FAQs

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is an actuator that incorporates a motor, pump and valving mounted directly to a hydraulic cylinder. This configuration eliminates the separate hydraulic power unit, hoses and leak points inherent with traditional hydraulics. The SHA incorporates a position sensor and pressure transducer that are used to provide feedback for precise servo control. The motor runs in one direction to extend and the other to retract the piston/rod. It also only uses power when commanded to run. The actuator has many configurations and can be installed in any orientation. The servo control and instrumentation included in the SHA also allows for IoT interface functions such as predicative maintenance and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) monitoring. This type of actuator is also referred to as a “servo Electro-Hydraulic Actuator”. Get more information on Kyntronics Actuators.(Main Product Page)

A “Total Solution” actuator means a complete and fully tested electro-hydraulic actuation system including: the cylinder, attached power unit, motor, controller/drive wired on a panel or in an enclosure, our standard proven software and cables. The Total Solution requires only that the actuator be mounted, power connected, and external control signals provided, and the actuation system is ready to operate. In addition, documentation provided includes an interface manual, electrical schematic and a mechanical drawing outlining the specifications and requirements. The Total Solution concept (SHA Total Solution Page) applies to both Kyntronics Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuators and Servo Power Units.

This type of actuator operates at a high speed with low load then switches modes to operate at a high force at lower speed. It is generally used where a large amount of the stroke length is under low load and a short amount of the stroke length requires high force to do the work needed in the application. An example of this would be a metal forming press. Kyntronics offers two types of Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (SHA) configurations as high speed / high force actuators.(SHA Total Solution Page)

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is a totally sealed (no air), self-contained actuator consisting of a cylinder, pump, manifold and servo motor, all in an integral package. There are no hoses or leak points on the SHA vs. a traditional hydraulic cylinder / HPU system. Functionally, the SHA retains the positive characteristics of traditional hydraulics such as high force density, tolerance for shock and side-loading, and robustness, while eliminating the negatives such as inefficiency, high energy usage, risk of leaks/environmental impact, noisy operation and difficulty/high cost to precisely control. The SHA has many advantages over traditional hydraulic systems.(Kyntronics Difference Page)

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is essentially an “electric actuator” that looks similar to a screw-driven actuator but rather than using gears, drive screws and driven nuts, the SHA uses an integral hydraulic cylinder with minimal fluid. Functionally, the SHA has many of the positive advantages of a screw-driven actuator (Kyntronics Difference Page) such as energy efficiency / power-on-demand, precision servo control, clean operation, and fieldbus connectivity, however, the SHA eliminates the negatives of screw-driven actuators including metal-to-metal wear, need for lubrication and regular maintenance, and susceptibility to damage from shock loads.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is an ideal actuator for most industrial equipment applications. Some of the most common applications include presses, test equipment, assembly, material handling, lifting, positioning, metal fabrication, clamping, valve control and many others. Find more information on Electro-Hydraulic Actuator applications.(Main Application Page)

Yes, there is a very significant savings opportunity using the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) instead of traditional hydraulics. The operating cost savings is attributed to the following factors: the SHA is a closed system that does not require fluid replacement. Traditional hydraulics require fluid replacement and fluid disposal as part of standard maintenance which can involve hundreds of gallons annually per system. Energy usage is another cost savings advantage with the SHA. This is due to the SHA being a “power-on-demand” device whereas traditional hydraulics run continuously and are far less efficient compared with the SHA. Other factors impacting operating costs unfavorably with traditional hydraulics include higher maintenance costs (filter replacements), downtime (leaks), employee safety factors (slipping on leaked fluid), product contamination (hydraulic fluid on parts) and requiring more floor space. For more information: Select the Right Type of Actuator - Don’t Let Hidden Operating Costs Sink Your Ship (Technical Documents – Reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) While Improving Sustainable Manufacturing page)

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) and a traditional EHA share many similar characteristics. Both have a pump, motor, valving and cylinder mounted together eliminating the hydraulic power unit, hoses and connections inherent with a typical hydraulic system. In addition, the SHA includes features such as a linear position sensor, pressure transducers, a servo motor and a control system that are used to provide precise process control for the application, and support IoT functions.

