Roller Screw Actuators
Roller screw actuators are a type of electric linear actuator that incorporates a precision ground roller screw surrounded by planetary gears. They are generally servo motor driven electric linear actuators that convert rotary motion from the motor into linear motion. Roller screw actuators are more robust and more precise than ball screw actuators however they are more costly due to the additional number of higher precision mechanical components that are used to build them.
Roller screw actuators are sometimes considered by machine builders as an alternative to hydraulic linear actuators or hydraulic cylinders powered by a hydraulic power unit. Roller screw actuators are generally available with up to 36” stroke length without incurring significant cost premiums. They are also expensive at higher force ratings >5,000 lbs. rated force compared with other high force actuators such as hydraulic cylinders.
Kyntronics does not offer a roller screw actuator product. Kyntronics SMART electro-hydraulic actuators are an alternative industrial actuator technology to roller screw actuators.
Kyntronics actuators have some similarities to roller screw actuators including:
- Both use power on demand to reduce energy consumption vs. hydraulic linear actuators.
- Both are precision actuators that can be precisely programmed and controlled for position, speed, and dwell. Force control is more difficult with roller screw actuators without using expensive load cells in the load path.
- Both utilize actuator controllers that can be connected to standard fieldbus networks.
There are also differences between Kyntronics electro-hydraulic actuators and roller screw 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 roller screw actuators.
- There is no metal-to-metal wear in the Kyntronics actuator. This minimizes maintenance unlike roller screw 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".
- Kyntronics actuators are more cost effective at higher force rating levels.
