Electric Actuators Archives - HyperCyl
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What Is a Servo Actuator?

Tag Archive: Electric Actuators

  1. HyperCyl Spotlight: UTV Applications

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    Aries Engineering/HyperCyl is a diversified manufacturer of Hydra-Pneumatic Cylinders, Servo Actuators, Presses, Pierce Units and Joining Systems designed for use in a wide range of assemblyand forming applications.

    Roll Cage Pierce/Form: Typical End-forming and tube Piercing of UTV Roll Cage requires an Approximate Force Range 5-40 Tons depending on the details. Piercing requires internal expanding mandrels to reach long distances inside the tube body. End-forming varies dramatically based on the needs of each application but involves forming the end of tubes to various GD&T for mounting, safety, and other items. Best used with IntelliCyl for force/distance monitoring to ensure Quality is maximized.

    REAR TRACK ARM BUSHING INSERTION: From the basic to the complex, we have seen it all regarding bushing insertions. Simultaneous running of LH & RH parts simplifies tooling setup and reduce part-to-part rates dramatically. Approximate Force for 1.500” – 2.500” bushing diameter ranges from 8-Tons to 15-Tons depending on the interference fit between the sleeve ID and bushing OD. Lubrication is sometimes necessary to reduce forces and ensure a good insertion. Lubrication is applied to the ID of sleeves or OD of bushing which reduces chatter during the installation process and provides a more accurate press-in.

    WHEEL HUB BEARING AND STUD INSERTION: Wheel bearings are a critical function in the construction of UTV’s as they must be properly installed and seated or risk the longevity and ride comfort to the vehicle. Likewise, the wheel studs are installed with special fastening technology using serrations on the stud to withstand torque-out when attaching the wheel nuts. Force/ distance monitoring is almost always required for these critical components.

    CONTROL ARM BUSHING INSERTION: Aries Engineering specializes in Control Arm construction due to our innovative power heads in Servo and Hydra- Pneumatic Self-Equalizing units.
    These equalizing units are a necessity due to the small window between bushing sleeve ID’s. Backing up each sleeve prior to installation is required so as not to damage or twist the arm during bushing installations. Approximate Force Ranges from 8-20 Tons utilizing our IntelliCyl option for force/distance monitoring.

    BALL JOINT INSTALLATION: Ball Joint installations typically require secondary retention to meet today’s safety requirements. Aries Engineering has patented a proprietary Snap-Ring installation process that automatically installs the Ball Joint then the snap-ring within a single process. Ordinarily this is a very manual process with handheld retaining ring pliers or circlip
    pliers to ensure the clip is seated 100% and 360-degrees around the circumference. Approximate Force per Ball Joint can be as high as 20-Tons. IntelliCyl is required for force/distance monitoring of this critical component during the installation process.

    PLASTIC FASCIA PIERCING/ DEGATING: Multiple components within the UTV require post-mold piercing to ensure proper alignment of fasteners and attachment points that cannot be done during the molding process. Piercing gas-cap holes to fog-lamp holes, hitch slots to lightening holes, we have Servo and Hydra-Pneumatic power units available that are well-suited. When a substance is melted and poured into casting molds, channels called gates allow the material to flow into the hollow spaces of the mold to form into a solid part. Removing the material that hardens in the channels so that just the finished piece remains is known as degating. We have developed methods to ensure this degating only removes excess material without damage to the end-product.

    Aries Engineering/HyperCyl is a diversified manufacturer of Hydra-Pneumatic Cylinders, Servo Actuators, Presses, Pierce Units and Joining Systems designed for use in a wide range of assembly
    and forming applications. HyperCyl has a place in virtually every segment of industrial production; from clean-room medical and electronic component manufacturing to heavy industrial piercing and forming. HyperCyl has a proven track record in thousands of applications as a clean, quiet, reliable, self-contained power source utilizing only compressed air to generate ample output forces from 3kN – 1,780kN.

    Find out more how HyperCyl can help meet your application needs, email sales@hypercyl.com.

  2. How To: Determine the Appropriate Technology for High Force/High Speed Applications

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    Flexibility, performance, capital and operating costs have always been key factors in today’s expanding manufacturing marketplace. For decades hydraulics and mechanical presses were the only options for high-speed, high-force assembly and forming applications. More recently hydra-pneumatics and servo-based systems have emerged as viable low-cost alternatives. So which technology is best suited for a specific application? The following topics can serve as a guideline towards the correct usage.
    Aries Engineering is the only manufacturer Headquartered and Manufactured in North America offering both servo driven and hydra-pneumatic solutions.

