FEATURE COVER STORY
GO ELECTRIC WHEN YOU’RE looking for precise control with low operating costs
SMC Pneumatics looks into the benefits that can be gained by specifying electric actuators
I
t is generally accepted that electric actuators provide flexibility plus precise control and positioning with low operating costs when compared to using standard pneumatic actuators. While falling energy charges have helped address some of the costs issues when using compressed air, high maintenance and operating expenses still remain a major factor. According to the Department of Energy 24% of the annual cost of compressed air is due to maintenance, equipment and installation while 76% is due directly to the cost of electricity for the compressor. On the other hand, electric actuators are particularly suitable when used in medium-sized applications where their
According to Jeremy Wicks, a specialist
in electric actuators at automation leader SMC: “the major factor when selecting electric actuators in an application is the need for accurate sizing. “Understanding and evaluating loading
in the application helps to ensure that the right actuator is specified which in turn means that you’re using the most cost effective electric actuator solution”.
WHAT STOPS YOU GOING ELECTRIC? However, with the vast choice of electric actuators now on the market and with prices from £500 to £2,000 and more, are these factors stopping today’s engineers going electric? It’s true that the component costs of
“Understanding and evaluating loading in the application helps to ensure the right actuator is specified which means that you’re using the most cost effective solution”
flexibility of performance coupled with their excellent energy efficiency and lower maintenance and replacements costs can be enjoyed without the high generation and maintenance costs associated with compressed air.
electric actuators are higher than for air operated cylinders but their operating costs are lower; a fact which is often not considered or simply ignored. The overall cost of ownership for users can be very attractive when production lead times can be reduced by their integration as the cost benefits can be visible to production managers and senior management.
HIGH SPEED DATA FEEDBACK Although not often considered with cost the level and capability of high speed
It’s true that the component costs of electric actuators are higher than for air operated cylinders but their operating costs are lower
data feedback can be used to monitor live information such as product size when picking various sized items using electric grippers which can lead to 100% checking and data logging as opposed to slow line side batch testing. Aligning these cost benefits in producing a higher yield and reducing waste product can often pose the question for both OEMs and end users:
6 DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT
/ FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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