Parker Hannifin launches innovative electric cylinder, designed to provide a simple and cost effective replacement for pneumatics and hydraulics where programmable cylinder movement is required
The Electro-Thrust Cylinder is capable of generating a force of up to 44,000N, at speeds of 1.0m/sec and with a repeatability of +/-0.013mm in applications ranging from materials and product handling to machine tools and test and laboratory equipment.
In essence, the Electro-Thrust cylinder comprises a high precision C7 class ballscrew, driven either directly from a motor or via an integrated transmission unit comprising of a belt and pulley system which offers a choice of reduction ratio's.
The transmission unit is designed to interface with all standard motor drives and can be supplied with a choice of drive ratios.
The ballscrew is then used to extend and retract a precision machined cylinder rod, and is supported on specially developed front and rear bearings that eliminate vibration and run-out, to improve positional accuracy and operating life, and enable the ballscrew and piston rod to withstand high axial and radial forces, even when fully extended.
Similarly, an extra-long rod bearing allows high side load forces to be accommodated with minimal bearing deflection, while an anti-rotation mechanism also prevents rod-end rotation and provides smooth, low noise operation.
In addition, the ballscrew nut incorporates a permanent magnet that can be used to actuate home and limit switches mounted in a standard machined longitudinal groove in the cylinder body, to provide accurate positional information.
Unlike competing pneumatic devices, the new Electro-Thrust cylinder is free from stick-slip effects, enabling it to be used in applications where extremely short stroke, or slow, smooth actions are required.
Perhaps as importantly, the robust construction gives a long, trouble-free operating life, with minimal maintenance, especially in higher power systems where, traditionally, hydraulic cylinders have been used; unlike hydraulic cylinders, however, the Electro-Thrust can easily be programmed to provide complex stroke movements.
The Electro-Thrust cylinder is available in five different frame sizes, with a choice of ballscrew pitch from 5 to 50mm/rev and stroke lengths from 50 to 2400mm.
An IP65 version is also available for use in areas where equipment has to be washed down or is exposed to high levels of moisture or particulate contamination, with further options including C5 grade ballscrews, air purge fittings and custom mountings and rod ends.
