Our last article looked at the benefits of linear chain for specific linear motion needs – but we know that for many situations, linear actuators remain a popular choice and are suited to a wide range of applications.
There are many options for linear motion, and of these we believe that electrical linear actuators are the best choice for the majority of these applications; let’s explore some of the reasons why.
Firstly – in order to fairly compare – we need to look at the alternatives:
Hydraulic
Pneumatic
Electrical
Hydraulic actuation has long been a popular choice, and most of us will have experience of these products – and of the maintenance, lubrication, potential mess and risks of contamination which come from their use.
Yes, they have long been successful and efficient in their way – but as we become more aware of the impact we have on our environment and the ongoing costs of maintaining this technology, we have to look for a cleaner, safer way – which takes considerably fewer man hours and down-time, and is less likely to leak contaminants into the surrounding area.
Pneumatic actuation? Yes, these are low cost and give precise control – and can perform at high speed, and with significant force – but they are less efficient and can be an expensive option when you also need to factor in a compressed air reservoir (which needs to be constantly running), switches, regulators, hoses, pressure gauges and silencers – the costs of which all quickly add up, and each of these components needs regular maintenance – adding yet more cost and inconvenience to the process.
Electrical cylinder actuators, on the other hand, allow for very precise control and positioning, offering high powered solutions for a small footprint – and they require minimal maintenance, no costly or laborious lubrication, and are simple to operate. All this and they are far quieter, making for a safer and more enjoyable working environment, without additional components making the workplace cluttered or dangerous – such as trailing hoses or oil leakage. The additional benefit when factoring in maintenance and power consumption is that the whole life cost of electrical actuators has been shown to be less than the alternatives.
All in all it seems that the electrical cylinder actuators are a winning choice, comparing the options side by side – cheaper, easier to maintain and low-noise – all of which combines to make them a practical, affordable choice for a wide range of applications.
Call today to learn more about the range of products we offer, from the range of standard Mini actuators from Grob to the more bespoke ADE-Werk range which is ever more popular in water management environments, offering a clean and environmentally friendly solution where hydraulics simply aren’t suitable.
To discover whether these electrical actuators are your best choice, and which is most ideally suited to meet your needs, speak to our team today – or visit the linear actuation pages of our website to explore the range for yourself.