Kyntronics
Innovative Actuation Solutions for Every application
FAQs
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We have assembled information about our Hybrid Electro-Hydraulic Actuators and Servo Power Units.
If you don’t see the answer to your question, please feel free to contact our team through the online form.
A Hybrid Linear Actuator (SHA) is a self-contained actuation system that integrates a motor, pump, and valving directly onto a hydraulic cylinder. Unlike traditional hydraulics, there’s no separate hydraulic power unit, no long hoses, and no leak points.
SHAs deliver precise servo control through built-in position sensors and pressure transducers. They only draw power when needed (power-on-demand) and support IoT functions like predictive maintenance and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) monitoring. The actuator has many configurations and can be installed in any orientation. This design combines the force density and durability of hydraulics with the precision, efficiency, and cleanliness of electromechanical actuators. Get more information on Kyntronics Actuators.
A “Total Solution” actuator is a fully integrated and tested actuation package. It includes the actuator, attached power unit, motor, drive/controller, software, cables, and documentation.
With Kyntronics, that means you simply mount the actuator, connect power, provide external control signals, and you’re ready to run. This Total Solution concept applies to both our Hybrid Linear Actuators (SHAs) and Compact Servo Power Units (SPUs).
An actuator designed for high-speed / high-force applications moves quickly under low load, then shifts into high-force mode at a slower speed when work is required.
This dual-mode operation is ideal for processes where fast approach and retract are needed, but tremendous force is applied during a short part of the stroke (example: metal forming presses). Kyntronics offers SHA configurations specifically for these applications.
Unlike a traditional cylinder tied to an external hydraulic power unit, hybrid linear actuators are self-contained and sealed. They eliminate hoses, leak points, and continuous-running pumps while retaining the strengths of hydraulics— for instance, high force density, tolerance for shock and side-loading, and robust performance.
Hybrid Linear Actuators also reduce energy use, noise, and maintenance, while providing servo-level precision and control that’s difficult (and costly) to achieve with a conventional HPU system. The SHA has many advantages over traditional hydraulic systems.
Hybrid Linear Actuators look similar to screw-driven actuators but use an integral hydraulic cylinder with minimal fluid instead of gears and screws.
Hybrid Linear Actuators deliver the same benefits—clean operation, servo precision, power-on-demand efficiency—but avoid the pitfalls of EMAs, including metal-to-metal wear, lubrication schedules, and susceptibility to damage from shock loads, all while delivering higher force density.
Hybrid Linear Actuators are highly versatile and are an ideal solution for most industrial equipment applications. Some of the most common applications include:
… and many others! Learn more about hybrid linear actuator applications
Yes, there is a significant savings opportunity using Hybrid Linear Actuators instead of traditional hydraulics. SHAs deliver significant operating cost savings because they:
These factors add up to a lower total cost of ownership compared with conventional hydraulic systems – and now you can calculate the savings for yourself! Our new ROI Calculator helps you quickly compare technologies and quantify the savings.
Traditional electro-hydraulic actuators share some design traits with SHAs—such as integrating pump, motor, and cylinder into one Total Actuation Solution.
However, Kyntronics SHAs go further with built-in servo motors, advanced sensing, IoT compatibility, and precise closed-loop control. This makes them better suited for applications that demand both force and digital connectivity. Kyntronics also offers an “Actuator Only” solution for customers supplying their own drive and motor, with Kyntronics providing mounting brackets and coupling.
A Servo Power Unit is a compact, electrically powered actuation system 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 traditional HPUs, the SPU:
Get more information on Servo Power Units.
Compact Servo Power Units are ideal for new or retrofit applications. They deliver many of the same benefits as a Hybrid Linear Actuator (SHA)—precision, energy efficiency, sealed design—but connect via short hoses to a customer-supplied cylinder or rotary actuator.
They’re commonly applied in industrial presses, mobile equipment, valve actuation, and washdown-duty environments where a compact, maintenance-free, servo-controlled hydraulic power unit (HPU) replacement is needed. Find more technical details about the Servo Power Unit.
The Servo Power Unit offers:
Together, these advantages make the SPU a modern, cost-effective alternative to traditional HPUs.
The ‘Total Solution’ → includes actuator, motor, servo drive/controller, enclosure or subpanel, cables, and pre-loaded software.
Actuator Only / Servo Power Unit only → for customers supplying their own drive and motor, with Kyntronics providing mounting brackets and couplings.
Both options integrate with common motors and drives from Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Mitsubishi, and several more.
Kyntronics Hybrid Linear Actuators (SHAs) are installed in hundreds of systems with Rockwell Automation Kinetix drives, servo motors, and PLCs.
Kyntronics simplifies integration with:
This minimizes programming time for machine builders and integrators.
