Advantages of Using

Electromechanical Cylinders for

Actuation Force Applications

FREQUENTLYASKEDQUESTIONS

Q: What are the traditional and pneumatics provide good electromechanical cylinder (EMC).
technologies available for actuated precision in two-position applications. In general, for what types of
force applications that an engineer However, both hydraulics and applications would I use an EMC?
might consider? pneumatics have their disadvantages. A: Electromechanical cylinders are
A: The common solutions for Pneumatics have force limitations, used in applications requiring up
applications requiring high actuation typically not exceeding 10,000 lbf to 65000 lbf, where cleanliness,
force often go the more traditional of maximum thrust force. Hydraulics precision, and energy efficiency are
route of hydraulic and pneumatic often have leakage problems that desired. Cleanliness seems to be the
cylinders. Each has its advantages. can turn into fire, pollution, or even primary reason people choose an
Hydraulics generate large forces slipping and other safety hazards. EMC compared to hydraulics and
and can be used for high-speed Additionally, both hydraulics and pneumatics; improved energy efficiency
applications. The lifetime for hydraulic pneumatics require fluid supply is an added bonus. If the users main
cylinders is typically long due to the systems to operate, taking up space application concerns are obtaining a
absence of bearing surface wear. and adding complexity to installations. complex but precise movement profile,
Hydraulics are suitable for shock loads Examples of these system components EMCs are a reliable solution.
and vibrations. They can operate are pumps, air compressors,
in adverse environments, such as hydraulic or pneumatic tubing, and Q: How does an electromechanical
those with high and low ambient accumulators. Such fluid supply cylinder work, and what are its
temperatures; dust, chips, and dirt systems are also a potential source of capabilities?
contamination; and wet exposed contamination in industries requiring a A: An electromechanical cylinder is
environments. clean environment, such as the food, a self-contained ball or roller screw
Pneumatics are best suited for lower medical, and electronics industries. precision actuator designed to provide
force requirements and limited space high thrust and speed capability, and
applications. They are good for areas Q: An increasingly common to offer greater flexibility and control to
that need to be kept clean due to alternative to hydraulic and applications traditionally using hydraulic
pneumatics lack of oil. Both hydraulics pneumatic actuation is to use an and/or pneumatic cylinders. Depending
on the screw type and housing
materials, the EMC or EMC-HD can
Electromechanical Actuator Force Range achieve thrust forces up to 65000 lbf
Typical pneumatic Typical hydraulic
with no loss of precision. In short, an
cylinder forces cylinder forces Planetary Screw
electric motor turns a screw to provide
Ball Screw
force, instead of using pressurized fluid.
Force control happens automatically
Electromechanical Actuator with hydraulics and pneumatics, but
with Aluminum Body
its a little more complicated with
electromechanical cylinders, since
force control is a function of the
servo system. So with an EMC, the
Electromechanical Actuator
servo system controls motor torque,
with Steel Body
0 10000 20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000
which translates in the actuator
Maximum Thrust Force (lbf) into a specific applied force.

Q: What are the primary benefits

boschrexroth-us.com
of using the new EMC technology
and EMC-HD in comparison to the

Sponsored by Bosch Rexroth

 A D V E R T I S E M E N T

other technologies?

You're ready.
A: The primary benefits begin with the
ability to achieve precise movement
profiles, especially those that are

We're set.
complex. They have a high stiffness
that enables precise positioning,
high performance, and dynamics.
The EMC also provides the benefit

Let's move.
that the movement profiles can be
highly flexible. This allows for fast and
easy changes of motion profiles for
the engineerand fast production
changeovers for manufacturers. Electromechanical Cylinders for clean, efficient motion.
The installation of EMCs is also
quick, and very little design and
assembly effort is required. This is
due to the fact that EMCs are ready
to install and ready-to-use complete
systems. Also, because the systems
are complete and self-contained,
there is a potential for space savings
depending on the EMC chosen.
The energy-on-demand capability
means that EMCs can maintain a
position without the need to maintain
hydraulic pressure. They only require
power to move to new positions.
As mentioned before, hydraulics
and pneumatics have the potential to
create pollution hazards or become
169 lbf to 65,200 lbf
contaminated. EMCs have no risk Your
of leaks and excel in clean use move?
environments, even in washdown
applications, thanks to IP65 protection.
While the cost of EMCs may seem EMC from
high initially, their low operating costs Rexroth.
and maintenance-free advantages can
be used to justify the up-front costs. Youre ready for clean, efficient motion. Bosch
Rexroth is set with electromechanical cylinders for
Q: What are some of the specific applications requiring high precision and heavy load
applications or markets for which capacity. With Rexroths EMC and EMC-HD, you get
the EMC is best suited? a clean, energy-efficient, self-contained precision actuator
A: Typical markets in which EMCs are with either a ball screw or planetary roller screw design.
useful include the automotive industry, High-thrust, high-speed operation is no problem, and the
aerospace, medical, food and beverage, EMCs multi-position electromechanical actuation lets
simulators, and packaging. In the you execute production changeovers faster than ever.
aerospace industry, cabin crew trainers Heavy load? Tough environment? Experience the
and flight simulators use EMCs for their flexibility and control that comes from the leader in
actuation requirements. Cleanliness is drive & control. Whatever your application requires,
also critical in the aerospace industry Rexroth has the right solution.
because of the growing use of carbon
fiber. In industrial automation, drive Make your move to Rexroth EMC and EMC-HD.
systems use EMCs for either packaging
or product allocation needs. For the Order the free Linear Motion & Mechatronics@Work Resource Kit:
manufacturing space, EMCs can be www.boschrexroth-us.com/mechatronicskit
used for metalworking, injection For expert advice call 1-800-REXROTH (739-7684) or
email us at info@boschrexroth-us.com
molding, and hydraulic retrofits.
Specific metalworking functions
include press brakes, tool changers, roll
forming and bending applications, and
punching applications.

Sponsored by Bosch Rexroth