Go electric when you’re looking for
precise control and positioning with
low operating costs.
t’s generally accepted that
electric actuators provide
flexibility plus precise
control and positioning with
low operating costs when
compared to using standard pneumatic
actuators. Whilst 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.
I
On the other hand, electric actuators
are particularly suitable when used in
medium sized applications where their
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.
According to Jeremy Wicks, a specialist in
electric actuators at automation leaders
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”.
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
electric actuators are higher than for air
operated cylinders but their operating
costs are lower. A fact which is often not
considered or it’s 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. Although
not often considered with cost, the
level and capability of high speed 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 OEM’s
and End users- can you afford not to go electric?
In reality, the power draw of the motor
is largely responsible for the operating
costs as the low voltage circuitry in the
amplifier and the controller consume
minimal amounts of energy.
The largest costs in manufacturing
applications today are usually down to
changes or adaptions to an assembly
line to accommodate a different product
– manual changeovers. These can be
incredibly expensive in terms of lost
production and engineering time to make
these changes.
However, because electric actuators are
programmable, changeover costs can be
dramatically reduced.
When you consider the efficiency gained
during changeover activities, plus the
added energy efficiency when using
electric actuators, the higher initial
component costs are soon negated.
SMC, who are traditionally recognised
as the world leaders in pneumatic
technology, have embraced the
development of electric actuators and
now have one of the most impressive
ranges of electric drive and control
ranges around.
SMC’s latest catalogue of electric
actuators and controllers has over 900
pages of product information to help
you select the right solution. Today they
can offer customers simple, easy to
programme and easy to use controllers
for the majority of the electric actuator
range or technically advanced high
performance Series LEY, LEYG, LEF and
LEJ options for use in more demanding
applications. Additionally, if you have
a well-established motor and co ntrol
philosophy then why not take advantage
of SMC’s motor-less option? As standard
these actuators can be specified to
match a comprehensive list of over 14
motor manufacturers.
“Today, we have a range of electric
actuators to meet virtually any need
and our controller range has expanded
accordingly”, confirmed Wicks. “Over
the past few months we have been
promoting the fact the SMC is more
than just pneumatics and when
customers see our new electric actuator
catalogue they will find everything they
will need to go electric.
Visitors to Fluid Power Systems
Exhibition featuring Drives & Controls
can see a vast selection of SMC’s electric
actuators and controllers in action on
their 176 sq metre stand – AF20 in Hall
3 of the NEC Birmingham 12–14 April
inclusive.
However if you need more information
on SMC’s expanding electric actuator
range now contact SMC on 0845 121
5122 or check out their website on:
www.smcpneumatics.co.uk
Issue 19 PECM
49