Yes – Hybrid Linear Actuators use a built-in position sensor plus optional pressure transducers to provide closed-loop position and force control.
These signals are connected to the control and used for precise process control. The Kyntronics SHA Series Total Solution actuation system options include software to control the actuator to a specific position or a specific force. One of the advantages of hybrid actuator systems is that 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.
Yes – any standard PID loop can run an SHA for many applications.
However, Kyntronics’ software goes beyond basic PID with:
This delivers smoother motion and tighter process control.
Yes, the Total Solution control option includes the actuator, motor, servo drive/controller, enclosure or subpanel, cables, and preconfigured software. HMI options are also available for direct operator control.
This reduces setup time and ensures proven performance across most industrial applications.
Servo Power Units offer the same control flexibility as our Hybrid Linear Actuators, including Total Solution and SPU-only options. Features include:
HMI options and preloaded software come standard with the Total Solution package.
Yes, servo power units use external position sensors and optional pressure transducers for precise control of both cylinders and rotary actuators.
These signals are connected to the servo control and used for precise process control. The Total Solution 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 is 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 Linear Actuator delivers is up to 150,000 lbs (667 kN) of force. For higher force or speed needs, multiple SHAs can be mounted in parallel and synchronized with controls. Contact Kyntronics for custom requirements.
SHA speed depends on cylinder size and pump configuration. High-speed designs are available, and speed/force combinations are listed in the SHA specifications.
Hybrid Linear Actuators are available in 1 mm increments, including long stroke actuators as standard units up to 120” (3,048 mm). Long-stroke designs use reinforced components (larger rods, thicker walls, extended bearings) to prevent buckling and ensure durability. Contact Kyntronics for your specific requirements.
Standard SHAs are IP65-rated (dynamic and static). Higher IP ratings, including IP67 washdown, are available for harsh environments.
Yes, depending on the environment, heating or cooling can be added as needed.
Yes, for explosion-proof environments, SHAs can be equipped with upgraded sensors and certified explosion-proof motors.
Position measurement can be as simple as end-of-travel limit switches; however, generally, the SHA is used in configurations that incorporate an absolute position sensor mounted either outside the cylinder or internally using magnetostrictive technology.
Standard sensors deliver ±0.001” accuracy, enabling precise servo control.
For most applications, force is typically measured via pressure transducers on either (or both) the extend/retract side of the actuator. Force = πr² × system pressure (in PSI). The design of Kyntronics actuators and servo power units using the pressure sensor is a 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, hybrid linear actuators offer an internal position sensor mounted to the rear of the actuator and extends into the cylinder rod that 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 internal and external options use magnetostrictive, non-contact measurement, known for precision and reliability.
The SHA Series Hybrid Linear Actuator 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 eliminates the extensive maintenance required by traditional HPUs with hydraulic cylinders.
One of the unique advantages of hybrid linear actuators are the multitude of versatile configurations that are available in – parallel, in-line, right-angle, and more. 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.
Multiple rod-end and actuator body mounting options exist to fit most industrial and mobile applications.
Yes, the “actuator only” option allows integration with customer-supplied motors and drives. 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. 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, Hybrid Linear Actuators incorporate 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.
Kyntronics offers a Servo Power Unit (SPU) that incorporates all of the design features of the SHA while interfacing to a customer-supplied cylinder through hoses or pipe connections. The SPU includes the pump, manifold, valves, motor, servo drive/control, cabling, and comes with quick connectors for attaching the hoses to the cylinder.
Yes, each actuator includes two pressure relief valves (one for extend and one for retract) to protect both the machine and the actuator.
The maximum operating pressure of the 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.
Hybrid Linear Actuators operate at 70–80% efficiency, up to 50% more efficient than screw-type actuators and significantly higher than traditional hydraulics. 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 hydraulic power units (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. Read Machine Design’s article on Mechanical Drives Combine Efficiency and Reliability for more information.
The closed-cell foam used in SHAs and SPUs 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 30 PSI. 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.
Yes, Servo Power Units are 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 Compact Servo Power Units.
Sizing the right hybrid linear actuator ensures performance, reliability, and long service life. With Kyntronics SHAs, this can be done in five key steps:
Kyntronics offers engineering support and an application guide to ensure proper sizing of Hybrid Linear Actuators.
Selecting the right SPU ensures precise performance and efficient integration with your cylinder or rotary actuator. This can be done in five key steps:
Kyntronics offers engineering support and an application guide to ensure proper sizing of Servo Power Units.
Kyntronics Hybrid Linear Actuators can be configured up to 100% duty cycle (continuous operation), depending on the customer application requirements. Contact a Kyntronics engineer to discuss your specific project / application.
