Electric Linear Actuators Boost Machine Performance

Kyntronics has many years of experience working with actuators and automation technology developing products designed to improve the performance of our customers’ machines and push the boundaries of motion control innovation. Electric linear actuators are one such innovation that are increasingly being applied across many industries providing precise and automated control in a wide variety of applications.

Enhanced Performance

Electric linear actuators, particularly servo-controlled versions, offer many advantages to machine builders and end users including precision control, energy efficiency, lower maintenance, reduced operating costs and are environmentally friendly. Closed-loop servo-controlled actuators are highly precise and can be automated for production applications. These units can be programmed to provide accurate and efficient control of position, force, and speed and can measure process performance of the equipment including measurement and reporting of quality information.

There are several types of linear actuators including hydraulic cylinders, screw-type electro-mechanical actuators (EMA), and pneumatic cylinders. Each type has certain advantages and shortcomings.

  • Hydraulic cylinders driven by hydraulic power units are robust, handle shock loads well and have high force-density. Their shortcomings include eventual leaks, energy inefficient operation, lower precision without expensive add-ons, higher maintenance and are not environmentally friendly.
  • Screw-type EMAs are highly precise, energy efficient, and environmentally friendly. Their shortcomings include being highly susceptible to damage from shock loads, lower force density, are very expensive at higher forces (e.g. >5,000 Lbs.), and they require regular maintenance.
  • Pneumatic cylinders are lower force and have fast operation however they are not precise and are very inefficient as they rely on the compressed air infrastructure.
boosting machine performance

The Kyntronics SHA - Modernizing Manufacturing

The Kyntronics SMART electro-hydraulic actuator (SHA) is a recently available type of electric linear actuation system that combines the positive attributes of screw-type actuators and hydraulic cylinders while eliminating the shortcomings of those technologies. The SHA is a one-of-a-kind, heavy-duty actuator that is totally-sealed and uses an internal pump with a minimal amount of fluid to produce high forces with precision servo control. The SHA is not affected by shock loads and outperforms other alternatives of traditional actuators, while lasting longer and requiring far lower maintenance with less unplanned downtime as a result. The SHA eliminates the hydraulic power unit, hoses, valves and other components that eventually leak. It also is energy efficient by using power-on-demand.

Kyntronics has developed an entire line of SMART electric linear actuators with forces up to 150,000 Lbs. (667 kN) and stroke lengths to 120” (3,048 mm).

The demands of “Smart Manufacturing” continue to increase, doing more with less and incorporating IoT. The SHA supports these strategies in many ways; internal sensors used for precision control provide quality data for analysis and process improvement. Other integral sensors are used to implement predictive maintenance. Finally, the precise servo control of the SHA extends the life of the machine and tooling.

Interested in Kyntronics’ SHA? Check out SMART electro-hydraulic actuator (SHA) to learn more or request a quote today to get started.