The Servo Power Unit (SPU) is an electrically operated, electro-hydraulic power unit that incorporates a servo motor, pump, valving and rod compensation reservoir and connects directly to an external cylinder or rotary actuator through quick-connect couplings. The SPU is typically located very close to the cylinder or rotary actuator to minimize fluid and efficiency losses. An SPU is typically used to operate a single cylinder, although it can operate multiple cylinders as well. Unlike a traditional hydraulic power unit, the SPU is a totally sealed system that does not require fluid changes, uses a minimal amount of fluid and provides precise servo control of position, force and speed. Get more information on Servo Power Units. (SPU Total Solution Page)

Servo Power Units (SPU) are an ideal solution for those instances where the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is not able to fit in the available space. The SPU provides many of the same benefits available in the SHA including precise position, speed and force control, energy efficiency, minimal fluid and compact size. The SPU connects to a customer-supplied cylinder through robust quick connect fittings. The SPU can be located close to the cylinder to create a compact footprint and reduce hose length. The SPU operates both linear cylinders and rotary actuators. This technology is a cost-effective electro-hydraulic power unit upgrade from a traditional hydraulic power unit in both industrial and mobile applications. Its power-on-demand feature significantly reduces energy usage, and the totally sealed design eliminates maintenance. Find more technical details about the Servo Power Unit. (SPU Total Solution Page)

There are several control options available. The “Total Solution” (SHA Total Solution Control Package Tab) option includes a servo drive/controller either in an enclosure or on a subpanel that can be mounted in the customer’s enclosure. This precision actuation solution includes standard software features developed by Kyntronics for most applications. Actuators and Servo Power Units are also offered as an “actuator only” (SHA Actuator Only Page) or “Servo Power Unit only” (SPU Power Unit Only Page) option when the motor and drive are provided by others and Kyntronics provides the actuator or servo power unit with the motor mounting bracket and shaft coupling for the specific motor chosen. Common motors used on the SHA and SPU include: Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, and several others.

There are several control options available. The “Total Solution” (SHA Total Solution Control Package Tab) option includes a servo drive/controller either in an enclosure or on a subpanel that can be mounted in the customer’s enclosure. This precision actuation solution includes standard software features developed by Kyntronics for most applications. Actuators and Servo Power Units are also offered as an “actuator only” (SHA Actuator Only Page) or “Servo Power Unit only” (SPU Power Unit Only Page) option when the motor and drive are provided by others and Kyntronics provides the actuator or servo power unit with the motor mounting bracket and shaft coupling for the specific motor chosen. Common motors used on the SHA and SPU include: Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, and several others.

Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuators aka (SHA) are operating in hundreds of successful installations using Rockwell Automation servo motors, Kinetix drives and PLCs. Kyntronics makes it simple for the integrator or machine builder using our AOI for Rockwell Automation (Rockwell Automation Integration Page). We also provide an extensive library of tools covering hardware selection, interfacing instructions and even sample projects on the Kyntronics website (Rockwell Automation Integration – Sample Projects Page).

Yes. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) includes a position sensor and optional pressure transducers for force measurement. These signals are connected to the control and used for precise process control. The Kyntronics “Total Solution” (SHA Total Solution Page) precision actuation system options include software to control the actuator to a specific position, or a specific force. One of the advantages of the electro-hydraulic system is the software includes functions to control position and measure force, control force and measure position, and automatically switch from controlling position to controlling force and vice-versa. The most popular control method is Position control with Force Limit – meaning it will run in position control mode until a desired force is exceeded, then seamlessly switches to controlling force. Beyond the Kyntronics “Total Solution” option, the functions mentioned above are included in the Kyntronics AOI for Rockwell Automation (Rockwell Automation Integration Page) equipment.

Yes, any standard PID control can run the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) for many applications. Our standard software is more advanced with multiple gain sets, multiple control modes, auto tuning etc.

There are several control options available for the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA). The “Total Solution” control option (SHA Total Solution Control Package Tab ) includes a motor and servo drive/controller in an enclosure or on a subpanel that can be mounted in the customer’s enclosure. This solution includes HMI options and software features (SHA Total Solution HMI Options Tab )developed by Kyntronics for most applications.

