needs. With the need for increased preci-
sion, speed and reliability, fundamental for
performance to remain competitive.Yet, depending on specific operational
needs, there is now more choice than ever
when it comes to linear actuation, and
manufacturers now need to consider the
benefits of both pneumatic and electric to
select the most appropriate solution.Pneumatic
Put simply, for manufacturers needing to
reliably and cost-effectively move a load
quickly between two fixed points; or, for
applications which are limited to a small
installation space or are dealing with a
hazardous operating environment, then
specifying a pneumatic solution could be
preferable.Here, we’re seeing technology innovation,
as seen in IMI Precision Engineering’s new
IMI Norgren ISOLine, which brings with it
an increase in performance sophistication.
Providing an adaptive cushioning system
(ACS), it automatically adjusts the cylinder
cushioning for changing loads, so manual
cushion screw setting is not required.Suitable for a wide variety of applications,
from heavy industrial, to clean food and
beverage and even rail, pneumatic actua-
tors, such as the IMI Norgren ISOLine, of-
fer manufacturers a fit-and-forget solution
which is able to efficiently perform at low
pressures, while also lowering the overall
weight of the machine.Electric
Electric actuation, on the other hand,
brings with it another level of precise
control, flexibility, guaranteed repeata-
bility and easy connectivity. It is proving
increasingly popular in markets such as
packaging, material handling and auto-
motive sectors.Electric actuators can provide the high-
est degree of precision-control over the
linear motion stroke, offering unmatched
performance when it comes to controlling
speed, position, accuracy and repeatabili-
ty. For example, accuracies of +/- 0.02mm
are possible with a repeatability of +/-
0.01mm.In addition, multiple intermediate posi-
tions can be achieved, and in-built po-
sitioning flexibility allows several actua-
tors to move in unison, changing speed
without the need to stop or overrun a
position.Precise acceleration and deceleration
control, as seen in the IMI Norgren ELI-
ON Electric Actuator range, also allows
the cylinders to glide into position with-
out stopping abruptly, making electric
actuation suitable for applications where
vibration and disruptive movement is not
acceptable.Finally, electric actuation can make a sig-
nificant contribution to lowering running
costs and improving the operating envi-
ronment. With electromechanical compo-nents efficiently converting electricity to
mechanical power, energy savings and a
reduction in energy consumption are pos-
sible as the motor is only energised when
movement is required, or an external force
is present. As a result, electric actuation
helps create a cleaner and quieter operat-
ing environment.A connected future
The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) is in-
creasing connectivity between machines
and operators. Therefore, the ability to ex-
tract real-time data streams via networked
sensor technology can help manufactur-
ers monitor and analyse actuator perfor-
mance.Key indicators such as operating temper-
ature, level of current and position can
be quickly visualised and offer valuable
insight to help identify ongoing running
levels and avoid unwanted downtime,
improving productivity and reducing cost.Of course, while the benefits of electric
and pneumatic linear actuators are clear,
manufacturers must also recognise there
may be applications that require both.
These include large, multiple axis ma-
chines, where a combination of electric
and pneumatic actuation can be appro-
priate as there may be both simple and
complex linear motion positioning require-
ments.https://www.imi-precision.com/uk/en/
list/electric-actuatorsFeature: Pneumatic or electric actuation?
Linear motion: selecting the
best solution for your needs
Simple
◾Digital configuration
◾Consistent data quality
◾Intelligent engineeringThe new one: the AX/the KX.
Opens up perspectives.
The new generation of compact and small enclosures.
About the author:
Simon Gass is Product
Marketing Manager
for Actuators at IMI
Precision Engineering.
As part of his role,
Simon is responsible for
the complete lifecycle
product management
activities of both
pneumatic and electric
actuators.