Making the Jump to Electric

Overview

The white paper from Tolomatic outlines a step-by-step guide for transitioning from hydraulic to electric actuators, emphasizing the benefits of electric technology in various industries, including timber, packaging, and medical devices. While hydraulic actuators have been a staple in factory automation due to their ruggedness and high force capabilities, electric actuators are gaining traction for their superior motion control, reduced component requirements, and minimal environmental and safety risks.

The transition process is broken down into three key steps:

1. Determine Actual Forces: Accurate measurement of the required forces is crucial. Instead of relying on maximum-rated pressure, the paper recommends measuring the hydraulic pressure during operation to avoid oversizing the electric actuator, which can lead to unnecessary costs.

2. Define Motion Profile: Understanding the motion profiles, cycle rates, and throughput is essential. The paper encourages users to assess whether cycle rate or linear velocity is more critical for their application, as this will influence actuator sizing and performance. High cycle rates necessitate faster movements, which can increase heat generation and mechanical wear.

3. Use Sizing Software: Utilizing reputable actuator sizing software is vital for selecting the appropriate components. Tolomatic offers tools that help users define their parameters and motion profiles, ensuring optimal actuator selection while flagging components that may exceed thermal limits.

The paper also highlights considerations when switching from hydraulic to electric actuators, such as the need for additional space, the challenges of high forces in tight spaces, and the implications for mobile applications. Overall, the transition to electric actuation can lead to improved process control, enhanced product quality, reduced maintenance, and lower total cost of ownership, making it a compelling choice for modern automation needs.