We’ve outlined how screw-based electric actuation increasingly finds use in today’s presses and other machine tools. Other heavy-duty machinery also makes copious use of this and other types of electric actuation. Lisa Eitel · Executive editor Heavy-duty machine tools create uniquely challenging conditions for screw-based electric actuation — and yet the benefits of such actuation […]
Hydraulic cylinders
Part 2 of 3: Heavy-duty electric actuation — to replace hydraulics
In the last installment of this series, we outlined how linear components (including guides, cylinders, and electric actuators) perform well for presses. Here, we describe the requirements for using electromechanical actuation on heavy-duty machine tool axes. Lisa Eitel · Executive editor Consider how some industrial forming machines use screw-type electric actuators rather than hydraulics to […]
Part 1 of 3: Heavy-duty electric actuation — in presses
Here, we outline how some linear components — including guides, cylinders, and even electric actuators — go strong for presses. Lisa Eitel · Executive editor Linear motion abounds in the machine-tool industry. But unlike machines using linear motion to transport workpieces (and for material handling generally) equipment such as presses use linear motion to apply […]
Combining hydraulic and electric-motor strengths for presses
Press equipment in the machine-tool industry often employs hydraulic systems for their ability to deliver high force … yet fluid leaks, energy consumption, compromised precision, and downtime can be real issues — especially as pumps, hoses, seals, and filtration components need regular servicing. What’s more, engineers often overspecify presses’ hydraulic actuators for significantly higher force […]
Part 2 of 2: Update on electrification
In the first installment of this series, we covered the reasons why off-highway applications are primed for electrification — especially those vehicles with lots of axes that deliver relatively slow yet high-torque (or force) motion. Where the axes on a piece of off-highway or other equipment are linear, electric actuators have in some cases replaced […]
Smart mechatronics add capabilities to linear motion applications
Today’s manufacturing system OEMs and automation end users are constantly seeking technology advancements to help make their lives easier. Industry 4.0 innovations have spurred a new class of smart technologies that combine digital electronics and communication interfaces for more sophistication, functionality, and ease of use. By Richard Hansen • Senior automation engineer | Bosch Rexroth […]
Which type of linear actuator is best for thrust forces?
When an application requires pure thrust forces, the best type of linear actuator is often a rod-style actuator. Also referred to as thrust actuators and (when a motor is integrated) electric actuators, these electromechanical devices excel at providing axial, or thrust, forces for pushing, pulling, or holding loads. Although their function is straightforward, thrust actuators […]
Video: Electric H-Track actuators from Altra Industrial Motion: Hydraulics drive medical, mobile, and solar designs
In a recent video with Paul J. Heney, I got the chance to review the features of an H-Track actuator from Warner Linear of Altra Industrial Motion. As we detail, applications abound for medical, off-highway, and industrial applications. In fact, the electric H-Track actuators deliver the smooth motion and strength of hydraulics but from a compact […]
New technologies for linear motion: Forgiving linear encoders and more
From nanometer resolution to high-force actuation, components for linear motion systems are changing with the times. Linear motion components such as encoders and actuators are evolving to meet the demands of new applications and industries. New demand in areas like medical devices, for instance, calls for more nimble, smaller components adaptable to new environments and […]
Curtiss-Wright Implements PROFINET IO Communications on Tritex II
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) announced that its Exlar business units will implement the PROFINET IO with its Tritex II actuators. PROFINET is the Ethernet based automation standard of PROFIBUS International. The Tritex II integrated actuator line has passed the PROFINET IO Conformance testing performed by the PROFI Interface Center. This communication link to your PLC will […]
