The new liteECO® BASE series is out now!

In almost all sectors, industry requires short, linear positioning movements in automated production lines.These linear movements are conventionally achieved using pneumatic cylinders. The problems associated with pneumatic systems are well known: enormous energy wastage, complex infrastructure due to the additional compressed air required, and time-consuming commissioning.

With the telescopic, electromechanical linear actuators of the liteECO® series, SMELA has been providing a suitable solution since 2020 to replace pneumatic cylinders and other space-intensive electrical alternatives. Direct ‘plug and play’ integration into existing systems can be achieved with minimal effort, as the actuators fit within the familiar installation contours of compact pneumatic cylinders.

The new liteECO® BASE series incorporates all the advantages of its predecessor and supplements them with the essential features required to meet the high demands of industry, particularly in the automotive and food sectors. In addition to IP65-rated sealing, the series now features rotatable M15 circular connectors with a self-locking quick-lock system. Also new are the four-stage scalability of the maximum stroke, a high-precision measuring system, a centring collar on the flange, and the option to mount standard swivel and adapter flanges on both the front andrear of the actuator. The BASE series remains independent of the used motion controllers. The ability to use control systems from different manufacturers thus enables integration into various bus systems and leaves plant engineers and operators with a full range of control options.

The liteECO® BASE series is therefore designed for applications such as positioning, adjusting or traversing any movement profile – whether controlled via a BUS system ordigital I/Os. Internally, the actuators comprise a holistically optimised mechatronic system consisting of a highly efficient servo motor, the mechanical components and integrated sensors. The key unique selling point is thetelescopic design and the resulting favourable ratio of stroke to overall length. This ultimately results in an installation space saving of up to 80 percent compared with alternative electromechanical actuators.

The advantages of electric drivesare retained without compromise:

• 90%+ energy savings compared to pneumatic systems
• Quick and easy commissioning
• Media-free operation
• Low maintenance
• Increased cycle and production rates

Specific advantages of the liteECO® BASE series:

• Up to 80% reduction in installation space compared to electric solutions
• Positioning and control via various motion controllers
• Integrated high-resolution encoder system
• Robust, rotatable circular connector with quick-lock system
• Smooth, sealed plunger
• Protection class: IP65