Kyntronics Hybrid Linear Actuators (SHA) offer a modular platform using standard components that can accommodate applications with forces ranging from light-duty, <100 lbs. (445 N) to higher force applications requiring up to 150,000 lbs. (667 kN) of force. For those cases requiring forces greater than 150,000 lbs., multiple SHAs can be operated in parallel and synchronized.
Unlike screw-type actuators that must be carefully sized to avoid pre-mature wear (L10 life), SHA operating life is unaffected by load. In addition, the SHA provides:
Kyntronics Servo Power Units are highly configurable using modular components to meet unique application requirements. While every SPU uses the same compact, sealed, power-on-demand design, the SPU is highly flexible for different scenarios:
These configurations make SPUs highly versatile, allowing OEMs and end-users to accommodate everything from space-constrained systems to multi-axis coordinated motion without the inefficiency or maintenance headaches of a traditional hydraulic power unit. Learn more about Kyntronics Compact Servo Power Units.
The motor on hybrid actuators and servo power units operates bi-directionally – running one way to extend the rod and the other to retract.
SHAs are designed with multiple features to minimize and dissipate heat: • Dual fans with an efficient heat sink mounted at the pump • Aluminum extrusions that conduct heat from the fluid • A built-in temperature sensor for over-temperature protection
We work 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, hybrid linear actuators use an integral hydraulic cylinder that naturally absorbs shock loads. Unlike screw-type EMAs that rely on gears and nuts that can fracture, hybrid linear actuators are highly robust under impact and shock-load conditions.
Hybrid Linear Actuators incorporate a hydraulic check-valve lock that holds position whenever the motor stops or power is lost. A fail-safe solenoid lock option is available for applications requiring additional safety features.
Maintenance for a hybrid linear actuator is very minimal:
The SHA Series Hybrid Linear Actuator is a closed, sealed system that does not require the hydraulic fluid to be changed.
Kyntronics Hybrid Linear Actuators are very robust, but proper installation and programming are critical. Running beyond stop limits without safeguards can cause damage. Kyntronics provides guidance and best practices for proper programming as part of our applications and commissioning assistance. Contact the experts at Kyntronics for more information.
Yes, servo power units can operate double-acting linear cylinders and rotary actuators, connecting through standard ISO 16028 fittings.
When supplied with the Total Solution control package, both hybrid linear actuators and servo power units can operate on:
In this case, Kyntronics selects the appropriate servo motor and drive to accommodate the desired input voltage. This makes them suitable 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 premature 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.
Hybrid Linear Actuators incorporate an integral hydraulic cylinder and have 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: MITIGATING PREMATURE FAILURES AND HOW KYNTRONICS’ ACTUATOR SOLUTIONS ENSURE RELIABILITY.
Hybrid Linear Actuators (SHAs) are sealed, self-contained systems with no hoses or leak points. They provide high force density and durability like hydraulics, but without leaks, inefficiency, or noisy continuous operation. Check out our technical bulletin: Kyntronics Hybrid Actuators (SHA) Compared to Hydraulic Actuation Systems (HPU).
Traditional hydraulic systems are known for their high-energy usage. Studies have shown that hydraulics use 3% of the overall energy consumed in the United States each year. Hydraulic systems consume significant energy for two primary reasons: they are inefficient (average 22% efficiency) and run continuously regardless of whether they are doing work.
Hybrid Linear Actuators (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.
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 for your specific requirements or view our article on Long-Stoke Actuators.
Metal-to-metal wear is inevitable with screw-type actuators as they are composed of gears, drive screws, driven nuts, and other components that mesh together. The lifespan for electro-mechanical actuators is also load dependent, meaning if oversized to extend life, costs rise significantly. The key to extending reliability in these types of actuators is frequent, thorough lubrication and regular maintenance. Unfortunately, if the actuator is subject to any shock or side loading, lubrication will not extend the life much, if at all.
Hybrid Linear Actuators (SHA) are 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, do not have metal-to-metal contact points, and their lifespans are not load-dependent, 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 by 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 SHA Series Hybrid Linear Actuator has been used successfully in numerous applications with uneven loading and has 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 the 4-Axis Lift System with Synchronized Motion Control.
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. There are significant factors to consider when looking at alternative actuator technology. For example, when compared with traditional hydraulic systems, hybrid linear actuators are:
This helps OEMs and end-users meet sustainability goals while lowering the total cost of ownership. Get more details in our article: Reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) While Improving Sustainable Manufacturing or you can calculate your savings with the Kyntronics ROI Calculator.
Compact Servo Power Units (SPU) are an ideal solution for new applications or retrofits to replace inefficient, leaky, and high-maintenance hydraulic power units in industrial and mobile applications. They connect to existing cylinders or rotary actuators with short hoses, reducing leaks and footprint. Benefits include servo precision, energy efficiency, compact size, and sealed, maintenance-free design. Find more technical details about the Servo Power Unit.
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