FEATURE


Automated warehousing


ACTUATORS OFFER DESIGNERS MORE FREEDOM


Making high-duty-cycle      


T


raditionally, linear motion system designers implementing high-duty-cycle motion had to choose between hydraulic,


pneumatic and electromechanical systems. Each technology did the job but had   them.


 life electric linear actuators has emerged.   in applications where traditional actuators  substandard in their life and duty cycle ratings and abilities.


If an actuator operates for 15 seconds


and rests for 45 seconds during a 1-minute   Manufacturers issue duty cycle guidelines to help the actuator rest   components. Duty cycles for hydraulic and pneumatic actuators tend to be in the  comes with a higher cost of operation due  Fluid power systems like those required by pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are complicated and can be messy, labour-  to own and operate.  actuators that are commonly used to support higher-duty-cycle applications, likewise, are not cheap. Requiring stepper-    precision is also needed.  motion control, a new generation of long-  at a price point that makes high-duty cycles   electric motors, long-life actuators use


12 February 2025 | Automation


The long-life Thomson Electrak® LL actuator


where linear motion can be deployed to  


 line operators may use an actuator to adjust a  ergonomics and reduce workplace injuries. 


brushless DC motors which generate essentially no friction. This enables a duty  at reduced load, depending on ambient temperature. Other features contributing to the actuator’s durability are double-circuit ball nuts and larger screws. They reduce another common point of actuator wear   time by orders of magnitude. Additional   contact bearings. Together, these features result in an       compact because they don’t need gearing  typically sealed for high-ingress protection and lubricated for life in the factory, requiring zero additional maintenance.  applications where frequent back-and-forth or transport-type motion is more important  This includes clamping, positioning, 


   components to an automated assembly  numerous lifting, loading and positioning   cycle option on mobile applications such as AGVs, often powered by contact with magnetic  motion designers.  of long-life actuators become more apparent,   In ‘A Future That Works: Automation, Employment, and Productivity’, McKinsey    Some applications, such as welding, cutting   emerging opportunity will no doubt require  other opportunities may not. The emergence  designers more freedom to choose actuation strategies that are best for their applications.


Thomson Industries thomsonlinear.com


automationmagazine.co.uk


All photos courtesy of Thomson Industries, Inc


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