SPEED MEETS PRECISION: INCORPORATING HIGH-SPEED LINEAR ACTUATORS IN AUTOMATED EQUIPMENT

High-speed linear actuators are transforming industrial automation by delivering rapid motion without sacrificing precision. However, choosing the right actuator requires balancing speed, force, and control to ensure optimized performance for your application.
Category:
Electro-Mechanical Replacement, Hydraulic Replacement, Insights, Technology

IN THIS ARTICLE, WE’LL ANSWER:

  • What defines a high-speed linear actuator?
  • How do different actuator types compare?
  • What makes Kyntronics’ Hybrid Actuators a superior choice?

WHAT DEFINES A HIGH-SPEED LINEAR ACTUATOR?

While there are no strict industry standards for “high speed,” actuators achieving several hundred mm/s are generally considered high speed. However, speed is just one factor; force requirements, stroke length, and precision control are all important. High speeds can require sophisticated servo control to manage inertia and acceleration profiles, ensuring precise motion.

ACTUATION TECHNOLOGIES: A COMPARISON

  1. Hydraulic Actuators: Offer high force and speed but require large power units and are difficult to control precisely.
  2. Electric Actuators aka electro-mechanical actuators (EMA): Provide high speed and precision but are limited in force output without becoming expensive.
  3. Electric Hydraulic Actuators aka electro-hydraulic actuators are essentially a hybrid combination of a totally sealed hydraulic cylinder with a servo motor driven pump that produces the speed and precise control of an EMA but at far higher forces like that of an HPU-driven hydraulic cylinder.

 

WHY CHOOSE HYBRID ACTUATORS?

Hybrid Actuators combine the speed and precision of electric actuators with the force of hydraulics, all while reducing maintenance and energy waste.

COMBINING HIGH SPEED WITH HIGH FORCE: KYNTRONICS’ SPECIAL CONFIGURATION SHA

Certain applications such as presses that have longer strokes due to tooling clearance require high speed actuation for productivity while providing high force actuation during the power stroke portion of the cycle and must achieve precise, repeatable quality and documentation of results.

Kyntronics developed the Hybrid technology-based high-speed/high-force actuation system. This actuator incorporates all the features of the standard Hybrid Linear Actuator (SHA) product with the addition of a dual cylinder system. One cylinder provides the high-speed portion of the cycle and the other, the high force portion.

These actuators are known for their exceptional performance, reliability, and are an ideal choice for applications such as pressing for industries seeking to enhance their automation capabilities.