Considerations when specifying an electric linear actuator for food and beverage machinery
The manufacturers of food and beverage machinery face many selection issues when it comes to rod-type and rodless electric linear actuators .
As a major actuator supplier to UK OEMS ’ s in this sector , Motion Control Products ( MCP ) are often called upon to provide technical support to ensure that the correct product is supplied for the production conditions . Actuators manufactured by Tolomatic enable Motion Control Products ’ engineering staff to offer various IP ratings which suit and combat these the environmental challenges .
The production areas of food and beverage producers may experience hostile conditions which include both dust and water as well as corrosive agents like solvents , cleaners and chemicals which are used in machine wash down . All these factors impact the performance and life of components like electric linear actuators . Dust may clog the action or cause parts to wear out prematurely . Moisture may short electrical connections and cause rusting . Corrosive agents can eat away at housings , seals , fasteners , and more .
A machine designer needs confirmation that a component will stand up to IP ratings chart environmental factors . So information on the IP ( International Protection or Ingress Protection ) rating should be sought . This rating system , developed by the IEC ( International Electrical Commission ), classifies the degree of protection provided against dust and water . It was originally developed to rate electrical enclosures , but is now used to rate a variety of components , including electrical linear actuators . The system rates equipment
14 FDPP - www . fdpp . co . uk on two factors : first , protection from dust , and second , protection from moisture .
Commenting on dust in particular , Steve McKay , the Managing Director of Motion Control Products says , “ There is dust in most production facilities . Often , it ’ s dry and light . For this kind of light dust , you need an electric linear actuator that ’ s rated at least IP5X ( dust protected ). If conditions are extremely dusty ( as in flour milling or cereal production ), we recommend linear actuators with an IP6X rating ( dust tight ).
An electric rod actuator will work well in both light and heavy dust , although in heavy dust ( IP6X ), a rod wiper or rod seal is needed to protect internal components . If a protective band is added , a rodless electromechanical linear actuator can work well in conditions of light dust ( IP5X ) since it will prevent dust from fouling internal components . If there ’ s heavy dust , you may have to work with the manufacturer to get the custom protection needed .”
Wet conditions cause an equally difficult selection problem as the protection rating should match the level of the problem . With indirect water droplets or vapour , an IPX5 rating ( water resistant ) is sufficient .