Electric actuators are reliable, consistent and robust linear motion devices. When it comes to pitching a new electric actuator to your boss, you will need to navigate around the inevitable barrier of red tape and bottom lines.

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Here are four benefits of electric actuators that’ll turn some heads and help you get that all-important green light.

1. Electric actuators are safer. Much safer.

Safety is a primary concern in any process environment. Management doesn’t want injuries on their hands, so when it comes to pitching a new investment in electric actuators, safety is a major benefit.

Compared to their mechanical counterparts, electrical actuators decrease the risk to workers considerably. They don’t require fluid to ensure smooth motion, which reduces the danger of leaks and slippages. They also use acme screw units to hold a load in place, so even in the event of a power outage, you can be sure the actuator won’t slip from its position.

2. They’re completely programmable.

Electric actuators require a motor and some sort of control panel to operate them. In more sophisticated environments, you can program any desired specification and offer a consistent, stable movement, time and time again.

As a result, electric actuators can reduce failure rates and increase productivity. And, should an actuator be reassigned for a different type of movement, they can easily be re-programmed straight from the control system itself.

3. No plumbing = Less maintenance.

If your boss is trying to keep costs down, electric actuators are the way to go. While the initial investment might be higher, you’ll receive a long-term payoff of less plumbing, less maintenance and lower cost of replacement.

Because they don’t require external pumps, they’re also considerably smaller and quieter to work with, meaning they can be deployed in tighter, more enclosed spaces.

4. They’re perfect for low air, low-temperature environments.

Pneumatic and hydraulic actuators use air and fluid to generate movement, while electric actuators use a motor. In colder environments where air is prone to freezing – or in environments without access to air – electric actuators are the safer, more steadfast choice. All you need is a reliable power source.

Automation and integration with smart technologies

‘In the past, it was difficult to gauge how an individual device was functioning or why it was failing because data was limited or maybe not available at all. Now, if an actuator is compatible with Ethernet, it may be able to have its own IP address, so data could be viewed on a web page.’

- Rich Mintz, Marketing Manager at Siemens

The goal of any modern process environment is to be as efficient (and, therefore, productive) as possible. Electrical actuators are built on this principle.

Previously, data about multiple actuators would be fed to a control system. This made it difficult to see the productivity of singular components. Today, however, if an actuator can connect itself to the Ethernet, you could see the performance of a specific actuator and find ways to improve its efficiency.

By using electric actuators – given their ability to be programmed and integrated into a control system – you can begin to build an efficient, connected and productive process environment that is Industry 4.0 ready.

Find out more about our range of electric actuators here.

10 Advantages of Electric Actuators

An actuator is a part of a machine or device that enables movement by converting some form of energy into mechanical force with the push of a button. There are various kinds, but the most popular are the hydraulic types which use incompressible liquid as energy. Electric linear actuators have been gaining more traction recently because of their benefits compared to other choices. 

Electric linear actuators produce mechanical force by using the rotational motion of an AC or DC motor. They’re present in most machines in your everyday life like your washing machine and standing desk. Usually, larger-scale applications can be seen in the automotive industry. They’re installed in cars and major machine parts used to manufacture vehicles. 

So, what are its advantages that made more engineers and business owners start to use this type of technology more? Here’s a quick rundown of some of them: 

1.   Straightforward Design 

One of the most important benefits of an electric linear actuator is its simple design. A system consists of a DC or AC motor, a series of gears, and a lead screw with a driving nut that pushes a rod shaft in and out. 

If you want to learn more, please visit our website Power Jack Motion.

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Meanwhile, hydraulic and pneumatic systems have more complex designs. They always come with more parts, including pumps and hoses. 

2.   Faster Assembly Time 

Putting everything together would be easier since you won’t have to deal with pumps and hoses. Installing this only requires simple wiring. The simplified assembly process means faster integration into the entire ecosystem of the facility. This also reduces labor costs due to the amount of time saved. 

3.   Smaller Footprint 

An electric linear actuator is a self-contained unit mounted where the motion is required, which is then connected to the system controller with a small cable. Unlike its counterparts, it doesn’t need much space to function efficiently. This gives people more flexibility when incorporating the actuator into the area. 

On the other hand, a hydraulic actuator system of the same capabilities would usually need more because it comes with more parts. The primary actuator needs to be connected through hoses to a reservoir equipped with a motor. Allotting space for these units would require careful planning, especially for those who have smaller facilities.  

4.   Easy Integration 

Apart from letting you easily install it in a facility with ease, an electric linear actuator can also be integrated with other systems and equipment with no trouble at all. Programming the commands to the controllers that manage the facility’s machines is less complicated than doing it with a hydraulic or pneumatic system. 

5.   Precision and Control 

An electric linear actuator provides a higher level of control throughout the entire process. With just a few keystrokes on the controller, the operator fully controls the piston’s position and applied force. 

Other actuators can’t replicate the same level of accuracy and control. For example, a hydraulic system would usually suffer from a ‘stick slip.’ It’s where the main actuator jerks during the transition of moving and being still. 

6.   Safety 

If a well-trained operator has complete control, the likelihood of an accident is slim, but it’s always best to have safety precautions. This is where electric linear actuators shine. Most of these actuators come with limit switches. They’re designed to send a signal to the drive to stop the motion when it reaches full extension and retraction. Limit switches help prevent the machine from stalling after it reaches its limit. If it stalls, the motors will keep going until they break down and burn. 

7.   Eco-Friendliness  

Electric linear actuators only use electricity as a source of energy, nothing else. It’s clean and doesn’t produce any by-products during use, so the healthcare and medical industries prefer this variant because it can’t contaminate anything. 

Hydraulic systems have high-pressure fluids flowing through hoses, which must be properly maintained. If one part gets damaged, the leak can contaminate products or the facility itself. 

Meanwhile, pneumatic actuators have compressed air that can blow contaminants into the environment. 

8.   Quiet Motor 

Noise pollution is also a factor to consider when looking for actuators. Hydraulic systems may bring in more power, but it’s also louder because of their high horsepower motors. It’s the main reason many refer to them as “bang-bang” devices because of the noise they make when in use. 

Electric actuators use silent electrical motors. 

9.   Low Maintenance 

This type of actuator has advanced to the point where it’s virtually maintenance-free. Because it has fewer components, it has fewer points of failure. And its parts are easier to troubleshoot and repair or replace since most of them are just wires and gear systems. 

Those who have hydraulic setups need to constantly check their systems to prevent the risk of leaks and contamination. Fluids also need to be regularly replaced to ensure a smooth operation. 

10.  Cost-Effectiveness 

Another advantage of having an electric linear actuator is the savings you can get from it.

All the other benefits add up when talking about its cost-effectiveness. 

Since this kind of actuator doesn’t have a lot of components, owners don’t have to stock up on a lot of spare parts. It lets you cut back on labor costs, too, since it’s easier to install, operate, and maintain. Lastly, you won’t have to spend much energy as it consumes less power than others.  

With the advancement of technology, electric linear actuators can now come in different sizes. But all of them are essentially the same device with a motor, gears, and leadscrew. All that changes is the size of the motor inside. 

For more information, please visit Motorized Actuator.