Electric linear actuators are raising material handling to new heights. As digital transformation extends the scope of automation to more axes and electric linear actuators handle increasingly heavier loads, more material handling system designers are converting hydraulic and pneumatic motion control to electric, especially in new projects. Linear actuators suppliers are responding with innovations that extend the scope of material handling automation in load management, sizing, intelligence, durability, energy efficiency, safety, and ergonomics.

The scope of material handling automation

Electric linear actuators increasingly offer sophisticated, advanced capabilities for material handling automation. Whether it be the peripheral intralogistics of conveying and transporting or support for production processes such as feeding and filling, material handling is increasingly vital to industrial operations. (Figure 1)

In an assembly operation, for example, linear actuators might feed materials, manipulating them to optimize access to work surfaces or diverting objects from one conveyor to another. In a food packaging operation, to take another example, setting up can consume up to half the work cycle. Linear actuators might reduce that time by automating the unfolding of cardboard or cutting film.

Electric actuators can also expand the controllable working radius, carrying materials toward or away from processing. They might support motion on forklifts, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), telescopic lifting units or overhead conveyors.

Figure 1. Forward-thinking factories incorporate multiple of interconnected machines and devices that take advantage of advanced actuator features to enable a fluid, synchronized and safe manufacturing process. These uses can include forklifts, assembly/control stations and fixtures, AGVs, and components that can be easily and quickly adjusted on the fly. Image courtesy of Thomson Industries, Inc.

Factors impacting industrial motion

Automating material handling motion sequences requires close consideration of the following factors:

• Physical properties. Material handling automation developers must consider the shape, weight, size, position, and direction stability of packages moving along a plant or conveyor system. They also must consider how the package materials affect their rollability, slide-ability, stack-ability, surface sensitivity, and stiffness.
• Environmental parameters. Material handling equipment designers must consider parameters such as room layout, machine size limitations and available degrees of freedom.
• Motion parameters. Like most motion control applications, material handling applications consider weight and inertia of the payload as determined by speed and acceleration within cycle times and the required accuracy.

Material handling applications may also require special attention to kinematic factors such as drift, overshoot, stabilization time and interchangeability, with particular attention to the drive, power transmission system, position measuring system and bearings. Friction can lead to play in the bearings, poor resolution of the position measuring systems, structural static deformation. Dynamic flexibility can contribute to neural weaknesses, which can lead to errors and failures. Equipment designers must address all these factors within the context of maintenance, safety and durability.

Electrification qualifications for material handling

Electric linear actuators have been used in material handling operations for many years, and during that time, there have been advancements, optimizing them for supporting new industrial operations. These advancements include:

• Heavy load handling  - Electric actuators can now handle heavy duty loads up to 25 kN, which have previously been relegated to hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. These improvements are due in large part to component material improvements and advancements in ball screw technology, such as implementation with ball bearings.
• Extended stroke lengths - Electric linear actuators are now also capable of longer strokes, tackling applications that hydraulics and pneumatics had previously dominated. Where electric linear actuators had previously been limited to 300 or 400 millimeters, they can now span up to 1.2 meters.
• Compactness - Actuators are often designed into confined spaces. On a packaging line, for example, feeding and cutting systems may compete with other units for space. On an AGV or forklift, space is always at a premium, and actuator size can also impact energy usage. Actuators with housing the size of a passport can now handle loads up to 2000 N (450 lbs.) They fit into small spaces for which previous-generation actuators would be either too large or weak.

           This compactness and simplicity are a major difference from hydraulics and pneumatics, which require an             imposing infrastructure of equipment such as pumps, hoses, valves, reservoirs and compressors. Electric             actuators simply plug into a power supply and connect to a network. The integration of a PLC allows for                 more efficient and seamless control of electric actuators, resulting in reduced downtime, increased                         productivity and cost savings.

• Intelligence - Electric linear actuators are now available with modular onboard controls that enable simple on/off switches, low-level switching, position feedback and CAN bus network integration. They can monitor and control, diagnose, read position and operating statistics in real time, and be fine-tuned on the fly. (Figure 2)

           As factories become more digitally advanced, designers will integrate material handling capabilities into                 more and more sophisticated operations. Loads will move more intelligently, enabling programmed motion             sequences, remote operation of systems and synchronization across multiple actuators.

