SKF’s latest generation electromechanical actuators combine ease of use and installation with dependable durability for cost effective control and extended
applicability.
Boost productivity and efficiency.
Automation systems are increasingly used to boost productivity and efficiency in a wide variety of industries where actuators that can offer high performance and long life – while meeting the specific needs of each application – are a necessity. Following considerable research and development over the past decade, the new generation electromechanical devices comprising linear and rotary actuators, telescopic pillars, and high performance cylinders; provide a simple to use, cost effective solution in applications from hospital wards to production lines.
Additionally, the latest devices from SKF have been designed with innovative actuator lifetime monitoring functionality for easy observation of actuator condition, to allow optimised performance and minimised downtime.
Linear and rotary actuators
The latest linear and rotary actuators are capable of high levels of speed, temperature stability and accuracy; and with the extensive variety of functionality and capabilities available it is possible to find the right solution to meet the load and speed requirements of most automation applications.
A growing range of controls and operating devices is expanding the environments in which electromechanical actuation can be beneficial.
Many actuators now feature modular designs for easy interchange of critical components such as motors, gears, screws, and attachments. This ability to custom-build actuators easily and cost effectively from standard parts makes the technology suitable for diverse applications, including many where the use of electromechanical technology has previously been limited.
The new generation actuators are ergonomically designed, easier to install and maintain and compact to reduce the space requirements. Electromechanical actuators that offer strong load carrying capacities, fast duty cycles and quiet movement are currently available; presenting designers, system builders and OEMs with an alternative to pneumatic and hydraulic power in challenging industrial environments.
In addition to providing a cost effective alternative, electromechanical technology has become both energy efficient and safe.
Telescopic pillars
A range of electromechanical telescopic pillars designed to offer a strong, dependable and space-efficient solution for positioning and supporting a wide range of platforms – including surgical and medical patient tables – are also available. The extensive range of pillars is based on a modular design concept allowing a variety of table designs to meet the requirements of any application.
Designed to accommodate extremely heavy offset loads, the pillars feature a stiff design that limits the amount of play in the platform or table. For applications where a small amount of play is acceptable, a single pillar with push capabilities is sufficient to support the load effectively, while for critical applications requiring an extremely high level of support, pillars with push and pull capacities can be specified
These can be used in tandem to virtually eliminate any load on the actuators and offer consistently dependable operation. The most recent pillar designs display an extremely low retracted height, making them particularly compact, while the low cross section enables the pillars to offer optimum support. The latest devices operate silently and are therefore suited to environments such as hospitals where minimum noise levels are demanded. With typical gear ratios of between 1:3 and 1:40, the right balance of speed and control can be achieved for the desired application.
Traffic light system
SKF’s actuator lifetime monitoring system makes electromechanical actuators even simpler to use and maintain. Based on a tiny silicon chip fitted within each actuator coupled to an externally mounted LED, the new monitoring system provides an extremely accurate indication of impending component failure, reducing unplanned maintenance and/or breakdowns that can lead to costly downtime or render vital equipment such as patient beds useless.
The innovative monitoring system collects data based on the running time and operating load of each actuator, and analyses this in real time against the design life of the device. Under normal conditions, the green LED remains lit, turning amber only once the actuator has reached a pre-determined stage in its design life; typically, this is set at 90%. The indicator automatically turns red when the design life has been exceeded, indicating that the device should be overhauled or replaced.
The red indication can optionally be supplemented by an audible alert to ensure that it receives immediate attention. More sophisticated versions of the monitor which connect to a laptop, PDA or even a mobile phone are available, allowing data about usage and loading of the actuator to be downloaded for later analysis, and maintenance planning. As a result of predictive maintenance, downtime for maintenance and repairs can be minimised, for maximum productivity.
High performance cylinders
For the most demanding tasks, where hydraulics had previously been the only solution, all-electric cylinders are now available and perform with the power of hydraulics and the velocity of pneumatics. These cutting edge cylinders use planetary roller screws, which provide superior levels of stability to conventional ball screws, allowing the limits of linear cylinders to be expanded considerably. The cylinders use brushless servomotor technology with an in line or parallel drive as standard, delivering long life and high acceleration force in challenging applications such as spot welding, servo-press, thermoforming, marine and the steel industry.
While hydraulic cylinders remain the preferred solution for high loads and long strokes, electromechanical cylinders present a cost effective alternative in many other instances, including energy conversion in electromechanical systems.
In summary
The latest electromechanical actuators have been developed and refined to a level that enables cost effective positioning and control in a diverse range of applications. With innovative features (such as actuator lifetime monitoring) these devices provide an easy to install, use and maintain solution that has a positive effect on productivity and efficiency levels.
| Tel: | +27 11 821 3500 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.skf.co.za |
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