    Servo-Based Technology – HyperCyl-EMA

    Capability: Provides exceptional control over force, speed, and distance characteristics. Requires the use of a full PLC/PC based electrical panel and 230V/460V. Best used for push-to-distance or push-to-force applications, push/pull applications and where Extreme repeatability is essential. Signature analysis, data logging, part history, trending and root cause analysis options are also available for added functionality and tracking.

    Reliability: Servo technologies are inherently capable and sizing them appropriately is crucial. Expected lifetime is from 3 Years to 5 Years, configured for any application. Long-Term Reliability coincides with maintenance schedules.

    Speed: Up to 16.00 in/sec with an extremely high rate of repeatability. Requires a deceleration setting before Contact and Home to maximize tooling and screw life.

    Forces: 1-10 Ton in Ball Screw configurations (BS1 & BS2) with a medium dynamic load rating; 1-25 Tons in the Roller Screw configuration with a high dynamic load rating.

    Maintenance: 3/6-month lube schedule & periodic belt tension check dependent on usage and environment.

    Cost: Can be higher initial cost than comparable Hydraulics. Energy efficiency and ROI achieved with minimal downtime, low noise pollution, rapid setting changes without involving tooling, ZERO environmental pollution, comparable energy usage to hydraulics without the mess.

    Hydra-Pneumatic Cylinders – HyperCyl

    Capability: Utilizing 2 pneumatic valves for operation and a FRL greatly reduces start up time. Cylinders are available in 5 design configurations and 11 standard sizes. Best used for; crimping, dimpling, peening, swaging, inserting, clinching, pressing, staking, piercing, punching, marking, bending, and forming. When coupled with the IntelliCyl option, (load cell and LVLT) force distance monitoring is available.

    Reliability: (MTBS) Mean time between service interval of approximately 4-5 million cycles because down time is not an option. LIFETIME warranty on all HPI – HPS – HZ – HZS – HPT cylinders, 1-Ton through 200-Ton.

    Speed: Fast Approach speeds similar to that of a pneumatic cylinder (6 in/sec – 10 in/sec) and High-Pressure speeds similar to that of hydraulic cylinders (1.0 in/sec – 2.0 in/sec).

    Forces: 1-200 tons of output force using 30-100 PSI shop air.

    Maintenance: 20 million cycles before seals require replacement. Field serviceable by maintenance techs and 24-hour HyperCyl assistance is available. Periodic maintenance depends on application and environment.

    Cost: More expensive than Pneumatic cylinders but offers the same clean, quiet & self-contained operation. Less expensive than hydraulic and mechanical systems for both short & long-term investments.

    Additional Products:

    HyperView Press – SigPOD
    IntelliCyl – load cell & linear transducer
    HyperPress-C Frame, H Frame, CGB Frame
    Equalizing/ Non-Equalizing Units Pneumatic
    Mechanical Rod Locks

    Industries Served:

    HyperCyl Manufacturing Industries Served – Automotive, DoD, Lawn & Garden, Appliance, HVAC, Food & Beverage Packaging, Destructive Testing, ATV/Off-Road

    HyperCyl-EMA Industries Served – Medical Device Manufacturing, Aerospace, Automotive, Food Product Manufacturing, Clean Room Environments, Lab Testing

    To learn more about our product solutions and how they can benefit your assembly or forming application, contact us today. To discuss your application requirements with one of our experts, request a quote.

  3. Can HyperCyl meet your application needs?

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    HyperCyl’s products are designed to enable clean, quiet, and precise operations with minimal maintenance requirements. Our diverse product portfolio supports a wide range of industries and applications.

    Industries

    Aries Engineering/HyperCyl is a Michigan-based company specializing in the fabrication of cylinders, presses, and other products for assembly and forming applications in the industrial automation, manufacturing, commercial, and defense industries. Our versatile products cover virtually all segments of industrial production, from medical and electronic device manufacturing to heavy industrial piercing and forming, including:

    • Automotive (engine/transmission, suspension, body)
    • Medical devices (clean-room)
    • Semiconductors (clean-room)
    • Electronic devices
    • Appliances (washer, dryer, etc.)
    • Munitions (bullet manufacture, warhead seal & contain systems)
    • Office furniture
    • Coining
    • Hemming

    Meeting Your Application Needs

    Whether you need a simple press, high-precision actuator, or fully customized turnkey system, HyperCyl has the manufacturing expertise and problem-solving skills to provide unique solutions for a range of assembly and forming challenges. Our press systems include C-frame, H-frame, and CBG-frame options, and we also offer HyperPierce units available in both equalizing and non-equalizing designs.

