Five Reasons to Select an Electric Actuator Over a Rodless Cylinder

Overview

The white paper discusses the advancements and advantages of electric linear actuators over traditional rodless pneumatic cylinders in various applications, highlighting the shift towards electrification in linear actuation over the past two decades. Electric actuators have increasingly displaced pneumatic options due to their superior efficiency, controllability, and reliability.

Electric actuators operate using electrical signals, allowing for nearly instantaneous and precise control, which is essential for applications requiring high positioning accuracy. They are compatible with high-stiffness control systems that can quickly correct errors, making them more rigid and responsive compared to pneumatic cylinders, which are affected by the compressibility of air and can introduce compliance through flexible sealing.

While rodless pneumatic cylinders excel in power density and speed, capable of delivering high force and rapid movement, they require a trade-off between power and speed. Their efficiency ranges from 15% to 30%, significantly lower than the 75% to 85% efficiency of electric actuators. This difference in efficiency translates to lower operating costs for electric actuators, which can be a crucial factor for long-term service life in machine designs.

The paper also emphasizes the straightforward construction of rodless cylinders, which allows for cleaner and more reliable operation, as there is no rod extending outside the cylinder body. However, electric actuators have made significant strides in compactness and integration, making them suitable for tight spaces traditionally occupied by pneumatic systems.

Furthermore, electric linear actuators can achieve a wider range of output speed and force combinations due to their drive mechanisms, such as ballscrews, belts, and rack-and-pinion systems. The integration of electronic controls and feedback systems enhances their functionality, allowing for more sophisticated motion control.

In conclusion, while rodless pneumatic cylinders have their advantages, electric linear actuators offer a compelling alternative for modern applications, providing better efficiency, control, and long-term reliability. The choice between these technologies ultimately depends on specific application requirements, but the trend clearly favors the growing adoption of electric actuation in various industries.