Servo Power Units (SPU) offer similar control functionality used in our Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuators. The control configurations available are the “Total Solution” (SPU Total Solution Page) option which includes a motor and servo drive/controller in an enclosure or on a subpanel that can be mounted in the customer’s enclosure. Servo Power Units are also available to connect with customer supplied motors and drives “SPU only” option (SPU – SPU Only Page). The“Total Solution” SPU control features include position control, force control position & force control, position control with force & speed Limiting and four quadrant motion control. In addition, multiple SPUs can be synchronized to provide coordinated motion of multiple cylinders. The “Total Solution”package includes HMI options and software features (SPU Total Solution HMI Options Tab) developed by Kyntronics for most applications.

Yes. Servo Power Units incorporate optional pressure transducers for extend and/or retract operations that are used for force measurement. An external position sensor is used to measure cylinder or rotary actuator position. These signals are connected to the servo control and used for precise process control. The “Total Solution” (SPU Total Solution Page )control includes software to control the cylinder or rotary actuator to a specific position, or a specific force. Another advantage of the Servo Power Unit control system are software functions to control position and measure force, control force and measure position, and automatically switch from controlling position to controlling force and vice-versa. The most popular control method is Position control with Force Limit – meaning it will run in position control mode until a desired force is exceeded, then seamlessly switches to controlling force.

The maximum force a standard Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) can produce is 150,000 Lbs. (667 kN). In applications where additional force or speed is required, multiple SHAs are mounted in parallel and precisely synchronized by the controls. Contact Kyntronics (Contact Us Page) for requirements above 150,000 Lbs.

Kyntronics produces high speed linear actuators. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator’s aka (SHA) maximum speed is determined by the cylinder size and pump size. Desired speed / force combinations can be found on our website. See SHA specifications for additional information (SHA Total Solution Specs and CAD Models Tab ).

Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuators aka (SHA) are available in any 1mm length increment including long stroke actuators as standard units up to 120” (3,048mm) long. Long stroke length SHAs include design features that increase the robustness of the actuator such as larger diameter rods, thicker cylinder tube walls, and greater rod bearing length. As part of our customer support service, Kyntronics will perform the necessary calculations to ensure robustness, prevention of buckling etc. Contact Kyntronics (Contact Us Page) for your specific requirements.

The standard Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is rated at IP65 (dynamic and static). Higher IP ratings can be provided as needed.

Yes, depending on the environment, heating or cooling can be added as needed.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) can be used in explosion-proof applications. Sensors are upgraded, and explosion proof motors are used in these cases.

Position measurement can be as simple as end-of-travel limit switches however, generally the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is used in configurations that incorporate an absolute position sensor mounted either outside the cylinder or internally using magnetostrictive technology.

Standard position sensors used on the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) provide up to +/- 0.001” accuracy.

For most applications, force is measured using a pressure transducer on either (or both) the extend side and retract side of the actuator. The pressure transducer is mounted in the fluid path that supplies pressure to either side of the piston. Force is calculated using πr² X the pressure of the system in PSI. The design of Kyntronics actuators and servo power units using the pressure sensor is a very cost-effective way to accurately measure force as opposed to using expensive loadcells.

The pressure transducers used for force measurement are rated at 1% of full scale. The typical sensor used is rated at 3000PSI at 10V. For finer resolution, multiple sensors could be incorporated to switch between sensors as needed.

Yes. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) offers an internal position sensor mounted to the rear of the actuator and extends into the cylinder rod which is gun-drilled to accommodate the sensor probe. This sensor uses magnetostrictive technology. Internal sensors are typically used in applications where an external sensor would be subject to damage or contamination. Internal sensors can be used with cylinder rods 1” or greater in diameter.

Both the external and internal type of position sensor used on the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is magnetostrictive technology which is a form of non-contact measurement that is very precise and reliable.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) uses a minimal amount of fluid. For example, a cylinder that produces 10,000 Lbs. of force with an 8” stroke only requires 14 oz of fluid, often less than the lubrication used in a mechanical gearbox. The enclosed system used in the SHA eliminates the extensive maintenance required by traditional HPUs with hydraulic cylinders.

