Electro-Mechanical Actuators

Electro-Mechanical actuators are a type of electric linear actuator that incorporates a screw mechanism powered by an electric motor. The rotary motion from the motor is converted to linear motion through a nut that moves on the threaded rod. Types of electro-mechanical actuators include acme screw actuators, ball screw actuators and roller screw actuators. Roller screw actuators are more robust and more precise than acme screw or ball screw actuators however they are more costly due to the additional number of higher precision mechanical components that are used to build them.

Each of these types of linear actuators perform the same basic function. Electro-mechanical actuators aka electric actuators convert electric energy into mechanical force, creating a linear push or pull movement. Some Electro-mechanical actuators incorporate a servo motor that increases its capability to more precisely control position. These actuators are often referred to as linear servo actuators.

There are many types of electro-mechanical actuators available ranging from simple low duty cycle, low-cost devices for consumer and light duty commercial applications, to rugged industrial linear actuators that are servo controlled and used on critical applications.

Kyntronics produces electro-mechanical actuators for certain OEM customers in unique design configurations however our primary product line is the SMART electro-hydraulic actuator which is an alternative industrial actuator technology to electro-mechanical actuators.

Kyntronics electro-hydraulic linear actuators have some similarities to electro-mechanical actuators including:

• Both use power on demand to reduce energy consumption vs. hydraulic linear actuators.
• Both can be used as linear servo actuators that can be precisely programmed and controlled for position, speed and dwell. Force control is more difficult for electro-mechanical actuators without using expensive load cells in the load path.
• Both utilize actuator controllers when used as linear servo actuators that can be connected to standard fieldbus networks.

There are also differences between Kyntronics electro-hydraulic actuators and electro-mechanical actuators:

• Kyntronics actuators utilize an integral cylinder with minimal fluid. This allows it to operate on applications with shock loads, side loading and end stop crashes without damage unlike the more fragile electro-mechanical actuators.
• There is no metal-to-metal wear in the Kyntronics actuator. This minimizes maintenance unlike electro-mechanical actuators that require regular lubrication to prolong life.
• Kyntronics actuators are available in much higher force ratings of up to 150,000 lbs. rated force and longer stroke lengths up to 120".

Linear Actuators