Figure 2. The integration of onboard electronics into electric actuators enables enhanced control functions that were previously external, such as switching, position feedback and system diagnostics, directly into the actuator. Thomson smart actuators incorporate microprocessor-based printed circuit boards with complementary software that allows communication between remote networks. Image courtesy of Thomson Industries, Inc.

• Long life - Material handling applications often run 24/7 in set-and-forget applications. Production line applications, such as an arm that diverts items from one conveyor belt to another, have high duty cycles and are subject to wear and tear. AGVs, forklifts and other mobile equipment may be deployed in those applications and usually run on batteries. (Figure 3) Equipment that is used outdoors or in hazardous environments, and subject to ingress from moisture and dust can also require long life.

Figure 3. For AGVs without human involvement, remote control over radio, WiFi, satellite and other communications is vital. In addition to their remote benefits, electric actuators reduce maintenance and environmental concerns thanks to sturdy designs. This all-in-one actuator package makes it possible for AGVs to move goods over larger areas no matter how demanding the conditions. Image courtesy of Thomson Industries, Inc.

           Linear actuators using brushless motors can have duty cycles of 100 percent and up to 600 km (375                     miles) of maintenance-free life. This long life is a major advantage over hydraulic and pneumatic                           technologies, which require almost constant maintenance.

           Plus, lubrication technology has advanced to the point where some actuators are factory lubricated for                   life.And adherence to IP standards of IP65, IP66 and IP69K prevent particulate, moisture and other                       ingress that can shorten life.

• Safety and ergonomics - Material handling equipment constantly puts humans at risk. For example, a machine that loses power may drop its load faster than a human can get out of the way. There might be ergonomic challenges resulting from repeated movements or awkward workpiece positioning.

           Electric linear actuators aid in these situations with electromechanical and static holding brakes, which                   hold the load in place in case an application loses power. They can also make work safer by raising,                     lowering, or tilting worktables to comfortable, more ergonomic angles.

           Automated picking helps avoid long feeder routes and relieves the operating personnel from the work                    cycle of the machine as much as possible, keeping ergonomics and safety a priority. (Figure 4) Also,                      replacing hydraulic cylinders removes the risk of slipping and falling on leaked fluid as well as product                    contamination from solid fluid leaks.

Figure 4. Assembly/control stations and holding devices are experiencing an increase in automation. The individual adaptation of workstations facilitates work, increases operator comfort and reduces the risk of injury, while securing material and other equipment during the assembly process. Image courtesy of Thomson Industries, Inc.

• Customizing for competitive advantage - While the range of available technologies is growing, application diversity is also driving the need for custom solutions. Designers are increasingly requiring components and systems to fit unique needs. Often, manufacturers can meet these needs with minor modifications to standard offerings, but on occasion they may have to design something from the ground up. Actuator suppliers with the broadest offerings are most likely to adapt standard lines or have the expertise to design something from scratch. Their flexibility and willingness to augment their standard offering is also a factor.

           Customization capability is another significant advantage of most new designs for electrified equipment.                 This equipment is often more modular than earlier generations, and changes can be made by modifying,               adding, or removing axes. Electric designs reduce the need to redesign to larger components of a system             such as a hydraulic manifold/valve redesign, tube or hose route.

What’s the return?

To calculate the most accurate ROI with the right amortization on a custom project for both the OEM and the end user, designers must make procurement decisions in the context of the entire product lifecycle, including production costs, ongoing operating costs and potential productivity. Likewise, the decision should factor in the benefits of integrating the latest technology, such as onboard electronics, which contribute to greater competitiveness for the OEM and benefits for the end users.

Electric actuators are the key technology making the connection between this emerging digital world and the physical world. Up until quite recently, this gap had been too wide to span. But now that electric actuators are stronger, smarter and more affordable, the chasm is no longer so daunting. Electrification is ushering in a new era of efficiency, which will contribute to better automation, improved material handling and, ultimately, better business.