One of the unique advantages of the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is the multitude of versatile configurations that are available. This benefits users because the SHA is better able to fit the available space envelope for more applications. This flexibility is due to the SHA using fluid to provide motion rather than using gears, belts, drive screws and driven nuts that limit configuration flexibility. SHA configurations ( SHA Total Solution Mounting & Configurations Tab) include parallel, in-line, right-angle and many others.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) has many mounting and attachment options available. These options are for both the rod-end and actuator itself that accommodate most applications. ( ( SHA Total Solution Mounting & Configurations Tab))

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) can be provided as an “actuator only” option to be used with the preferred motor of choice. The actuator only option (SHA Actuator Only Page) is used when the motor and drive are provided by others. With this approach, Kyntronics provides the actuator with the motor mounting bracket and shaft coupling for the specific motor chosen to be used. Common motors used are Rockwell Automation/Allen Bradley, Siemens, Mitsubishi, and several others.

As part of our customer support service, Kyntronics sizes the motor & drives as needed for the application when using our “Total Solution” option (SHA Total Solution Page) . For Rockwell Automation customers, we provide the torque and speed required. Kyntronics is familiar with the Rockwell Automation motion analyzer and can assist when needed.

No. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) incorporates a hydraulic lock using check valves that hold the actuator in position when the motor stops. This locking mechanism also applies if power is lost to the SHA. Kyntronics also offers a solenoid lock option that provides additional functionality required by some applications.

Yes, food grade fluid is available upon request.

In those cases where the available space envelope will not allow the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) to fit, Kyntronics offers a Servo Power Unit (SPU) (SPU Total Solution Page) product that incorporates all of the design features of the SHA power unit while interfacing to a customer-supplied cylinder through hoses or pipe connections. The SPU includes the pump, manifold, valves, motor, servo drive/control and cabling and comes with quick connectors for attaching the hoses to the cylinder.

Yes, the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) includes two pressure relief valves (one for extend and one for retract) that are standard on every actuator. This helps protect the actuator and the machine.

The maximum operating pressure of the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is 3,000 PSI. During the application engineering process, Kyntronics will determine the typical operating pressure required by the application and factory-adjust the pressure relief valves accordingly.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) efficiency (mechanical power out vs. electrical power in) is approximately 70 – 80%. Compared with traditional hydraulics and screw-type actuators, the SHA is the highest efficiency actuator available and, in many instances, (based on internal testing), the SHA is up to 50% more efficient than screw-type actuators. This is because the SHA design locates the power transmission source (pump) very near the cylinder and there are no metal-to-metal contact points (all components ride on fluid). Several factors adversely impact efficiency in traditional hydraulics including constantly running HPUs with inefficient motors, losses in hoses, fittings, valves and other components that connect the HPU to the cylinders and many other conditions. The primary factor that impacts screw-type actuator efficiency is the friction associated with metal-to-metal contact points including gears, screws, nuts, etc. For more information: https://www.ifpe.com/news/assessing-industrial-hydraulic-system-efficiency (This links to an external news article)

The closed-cell foam used in the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA), and the Servo Power Unit (SPU) products allows for compensation of the fluid displaced by the volume of the cylinder rod. For example, when the rod is retracted, the extra fluid (compared to when the rod is extended) must be accommodated somehow since the SHA or SPU does not incorporate a separate accumulator. The extra fluid flows into the chamber where the closed-cell foam is located which compresses slightly to accommodate the fluid. When the actuator rod is extended, the foam returns to its normal condition. The amount of pressure in the foam chamber is less than 30PSI. The actuator is always under minimal pressure, and it is important not to remove any components from the actuator or fluid could escape reducing the internal pressure that is required for the SHA or SPU to properly operate.

Servo Power Units (SPU) are most often used to connect with customer supplied cylinders or rotary actuators. The ability to connect to existing cylinders makes the SPU a great retrofit solution for both end users and machine builders who want the benefits the SPU can provide compared with traditional hydraulic power units including improved energy efficiency, lower maintenance, better ergonomics and improved process control. Read more about Servo Power Units (SPU Total Solution Page).

The motor on the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) or the Servo Power Unit (SPU) operates bi-directionally. One direction to extend the rod and the reverse direction to retract the rod.

