Kyntronics
Innovative Actuation Solutions for Every application
Electro-Mechanical Actuators (EMAs) are a common choice in industrial automation, but they aren’t always the best choice for many applications. While they offer benefits like precise control and energy savings, they come with various limitations that can lead to reliability issues, downtime challenges, and increased maintenance costs. Here are five key reasons to reconsider using EMAs—and why Kyntronics Hybrid Actuators (SHA) may offer a superior solution.
One of the most common failure modes of EMAs is their exposure to damage from shock loads, side loading, and concentrated wear. The mechanical components of EMAs—including screws, gears, nuts, and bearings—can be easily damaged, leading to premature wear, costly repairs, and unplanned downtime. In contrast, SHA technology absorbs shock and side loads effectively thanks to its robust integral cylinder design.
EMAs offer limited cost-effective options for applications that require high force output (above 5,000 Lbs. of force) or long stroke lengths. Their mechanical drive system design is constrained by physical limitations in longer stroke length configurations (over 24 in.), and internal components become very expensive in higher force models. In contrast, Kyntronics SHA design modularity allows for stroke lengths up to 120 in. and force output up to 150,000 Lbs. in a cost-effective package, making them highly suitable for heavy-duty applications like forming, pressing, lifting, and material handling.
The metal-to-metal wear of ball screws / roller screws, gears, bearings, and other components in EMAs requires regular maintenance, including lubrication and part replacements, to prolong operating life. Over time, this adds to operational costs and increases downtime risk. SHA’s sealed integral cylinder design eliminates most wear-prone components, reducing maintenance and improving reliability.
EMAs generally rely on the motor encoder to calculate the position of the actuator screw. This approach leads to error due to the number of components located between the motor encoder and the screw output itself. In addition, as the actuator components wear, error is further introduced into the system. Force measurement in EMAs often relies on motor current as a proxy for applied force.
This approach is subject to error from friction losses in the numerous components located between the motor and the output screw. SHA technology uses a sensor that directly measures position at the rod end. Integrated pressure sensors near the piston measure extend and retract pressure used to determine the output force of the rod, enabling precise, real-time motion control and feedback for critical applications.
Anyone who has experienced having a failed EMA repaired is familiar with the surprisingly high cost and long lead time for repairs. The complexity and number of specialized components in EMAs are often the reason for this. The SHA, on the other hand, has very few wear components at risk of failure. The rod seal is rated for 50,000,000 inches of travel before a replacement is recommended, and this PM can be done by personnel in the field.
Kyntronics’ Hybrid Actuators (SHA) and Servo Power Units combine the robustness of hydraulics with the precision of electromechanical technology, resulting in an actuation solution with superior benefits. With power-on-demand operation, sealed design, customizable stroke lengths, and minimal maintenance, SHA technology provides significant advantages over EMAs in demanding applications.
Download Infographic Comparing Kyntronics’ SHA to Electro-Mechanical Actuators
While Electro-Mechanical Actuators may work well in light-duty applications, their limitations become apparent in high-performance industrial settings. Kyntronics Hybrid SHA technology is purpose-built to overcome these challenges, offering unmatched durability, precision, and reliability.
Read Kyntronics’ Insight: Kyntronics Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuators (Sha) Compared to Electro-Mechanical Screw-Type Actuators (EMA)
This comprehensive comparison article outlines the differences between Kyntronics' Hybrid actuator (SHA) technology vs. traditional hydraulic actuatio...
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Gears, roller and ball screws and other mechanical components wear out from metal-to-metal contact from repetitive concentrated loads.
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