Posted to News on 12th Sep 2009, 00:00
All-in-one actuator package is an easy to specify option
The ICR Basic rod-style actuator is the first model in Tolomatic's new SmartActuator series of compact, all-in-one linear actuators (integrated servomotor, drive, controller and actuator) that simplifies motion control for industrial applications. At half the price of other integrated or traditional full servo linear actuator devices, the SmartActuator series is built-to-order and ready to ship in five days from factory order.
Designed for durability and 100 percent duty cycle performance, Tolomatic's SmartActuator series combines a powerful servomotor with a rugged ball screw housed in a sturdy aluminium extrusion. The series also incorporates Tolomatic's Endurance Technology features for long service life and no maintenance. "With easy plug-and-play implementation, the Smart-Actuator series makes traditional electric actuation systems a thing of the past," says Aaron Dietrich, electric product manager, Tolomatic. "When applying traditional electric motion control systems, engineers have to specify each component in the system, often purchasing them from different suppliers, and then assemble and test them to suit their specific application requirements. There are many motion control applications where a SmartActuator series solution can meet performance requirements while saving time, reducing machinery footprints and significantly reducing costs."
Requiring only a DC power source and motion inputs from the host PLC, the ICR Basic SmartActuator unit can be installed as a direct replacement for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders in a wide variety of packaging, material handling, machine tool and general industrial automation applications. Force and speed control are fully adjustable via potentiometers using a standard screwdriver.
The ICR Basic SmartActuator model operates on either 24V DC or 48V DC. Extend and retract movements are triggered by digital signal inputs from the host PLC - often the same signals used for pneumatic cylinder motion control systems. Unlike pneumatic cylinders, ICR Basic units are also capable of mid-stroke positioning by removing the extend and retract signal from the PLC. Once the signal is removed, the actuator will stop and hold its position until it receives the next motion signal.
The ICR Basic actuator is stroke-configurable and provides 100 percent duty cycle durability for low- to medium-force applications. Maximum stroke length is 24 inches. Two screws can be selected providing up 80 pounds continuous force (150 pounds peak) for speeds up to 23 inches per second, or up to 200 pounds continuous force (400 pounds peak) for speeds up to 9 inches per second.