There are several features of the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) designed to remove heat. Dual fans are used in conjunction with an efficient heat sink attached to the pump where most of the heat is generated. In addition, aluminum extrusions containing the reservoir foam conduct heat from the fluid. Finally, a temperature sensor attached to the pump connected to the control provides over-temperature protection. Kyntronics works with our customers to determine the optimal configuration of the SHA taking into account the force, speed and duty cycle of the application to minimize heat.

No. Due to the design of the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) incorporating an integral hydraulic cylinder, the SHA is very robust when exposed to shock loads due to the shock-absorbing characteristics of the design. Screw-type electro-mechanical actuators (EMA) incorporate gears, nuts, screws and other mechanical components that when exposed to shock loads, can fracture or have premature failure from these types of operating load conditions.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) incorporates a hydraulic lock using check valves that hold the actuator in position when the motor stops. This locking mechanism also applies if power is lost to the SHA. Kyntronics also offers a fail-safe solenoid lock option that provides additional functionality required by some applications.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is a closed, sealed system that does not require the hydraulic fluid to be changed. Unlike screw-type actuators, the SHA does not require periodic lubrication. The only scheduled maintenance is for a rod seal replacement around 50,000,000 inches of travel, similar to most cylinders. The threaded design of the rod seal components allow replacement in the field using a factory supplied seal kit. Periodic inspection of cabling, sensors and other peripheral components for wear or damage is a general best practice that is also recommended as would be performed on any type of equipment or machinery. If fans are installed, it is also recommended to monitor any debris that may block proper airflow using shop air to blow out any contamination.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is a closed, sealed system that does not require the hydraulic fluid to be changed.

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is a very robust solution. However, like any robust solution, it is important to properly install and utilize recommended programming techniques to prevent the SHA from continually running beyond stop limits and possibly damaging the unit. Kyntronics provides guidance and best practices for proper programming as part of our applications and commissioning assistance.

The Servo Power Unit (SPU) can be used to operate both double-acting linear cylinders or rotary actuators. The SPU connects to these devices through standard ISO 16028 connections.

When using the Kyntronics “Total Solution” control package (SHA Total Solution Control Package Tab ), the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) and Servo Power units operate on 240 or 460 VAC, and with DC voltages including 24, 36, 48, 60, and 80 VDC. In this case, Kyntronics selects the appropriate servo motor and drive to accommodate the desired input voltage. For this reason and others, the SHA and SPU are ideal upgrades for both industrial and mobile applications.

Shock loads and side-loading occur often in actuator applications. These conditions are particularly detrimental to actuator life causing pre-mature failure with screw-type electro-mechanical actuators (EMAs) that incorporate gears, nuts, screws and other mechanical components that when exposed to shock loads, can fracture or have premature failure. Hydraulic cylinder actuators on the other hand, are very robust when exposed to shock loads. The fluid in hydraulic cylinders absorbs the impact from shock loads and the cylinder design allows for a larger bearing surface to protect itself against side-loading. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) incorporates an integral hydraulic cylinder and has the same exceptional tolerance for shock loads and side-loading as a hydraulic cylinder actuator. More details about this issue are covered in the webinar: Side-loading, concentrated wear, fatigue failures, shock loads… no worries, the SHA has you covered. (Webinar – Preventing Actuator Failures & Enhancing Reliability Page).

The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is a great solution. The SHA is a totally sealed (no air), self-contained actuator consisting of a cylinder, pump, manifold and servo motor, all in an integral package. There are no hoses or leak points on the SHA vs. a traditional hydraulic cylinder / HPU system. Functionally, the SHA retains the positive characteristics of traditional hydraulics such as high force density, tolerance for shock and side-loading, and robustness, while eliminating the negatives such as inefficiency, high energy usage, risk of leaks/environmental impact, noisy operation and difficulty/high cost to precisely control.

Hydraulic systems are known for their high-energy usage. Studies have shown that hydraulics use 3% of the overall energy used in the United States each year. Hydraulic systems consume a lot of energy for two primary reasons: first is that they are very inefficient. Studies have shown that the average hydraulic system is only 22% efficient. (This links to an external news article) The second reason is that hydraulic systems generally run continuously regardless of whether they are doing work. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) and Servo Power Units (SPU) are energy-saving alternatives. SHA efficiency is rated at approximately 70% vs. 22% for a traditional hydraulic system. In addition, both the SHA and SPU use “power-on-demand” vs. continuous operation. SHA users have reported they have experienced upwards of 10X in energy savings compared with the hydraulic systems they replaced. Get more details in our article: Reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) While Improving Sustainable Manufacturing.( Technical Documents – Reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) While Improving Sustainable Manufacturing page).

