In almost all sectors, industry requires short, linear positioning processes in automated production systems. The linear movements are conventionally realised using pneumatic cylinders. The problems of pneumatic systems are well known: an enormous waste of energy, complex infrastructures due to the additional compressed air required and time-consuming commissioning.
With the telescopic, electromechanical linear actuators in the liteECO® series, SMELA has been providing a suitable solution for replacing pneumatic cylinders and other space-intensive electrical alternatives since 2020. Direct plug & play in existing systems can be realised without great effort, as the actuators fit into the familiar design shadow of pneumatic compact cylinders.
The new liteECO® BASE series integrates all the advantages of its predecessor LE48 and supplements them with the essential features for high demands in industry, particularly in the automotive and food sectors. In addition to sealing to protection class IP65, rotatable circular connectors in size M15 with a self-locking quick-release system have been introduced. Other new features include the scalability of the maximum stroke in three stages, a high-precision measuring system, a centring collar on the flange and the option of mounting familiar swivel and adapter flanges on both the front and rear of the actuator. The BASE series remains independent in the use of upstream motion controllers. The use of different controller manufacturers therefore enables integration into different bus systems and leaves all control options open to system builders and operators.
The liteECO® BASE series therefore addresses applications such as fixing, adjusting or running any movement profile - whether controlled via a BUS system or digital I/Os. Inside, the actuators represent a holistically optimised, mechatronic system consisting of a highly efficient servomotor, the mechanical system and integrated sensors. The main unique selling point is the telescopic arrangement and the resulting favourable ratio of the stroke to the overall length. This ultimately saves up to 80 % of the installation space compared to alternative electromechanical actuators.
The advantages of electric actuators are retained without any compromises:
- More than 75 % energy savings compared to pneumatics
- Quick and easy commissioning
- Media-free operation
- Low maintenance
- Increase in cycle & production rates
Special advantages of the liteECO® BASE series:
- Up to 80 % space saving compared to electrical solutions
- Positionable and controllable with various motion controllers
- Integrated high-resolution encoder system
- Robust, rotatable circular connector with quick-release system
- Smooth, sealed plunger
- Protection class: IP65
In addition to the "controller-less" basic version, an integrated actuator series has also been announced for the second half of 2023. This will be directly controllable via EtherCAT, CAN or digital inputs and outputs.
