Electric Actuator and Its Uses in the Glassmaking Industry

A high quality electric actuator is defined by attributes such as precisely controllable speeds, positions and forces. All these qualities make such actuators very valuable in the glassmaking industry. An actuator that comes in contact with a material as fragile as glass needs to be highly programmable. There are certain brands of actuators that boast of programmable forces including very low forces to the order of 0.1N or less, if so required. Certain actuators come with a patented ‘Soft-Land’ feature that proves to be very useful for testing the thickness and evenness of the most brittle materials. In the Soft-Land feature, the approach to the surface is rapid so as to save time of the overall cycle. However, the final contact can be programmed to be as gentle as required.

Such actuators can be used in just about any industry where glass products need to be tested. For instance, these actuators can be used for measuring the thickness of thin flexible glass. Instead of using an air cylinder, LVDT and force control system for this purpose, an electric actuator demonstrated far better results. An actuator with the Soft-Land feature was incorporated in conjunction with a load cell mounted on the rod of the actuator. The thickness along the area of the glass can be measured and simultaneously fed into a computer.

Similarly, these actuators can be used to measure the curvature of automotive and aircraft window glass. Since electric actuators can be used for positioning and measurement functions simultaneously, they are an apt replacement for air cylinders, LVDT and force control system. Moreover, linear motors can also be used for other delicate applications including but not limited to car glass manufacturing, glass assembly, glass manufacturing, glass de-burring, glass cutting, glass scoring for LCDs and solar panels and also for chamfering and beveling.

A combination of two or more linear motors can be employed for different applications depending on the complexity of the task at hand. The marketplace comprises leading actuator manufacturers that can provide innovative solutions to requirements of the new-age economy. As a customer, you have the option of opting for readily available standard products or getting a device custom-made especially for your requirements.

So whether you are an OEM or end-user that needs a high speed or ultra low speed application, an electric actuator is the best option. They can be employed in a number of applications ranging from positioning, measuring, pick-and-place and inspection where there is no scope for errors. Before you make a final purchase decision, it is advisable to check the post-sales technical support network of the firm. The presence of a number of branches and distributors will make it easy for you to undertake timely and regular maintenance of your electric actuators.