FAQs: linear actuators

A linear actuator is a system that converts the rotary motion of an electric motor into linear motion.
The part that moves linearly is typically a rod or a slide and it can be connected to an external load, or it can be used to exert a force in push or pull.
Several devices are used to transmute motion: ball screws, roller screws, lead screws, etc.

An electric cylinder (or electromechanical cylinder) is a compact and high efficiency linear actuator, it can be used for many applications in the field of automation.
The part in linear motion is a rod and the transformation of the motion typically occurs by means of a ball screw.
The cylinder is actuated by servomotors and can be controlled in speed, position, force, with extreme precision and repeatability.
Efficiency, thrusts, and speeds can be high, and operation can be continuous (duty cycle 100%).

The cylinders with in-line motorization mount the motor directly along the axis of the screw; the motor-screw coupling typically is made with an elastic joint.
This type of assembly is simple, but involves greater axial dimensions and, generally, does not allow the mounting of accessories on the rear cylinder head.
Cylinders with parallel motor mounting, on the other hand, mount the motor in parallel to the cylinder itself and connect it to the screw with a synchronous toothed belt transmission system. The axial dimensions with this mounting method are certainly more compact and it is possible to use rear fixing accessories such as hinges or other.

An electric cylinder generally mounts servomotors, i.e., brushless motors, stepping motors or, more rarely, DC or AC motors.

The forces that can be reached by a standard Duplomatic cylinders can be higher than 120,000 N, according to the static and dynamic load and the nuts used.

 Contact us for requests with higher thrusts.  

The speeds that can be reached by an electric cylinder vary greatly according to the type of screw (lead, ball, or roller recirculation), the pitch and the size of the same.
Among the Duplomatic series of cylinders there are models that allow high linear speeds, higher than 1,400mm/s.

An electric cylinder, if properly sized and used, can last for hundreds of millions of cycles.
In any case, service life depends on a series of factors: value and type of load applied, cycle speed, operating factors, such as the presence of shocks, vibrations, overheating, etc.

The Duplomatic cylinders differ from other cylinders available on the market today for some construction features that make them robust and suitable for challenging applications.
The barrels are made with dedicated design with internal anti-rotation slots; the heads are made by milling in high resistance material; the bearings are oversized to have solidity and resistance in case of cycles with impacts. In addition, the wide range and availability of ball screws allows an optimal choice for each application.

Yes, it is possible to have special cylinders in terms of stroke, size, shape, in a relatively short time.

 Please contact us for any information. 

An electric cylinder is used whenever it is not possible to use a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder for the required performance; when intermediate stops must be made within the working stroke; when compressed air is not available or when the repeatability of certain operations (speed or position) must be guaranteed regardless of variations in the load, ambient temperature or the technical capacity of the operator assigned to that specific process. It is also used when size is important and not least when energy consumption is a key element.

The cost of an electric cylinder is generally higher than that of a pneumatic cylinder and is often similar to the cost of a hydraulic cylinder. But a complete analysis, which considers features such as low or no maintenance and high energy efficiency, can lead to important economic benefits over the entire life cycle of the machine on which it is used.

Yes, the electric cylinder system, as per well-established studies, can be considered as the most performing from an energy point of view.
Two fundamental characteristics, such as high efficiency and the use of electricity only when the axis is in motion, allow for major energy optimizations.