by Electric linear cylinders have fast become an integral part of many automated systems today thanks to their ability to precisely position and power mechanical motion using electricity. These electro-mechanical actuators provide linear,Reciprocating motion and are commonly used in applications ranging from factory automation equipment to medical devices. Let’s explore more about electric linear cylinders, their working principles, types and uses in various industries.
Types of Electric Linear Cylinders
There are different types of electric cylinders available in the market depending on their power capacity, construction and mounting style. Some of the major types are:
Pneumatic Cylinders
Pneumatic cylinders use compressed air or other gases as the power medium. They are inexpensive and easy to install but require an external air compressor. The motion depends on pressure of the gas used.
Ball Screw Cylinders
Ball screw cylinders use a precision ball screw drive coupled to an AC or DC motor to achieve linear motion from rotary motor output. They provide high accuracy, speed and thrust but are more expensive than other types.
Rodless Cylinders
Rodless cylinders have an internal piston or ram assembly that moves within a hollow cylinder body without protruding rods. This makes them suitable for applications where space is constrained.
Welded Cylinders
Welded cylinders have the piston rod fully welded to the piston inside the cylinder tube, making the assembly stronger. However, they cannot be disassembled for repair if needed.
Parts of an Electric Linear Cylinder
An Electric Linear Cylinders essentially consists of the following main components:
– Cylinder tube: It acts as the outer body and houses the internal mechanisms. Materials commonly used are aluminum or steel.
– Piston: It is connected to the piston rod and slides within the cylinder tube due to pressure. Seals keep it air tight.
– Piston rod: It transmits the linear force exerted by the piston outward of the cylinder body. Commonly made of hardened steel.
– Mounting brackets: Used to securely mount the cylinder to external structures. Available in different styles.
– Drive mechanism: Converts electric/pneumatic energy to linear motion. Types are screw, belt, gear drives etc.
– Seals: Used along the piston and rod to prevent leaks and allow smooth sliding action. Materials include NBR, FKM etc.
Working Principle
The basic working of an electric linear cylinder is as follows:
– A motor spins connected to a lead screw or belt inside the cylinder.
– As the screw/belt turns, it pushes or pulls the piston attached to it.
– The piston then pushes or pulls the piston rod, generating linear motion in one direction.
– Reversing motor direction reverses rod movement direction.
– Sensor feedback allows precise positioning control.
Applications of Electric Linear Cylinders
Given their precise motion control abilities, electric linear cylinders find applications across many industries:
Material Handling
Used for automated lifting, insertion,assembly processes in manufacturing units, packaging equipment and more.
Automotive Manufacturing
Common in welding, painting robots, assembly lines for accurate part positioning and transfer.
Food Processing
Help automate tasks like portioning, sealing, conveying food products securely with sanitized cylinders.
Medical Devices
From electric hospital beds to rehabilitation equipment, they provide assistive motion.
3D Printing
Power the precise multi-axis positioning of print heads, build plates and parts.
Semiconductor Industry
Indispensable in wafer transfer mechanisms, defect inspection tools and chip assembly.
Benefits of Electric Linear Cylinders
Some key advantages that have made electric cylinders a commercial success include:
– Precise position control – Stepper motors allow location accuracy of <0.001 inches.
– Programmable motion profiles – Wide speed and force control through PLC/DCS integration.
– Clean operation – No hydraulic fluids or gases required unlike other actuators.
– Cost effectiveness – Low maintenance and energy efficient compared to alternatives.
– Repeatable movements – Minimal wear ensures consistent performance over years of use.
– Compact design – Cylinder bodies install in tight spaces and complex machineries.
– Easy automation – PLC/HMI control brings simplicity to automated implementations.
Electric linear cylinders have revolutionized factory automation by providing a clean, precise and programmable actuating force suitable for any dynamic process. Ongoing advances in motor and controller technologies further boost their adoption across industries. Their versatility, reliability and energy efficiency make them the go-to linear motion solution for industries aiming for manufacturing efficiency through automation.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
