SMAC Moving Coil Actuators developed its LPL30 low-profile electric linear actuators to provide the speed, consistency and repeatability desired in many manufacturing applications. It is particularly beneficial for use in dosing and dispensing applications which require these capabilities.
Features of the LPL30 electric actuators include:
- programmable speed and stroke
- force up to 70N
- micron-level positioning
- cycle rates up to 2,400 cycles per minute.
Programmable and Efficient Actuator Design
The SMAC LPL30 actuators are equipped with the company's moving coil technology which creates linear motion by passing a current through a coil to generate force in either direction. According to the company, this technology uses lower moving mass which enables extremely high acceleration and velocity to be achieved compared to traditional linear actuators that often use a heavier moving magnet.
With this moving coil technology speed, force and other aspects can be programmed to meet specific application requirements. Additional benefits include quieter, safer and more energy efficient operation as the actuators can be used at low current and do not require use of compressed air like pneumatic cylinder alternatives.
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The electric actuators include SMAC's Soft-Land capability which allows light force to be applied without damaging parts or materials. Patented technology enables the actuator to contact the surface of a component with a low programmed force, as low as 10g, which benefits use with delicate or high value components says the company. This technology also provides the ability to sense product location or dimensions to aid with tracking, performance and quality control.
Additional features SMAC highlights for the LPL30 actuators include:
- Programmable stroke can be adjusted in real time to compensate for valve wear or change in diaphragm size because the LPL30 can measure the thicknesses as it operates and make adjustments on the fly.
- Engineered for very low friction for fast and consistent response times and force that remains steady throughout the stroke.
- Inherently Industry 4.0 compatible.
- Ingress Protection (IP) 67 and 69 rated.
Electric Actuators Benefit Dosing and Dispensing Applications
According to SMAC, the LPL30 electric actuator's speed, consistency and repeatability make it a viable alternative option to air cylinders (aka pneumatic cylinders) in dosing and dispensing applications. Repeatability in particular is important to ensure a consistent amount of material, such as medication, perfume or food additives, are dispensed each and every time. The programmability and precision with which the electric actuators move enables this to be achieved.
SMAC explains that traditionally, air valves and cylinders have been used with diaphragm-operated valves to provide precision dosing. However, their response variation is in the range of ±10-15 milliseconds, resulting in dosing volume varying by 10%, whereas the electric actuator's response variation is ±1 millisecond which equates to a dose volume variation of 1%.
Other drawbacks of using air cylinders the company notes is their 50% lower cycle rate. The LPL30 electric actuators feature cycle rates up to 2,400 cycles per minute which SMAC says is three times faster than that of air cylinders, helping manufacturers who use the technology increase their output.
In addition, the fact air cylinders are limited to a fixed speed and two positions is a drawback for many manufacturers. SMAC says they have a shorter lifecycle as well. But the company's electric actuators last for more than 100 million cycles which the company says is 10 times longer than pneumatic alternatives.
"Machine manufacturers are quickly discovering the benefits of programmable electric actuators and switching from the air valves and air cylinders that have been the mainstay since the 1950s," said SMAC Founder and CEO Ed Neff, in the company's press release announcing use of its LPL30 actuators for dosing and dispensing applications. "The precision the LPL30 provides means the exact quantity is dispensed every time, even at very high speeds."
READ MORE: Electric Actuators Becoming Viable Alternative to Pneumatics
Other features of the LPL30 electric actuators SMAC says benefit its use in dosing and dispensing applications include its micron-level positioning and a 30 mm pitch, as well as the actuators' compact size which enables it to fit most dosing and dispensing machines.
