Our trusted vendor-partners at Tolomatic have taken the guess work out of choosing between two electric actuator technologies. Depending on the application type and requirements, both integrated and non-integrated (traditional) actuators have their advantages.
Tolomatic defines traditional actuators as a screw assembly driven by an external motor that is attached to the actuator by a coupler, belt or gearbox.
Common applications include sawmill/timber processing; food processing; material handling; pressing/riveting; metalworking and tube bending; and oil and gas applications. In these applications, traditional actuators offer ease of integration, ability to provide stroke lengths, high force capability, and internal anti-rotate to name a few.
Tolomatic defines integrated actuators as a screw assembly rigidly coupled to and driven by an internal hollow-core servo motor.
Applications for this type of actuator can include security barriers, flight simulators and robotic spot welding. In these applications, integrated actuators offer a compact footprint, lighter weight, force repeatability, acceleration and responsiveness, shock and vibration, and ingress protection.
A few factors to consider are the following:
- Ease of integration: Traditional actuators are typically easier to commission. Although, integrated actuators are able to better maintain their mechanical form, fit and function regardless of the control system being used.
- Cost: Integrated actuators are usually the more economical option because labor costs associated with mounting and installing the motor is eliminated.
- Efficiency: Integrated actuators typically have the highest efficiency and reliability due to fewer moving components than traditional actuators.
- Force capability: Due to more favorable heat dissipation characteristics, traditional actuators provide better performance in high duty cycle and peak performance applications.
- Shock and vibration. Because of a low center of gravity that is closer to the mounting face, integrated actuators will typically have a higher tolerance to shock and vibration loads.
There are obviously many other factors to consider when choosing between integrated and traditional actuators, but we narrowed it down to what we believe are the 5 most important. If you need assistance choosing an actuator you can contact us via chat or submit a brief form fill here: https://gcc-na.com/contact/
*Blog content provided by Tolomatic