    HyperCyl cylinders are clean, quiet, and reliable self-contained power sources with versatile designs capable of accommodating various industrial operation requirements.

    In addition to our standard product line, we also accommodate special requests, and can tailor our cylinder and actuator designs around the customer’s specific production requirements with reasonable turnaround times and prices.

    Quality You Can Expect

    When you choose a HyperCyl for your operation, you can expect:

    • The ability to separately regulate the approach and power strokes, providing enhanced control over the process and eliminating the need for cylinder reconfiguration
    • Increased retract force versus competition, allowing for heavier tooling
    • No stored energy hazards as the cylinders do not use mechanical springs to assist the pistons (competition does use internal springs)
    • Increased value over alternative cylinder options, including multi-stage air cylinders and hydraulic cylinders and power units
    • Limited lifetime warranty

    To learn more about our product solutions and how they can benefit your assembly or forming application, contact us today. To discuss your application requirements with one of our experts, request a quote.

  4. Hydraulic vs. Pneumatic vs. Electric Actuators

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    Actuators are mechanical devices that use energy to generate motion. Manual or automatic control commands initiate change in physical systems, creating motion to perform a task. Actuators allow machines to lift, block, clamp, eject and more.

    Depending on the type of energy source used to produce motion, three main types of actuators are available: hydraulic, pneumatic and electric. Below we’ll review the characteristics of these actuators as well as their applications and advantages.

    Hydraulic Actuators

    Known as the most commonly used energy conversion system, hydraulic actuators are an especially popular choice for systems requiring high-force automation equipment. These actuators rely on oil fluid compression.

    A variety of heavy-duty applications use hydraulic actuators to produce anywhere from ½ to 4,000 tons of force. These potential applications include:

    • Cargo handling
    • Large construction equipment
    • Military weapons
    • Marine propulsion
    • Transportation systems

    Advantages of Hydraulic Actuators

    Hydraulic actuators bring the following benefits to an operation:

    • Good strength-to-weight ratio: Hydraulic actuators can deliver tremendous force relative to their weight.
    • Safety: They include various safety features, including rod locks, dump valves that quickly dissipate energy, and bypass valves that close off high-pressure oil when generating motion.
    • Mobility: Hydraulic actuators are also compact enough to take on mobile operations, servicing trucks and other heavy transportation equipment.

    Pneumatic Actuators

    Most pneumatic actuators feature compression rates of 80 to 100 psi, making them a more stable and safe option for applications requiring less force. These actuators capture atmospheric air and compress it at higher pressures to generate motion. The specific parts of a pneumatic actuator include the actuator, storage tank, system of delivery hoses, motor and compressor unit.

    Advantages of Pneumatic Actuators

    The benefits of pneumatic actuators include:

    • Speed: The fastest actuators are pneumatic. Fast cycle rates contribute to greater productivity and profit.
    • Cost effectiveness: Pneumatic actuators have lower upfront costs compared to other actuators. They return their initial investment quickly, especially for moderate-duty applications.
    • Simplicity: Pneumatic actuators are relatively simple, so they are less likely to malfunction and easier to repair if they do.

    Electric Actuators

    Electric actuators use a motor to convert electric energy into torque, producing motion. They use a variety of mechanical components—gears, planetary roller screws, ball screws, lead screws—to generate linear energy from rotational energy.

    Small electric actuators are best for low- to medium-duty applications, such as packaging, factory robotics, automotive manufacturing and medical devices. Large electric actuators can produce up to 50,000 lbs of force.

    Advantages of Electric Actuators

    Electric actuators provide the following main benefits:

    • Speed: Electric actuators respond quickly to generate motion, with speeds of up to 20 in./sec.
    • Precision: Unlike hydraulic and pneumatic actuators, electric actuators are highly precise because they are not subject to inherent tolerances.
    • Cleanliness: Electric actuators use electricity, a clean energy source, eliminating the risk of leaks.

