Kyntronics
Innovative Actuation Solutions for Every application
In today’s manufacturing environments, some engineers and plant managers are cautious about introducing equipment into their facilities that contain oil or lubricants. The concern usually centers around one thing: fluid leaks. Hydraulic fluid leaks, mess, and maintenance are memories of traditional hydraulic power units (HPUs) that still shape how people view fluid-based actuation today.
At times, we hear: “We don’t want hydraulic fluid in our plant.”
Yet, the same facilities are filled with gearboxes, reducers, and electromechanical actuators (EMAs), all requiring oil-based lubrication to operate.
Every actuation technology requires some form of lubrication. While EMAs are marketed as “clean” and “oil-free,” their internal gearboxes, roller screws, and bearings are all dependent on lubricating oil or grease to prevent wear, reduce friction and extend life.
In fact, U.S. manufacturer data paints a clear picture:
By comparison, a Kyntronics SHA Hybrid Linear Actuator producing 10,000 lbs. of force with an 8″ stroke uses only ≈ 14 oz (≈ 0.4 liters) of hydraulic fluid — less than the lubrication found in many small gearboxes.
The Kyntronics SHA Hybrid Linear Actuator is a fully sealed, self-contained system – no hoses, reservoirs, or leak points that would create an environmental or safety issue on the plant floor.
That minimal fluid volume circulates internally to generate force and precise motion, while remaining sealed for the life of the actuator. There are no oil changes, no fill ports, and no maintenance schedules related to the hydraulic fluid itself.
By contrast, enclosed gearboxes and EMAs require periodic oil changes and lubricant monitoring to ensure gear and bearing life. Even small leaks or evaporative loss over time can impact performance, leading to higher maintenance costs and environmental waste. Every EMA has a limited life, mainly based on mechanical wear (L10 life), which requires lubrication of oil and grease.
Even the smallest gearboxes contain 3–4x more oil than a Kyntronics hybrid actuator, while larger systems can exceed it by more than 50x.
The misconception that “hydraulic” automatically means “messy” or “maintenance-heavy” stems from legacy technology — open Hydraulic Power Units, complex hose runs, and gallons of fluid under pressure.
Kyntronics’ hybrid actuator technology was built to move beyond the misconception.
Ready to see the difference a completely sealed actuation system can make? Explore the Kyntronics SHA Hybrid Linear Actuator or connect with our team to learn how hybrid technology delivers precision with less fluid, less maintenance, and less worry.
References:
Kyntronics actuators combine the best features of screw-type EMAs and hydraulic cylinders while eliminating their shortcomings
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