How a Linear Actuator Can Efficiently Replace a Pneumatic Drive

There are several reasons why electric linear actuators are slowly edging out pneumatic ones. Parameters such as better speed, force and technological compatibility have largely been influencing buyers’ decisions in the recent past. Let’s take a look at some of the defining characteristics of an electric linear actuator.

• Programmable: Such actuators are programmable in various modes. Based on your position requirements, you could choose various positions and their accuracy even at micron levels. Besides, the speed can also be adjusted up to 50G. If you need exceedingly slow speeds and they can be programmed to move at very constant speeds. Such actuators can have repeat cycles with a time variance much less than a millisecond.

• Precision movement: Their force can be adjusted per your requirements. An interesting result of the force and precision movement with feedback is that such actuators also open up new application areas (such as quality control) for distributors.

• Configuration: Certain linear actuators made by noted brands provide easy-to-upgrade features. For instance, these actuators mount just like air cylinders and in many cases they occupy the same amount of space. This makes it conveniently easy for consumers to go for the switch.

• Quality and durability: Investing in a linear actuator manufactured by a leading company will offer energy-efficiency. For instance, there are certain companies offering an electric cylinder range that offers long life and precise force. Additionally, they have the ability to withstand long operation hours. If kept on maximum current for hours at a stretch, these actuators will get warm but will not burn out. Most importantly, such actuators have a life cycle that is easily 10 times better than that of pneumatic devices as the only wear part is the linear guide. Moreover, such actuators have built in lubrication. The other major advantage is that these actuators are manufactured with very tight tolerances.

• Cost factor: Providing quality at a competitive cost is a challenge. But some industry leaders have managed to achieve a fine balance between cost and quality. Such companies have been known to follow a strategy of reducing the price of their new products by 35% once in every 4 to 5 years. This is an achievable feat for companies that make their key cost components in-house and have a short assembly time allowing for lower costs. As compared to pneumatic devices, an electric cylinder range can offer higher cost benefits.

Given all these reasons, it is easy to see why an electric linear actuator has every potential to replace pneumatic cylinders in myriad applications. Apart from high-end features, the cost factor is also at play. This explains why traditional pneumatic markets such as Packaging, electronic, medical, automotive and glass are rapidly switching over to electrical support.