    Electric Actuators from Aries Engineering

    Aries Engineering produces the HyperCyl-EMA, one of the most reliable electromechanical actuators on the market. This servo-driven actuator works well for precision assembly applications and as substitutes for hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. Our electric actuators are capable of 0.0025 mm, ram speeds of up to 500 mm/sec, and up to 50,000 lbs of output. The HyperCyl-EMA has served customers in the aerospace, automotive, defense, medical, appliance, electronics and transportation industries.

    Find the Actuator You Need at Aries Engineering

    Aries Engineering Co., Inc. manufactures a line of “hydra-pneumatic” presses and cylinders for many types of assembly applications. We pioneered oil/air compression in 1994 and continue to serve clients across the manufacturing, industrial automation, defense and commercial industries.

    If you would like to find out more about our HyperCyl-EMA electric actuators and other products, contact us today. To get started on your next solution, request a quote at any time.

  5. What Is a Servo Actuator?

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    Actuators are designed to convert energy from different sources, such as electric currents, pneumatic pressure, or hydraulic fluid pressure, into motion. There are three main types of actuators: pneumatic actuators, hydraulic actuators, and servo actuators.

    Servo actuators use feedback signals to move or control mechanical systems in a highly efficient and safe manner. This is possible because servo actuators have a controller that can accurately compare, contrast, and calculate the potential differences between the desired results and system conditions on a real-time basis before the motion starts.

    Servo actuators use a servo motor in either an open or closed-loop control system. Several servo actuator models have a food-grade approved coating of paint for more sanitary wash-down applications.

    Servo actuators are available in both ball and roller screw configurations, like the HyperCyl-EMA, which has several options available for output force. They have an extended service life because they can easily be re-lubricated without disassembly.

    How Does a Servo Actuator Work?

    A servo system has three main core components:

    • A controlled device that allows the actuator to successfully operate
    • An output sensor/signal that acts as the main controller to tell the device what to do
    • A position sensor, encoder feedback, or load cell to provide accurate system feedback readings

    Servo Actuator Control Systems

    The control systems, which allow the actuators to operate, come in two different designs.

    Closed-Loop Control System

    Commonly referred to as feedback controllers, this type of control system is fully automatic and uses the input of the system and the output of the system controls to function. Closed-loop control systems are usually very accurate.

    Open-Loop Control System

    Commonly referred to as a non-feedback system, this type of control system is not automatic and doesn’t have a feedback loop. The output of the system depends on the input. However, the input or controller is independent of the output produced by the system. Open-loop systems do not measure the device’s output or use the information as input for further consideration.

    How Do Servo Actuator Controls Work?

    Servo actuators are controlled by a feedback signal generated by comparing the output signal and the reference-input signal rather than a variable-input signal. Whenever a command or reference-input signal is applied to the system, it is immediately compared with the system’s output-reference signal produced by the output sensor. Lastly, a third signal is produced by the servo actuator’s feedback system before it starts to move.

    The device can also be programmed with certain instructions and autonomously perform the movements on its own. For example, the actuator can receive a command to go to a specific position and immediately follow the command. This makes them very different from comparable pneumatic valves (pneumatic actuators) and pumps (hydraulic actuators), which can only follow simple instructions to ‘power on’ or ‘power off’ on their own.

    Applications of Servo Actuators

    There are numerous applications of servo actuators. Some of these include toys, home electronics, computers, drones, and remote controlled cars.

    Servo actuators also often play a crucial role in the function of both land- and sea-based vehicles – such as automobiles, airplanes, helicopters, and submarines.

    Automobiles

    Servo actuators can contribute to the function of these parts in automobiles:

    • Engine Cradle Assembly
    • Engine Sub-Assembly
    • Ball Joints and Bushings

    Airplanes and Helicopters

    Servo actuators adjust the wing angle of airplanes and control steering by moving the levers back and forth. Airplanes can easily “fly-by-wire” when they have a servo-controlled main system instead of an older hydraulic-powered one.

    Servo actuators can also control the speed of a helicopter by moving a swash plate, which can tilt the pitch of the blades in a certain direction to give it more lift.

    Submarines

    Servo actuators can adjust the submarine’s steering, bay doors, hatches, and rudder.

    Servo Actuators at HyperCyl

    HyperCyl has been providing servo actuators and other high quality assembly and forming solutions for customers in the industrial automation, commercial, manufacturing, and defense industries for over 25 years. Please contact us or request a quote today to learn more about servo actuators or our other product and service offerings. Our highly experienced team members would be happy to use their expertise to talk with you and help you identify the appropriate actuator for your organization’s specific needs.