Hydraulic cylinders are available in 120” (3,048mm) stroke lengths and longer. Screw-type actuators are generally limited to 36” (914mm) stroke and become very expensive above that length. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is available in any 1mm length increment as standard up to 120" (3,048mm). The SHA includes design features that increase the robustness of the actuator at longer stroke lengths such as larger diameter rods, thicker cylinder tube walls, and greater rod bearing length. Kyntronics has provided the SHA exceeding 120” (3,048mm) stroke as a special configuration. Kyntronics performs the necessary calculations to ensure robustness, prevention of buckling etc. Contact Kyntronics (Contact Us Page) for your specific requirements or view the article on Long-stoke Actuators for Lifting Applications. (Brochures Page – Kyntronics All-Electric, Servo Electro-Hydraulic Long Stroke Linear Actuators) Page)

Metal-to-metal wear is a given with screw-type actuators since they are composed of gears, drive screws, driven nuts, and other components that mesh together. The key to extending reliability in these actuators is frequent, thorough lubrication and regular maintenance. Unfortunately, if the actuator is subject to any shock or side loading, lubrication will not extend life much or at all. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is frequently used to replace screw-type actuators that have failed. The SHA incorporates an integral hydraulic cylinder and is very robust when exposed to shock loads due to the shock-absorbing characteristics of hydraulics. SHAs do not require lubrication and do not have metal-to-metal contact points unlike screw-type electro-mechanical actuators.

Actuators of different types including pneumatic, hydraulic, screw-type electro-mechanical and servo-electro-hydraulic are used in presses and other equipment. The ability to control the actuator’s position, force, speed and acceleration/deceleration will vary depending on the type of actuator. Generally pneumatic and many hydraulic actuators run to stops or limit switches and are not precisely controlled. Screw-type and servo-electro-hydraulic actuators are often servo-controlled and can be precisely operated. Tool life can be greatly extended utilizing servo-type actuators that can precisely control position, speed, force and acceleration/deceleration ramps. Uneven loading often occurs in presses, material handling and other types of equipment. Incorporating two or more synchronized actuators in these cases can eliminate binding, even in severe uneven-load situations. The Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) has been used successfully in numerous applications with uneven loading and have extended tool life significantly with the SHA’s precise control capabilities and ability to produce forces up to 150,000 Lbs (665kN) with a single actuator. Synchronizing two or more SHAs produces multiples of that amount of force. View a video demonstration of 4-Axis Lift System with Synchronized Motion Control.(Video - $-Axis Platform Lift System with Synchronized Motion Control Page).

Sustainable Manufacturing continues to gain momentum. Machinery choices affect sustainable outcomes and actuators used in machines can have a measurable impact, both positively and negatively. Considering an example of machinery that typically uses hydraulic cylinder actuators with HPUs. There are significant factors to take into account when looking at alternative actuator technology. For example, when compared with traditional hydraulic systems, the Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuator aka (SHA) is far more energy efficient, up to 10X better or even higher, due to the SHA’s power-on-demand feature and its significantly higher efficiency. In addition, the totally sealed , leak-free SHA uses a minimal amount of fluid that does not need to be changed in contrast with hydraulics that leak and require fluid regular fluid changes with disposal of old fluid a major environmental concern. Get more details in our article: Reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) While Improving Sustainable Manufacturing. (Technical Documents – Reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) While Improving Sustainable Manufacturing page).

Servo Power Units (SPU) are an ideal solution for new or retrofit applications to replace inefficient, leaky and high-maintenance hydraulic power units in industrial and mobile applications. SPUs connect to external hydraulic cylinders or rotary motors with short hoses using robust quick-connect fittings, reducing the risk of leaks. The SPU provides many of the same benefits available with Kyntronics Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuators aka (SHA) including precise position, speed and force control, energy efficiency, minimal fluid, compact size and totally sealed design eliminates maintenance. Find more technical details about the Servo Power Unit. (SPU Total Solution Page)