HOW POSITION FEEDBACK ENHANCES LINEAR ACTUATOR PRECISION & PERFORMANCE

In today’s precision-driven world, accuracy is essential. Hybrid linear actuators with position feedback transform standard motion systems into intelligent, high-performance solutions. By continuously measuring and controlling the exact rod position, feedback-equipped actuators ensure every movement is accurate, repeatable, and optimized for safety and productivity.

HOW POSITION FEEDBACK WORKS

Position feedback allows the actuator’s control system to “know” exactly where the rod is at all times, enabling closed-loop control for fine motion adjustments.

Screw-driven actuators often rely on motor encoders that track motor rotation to infer rod position. While this approach works for some applications, it can introduce backlash and reduced accuracy because the feedback isn’t measured directly at the rod.

Hydraulic and hybrid actuators, on the other hand, use sensors directly connected to the cylinder rod (either internal or external). This delivers a true measurement of rod movement, providing superior precision and reliability across the full stroke. Because the data comes directly from the source of motion, hybrid and hydraulic designs maintain accuracy even under heavy loads or shock conditions.

Accuracy also depends on sensor resolution, drive input type (digital vs. analog), and electrical noise management, which influence how precisely the actuator can track and respond to motion commands.

WHY IT MATTERS

Linear actuators with position feedback deliver measurable advantages in a variety of applications and industries:

• Precise Positioning: Ideal for applications demanding exact movement and repeatability.
• Short Stroking: Enables higher cycle rates with consistent accuracy.
• Safety & Reliability: Prevents overextension or mechanical damage.
• Quality Verification: Confirms motion and force parameters during every cycle.
• Machine Diagnostics & Predictive Maintenance: When used in conjunction with force and current measurement, position feedback provides valuable data for machine diagnostics and predictive maintenance — helping identify wear, drift, or inefficiencies before they impact performance.

PRECISION IN ACTION

Whether used in pressing, material handling, or test applications, actuators with position feedback ensure every motion is measurable, controlled, and repeatable. By capturing position data directly from the source, Kyntronics’ hybrid actuation technology enables smarter motion, greater safety, predictive maintenance, and long-term reliability.

Learn more about why Kyntronics is the clear actuation choice over alternative technologies.