to perform manual devices, or manually-operated hydraulic cylinders.
"Low-level power switching has led to the automation and optimization of machine functions that, in the past, had to be operator-monitored and controlled," says Wroblaski. "This has also reduced the cost of hardware and wiring systems as lower current handling components can be used."
Adds Kuczma, innovation is all about the overall improvements to manufacturing processes.
"RACO recently introduced electronic limit switches that also incorporate the ability to offer both analog and digital feedback. This gives the user far more control over the electromechanical actuator than there ever was before," he says.
The continued growth remains in the electric actuator market, but nano- and biotechnology might offer niche alternatives.
"The electric actuator will continue to advance in the next five years," states Harmonic Drive’s Takeshi Usuzaka. "However, and this is just a guess, but in specific markets such as biotechnologies or nanotechnologies, piezoelectric actuators may advance in the market since they don’t require the torque capacity, but offer the precise positioning."