High Force Servo Control Solution - Electric Hydraulic Cylinders

When it comes to actuation technology for higher forces (>1,000 lbs.), there are generally two actuation types considered by machine builders; electro-mechanical screw-type actuators or hydraulic cylinders powered by a hydraulic power unit.

Electric hydraulic cylinders, most often referred to as electro-hydraulic actuators are an excellent alternative to electro-mechanical screw-type actuators or hydraulic cylinders for these applications.

An example of this innovative technology is the Kyntronics S-series SMART electro-hydraulic linear actuator that offers high force capability of up to 150,000 lbs. of force, with precise servo control. The S-series package includes an actuator, motor, drive system, operating software and cables as a total solution. It is also available as an actuator only version that connects to the motor and drive of your choice.

Electro-Mechanical or Hydraulic – Advantages and Shortcomings

While both screw-type electro-mechanical actuators and hydraulic cylinders have their advantages, each experience shortcomings that can result in high maintenance costs, unplanned downtime and wasted resources.

Hydraulic cylinders powered by hydraulic power units (HPUs) are complex requiring numerous components, including pumps, reservoir tanks, hoses, proportional valves, and filtration systems requiring regular maintenance. They develop hazardous leaks and constantly run resulting in inefficient operation and high energy consumption.
Electro-Mechanical actuators have their disadvantages as well. They experience premature failure from metal-on-metal wear and the mechanical components are fragile and easily damaged when exposed to shock and side loads resulting in unplanned downtime, poor reliability and high maintenance costs.

These two types of actuator choices result in design tradeoffs for the machine builder: Which is more important, the robustness of hydraulics, or the precision and lower operating costs of electro-mechanical screw-type actuators. Design tradeoffs that are further complicated by the disadvantages of each type as noted above.

The electric hydraulic cylinder option eliminates this dilemma. The Kyntronics SMART Electrohydraulic actuator is a totally sealed product that eliminates the hoses and leak risk of hydraulics, uses power-on-demand to save energy, and requires minimal maintenance.  Unlike screw-type actuators, Kyntronics actuators are not affected by shock loads but produce the same precision control of position and force.  Essentially these products combine the best features of traditional hydraulics and screw-type actuators, while eliminating their respective shortcomings.

Precision Process Control - Kyntronics SMART Actuation Technology

Applications today require precision control of the process to produce parts that are in-spec and the same, every cycle. The Kyntronics electro-hydraulic linear actuator system was designed with this precision control in mind. The actuator incorporates a linear position sensor and force measurement pressure transducer as inputs to the servo controller. Available software controls position, force, or combination of the two. The Kyntronics total solution package performs cycle pass/fail determination, captures data for process analysis and machine diagnostics.

Kyntronics actuation systems support IoT and the “digital transformation” journey while providing a leg up on the competition.

To learn more about our products, check out our product offering today.