Electric linear actuators are devices that convert the rotational motion of a motor into linear motion, or straight pushing and pulling movements. They provide smooth motion control and clean movement in any type of application involving lifting, pushing, pulling, or tilting. Since they are easy to install and operate and are maintenance-free, they are found in many types of everyday and heavy-duty equipment. Compared to pneumatic or hydraulic systems, electric linear actuators are more easily controllable, cleaner, and provide a more long-lasting, cost-effective operating life.
As a trusted manufacturer of heavy-duty linear actuators, EDrive has been creating reliable solutions for demanding environments for over 30 years. Our knowledgeable team is here to help you understand everything you need to know about how actuators are used in automation lines and the benefits of electric actuation.
How Are Actuators Used in Automation Lines?
In automation lines, actuators position and control mechanisms to make the work of automated equipment easy and seamless. They are incorporated into conveyor systems to power pulleys and roller devices, in strapping machines to bundle items with tape, to manipulate pick and place robots, facilitate heavy object lifting, and perform many other automation line-related tasks. To cater to a wide range of requirements, an array of actuators with different speeds, shapes, sizes, and capacities are available.
How Electric Actuators Help Automate Processes in Various Industries
Many industries use electric linear actuators, particularly in tasks where a tool or machine component must perform a controlled movement into a specific position. Some common applications for linear actuators include:
- Agricultural machinery
- Bus and train doors
- Valves and dampers
- Computer printers and disk drives
- Medical equipment
- High-voltage switch gears
- Industrial machinery
As a manufacturer of heavy-duty, high-force electric actuators, EDrive creates products tailored to the needs of demanding industries, such as food production, agriculture, and forestry. These environments require rugged a design, high speed and force, and low maintenance. Electric actuators automate processes for these industries by operating reliably without the need for much maintenance and providing precise motion control.
Benefits of Electric Actuation
Compared to hydraulic or pneumatic linear actuators, electric linear actuators offer a number of advantages. They are easy to install and operate and provide higher speed, precision, and force with less noise. DC linear actuators and heavy-duty, high-force linear actuators all offer low maintenance and long service life.
Some of the biggest benefits of electric actuation include:
Energy Efficiency & Clean, Quiet Operation
Improved Accuracy & Repeatability
Higher Speed & Force
Reduced Operating Costs
Easily Scalable as Operating Needs Change
Improved Performance
Electric actuators are easily integrated into existing systems and, as self-contained units, do not require a lot of space. The installation process is quick and after assembly, integrating an electric actuator with existing system controllers is much more simple than integrating hydraulic or pneumatic systems.
Industries Served
At EDrive, we create solutions for the toughest industrial automation applications. Our heavy-duty electric linear actuators replace older pneumatic and hydraulic equipment and provide enhanced precision and quality. We serve many industries, including food and beverage, agriculture, forestry, automotive, defense, entertainment, and more.
- Food & Beverage
- Agricultural
- Forestry & Lumber
- Automotive & Transportation
Food & Beverage
Food & Beverage
In the food and beverage industry, our electric actuators facilitate large-scale food production and processing. We offer stainless steel construction for easy cleaning and sterilization as well as flexible motor options for a range of needs. Our actuators are used in many food processing applications, including dairy, cheese, chocolate, tortillas, and many other products.
Some of the specific processes our electric actuators are used in include:
- Automated assembly lines
- Conveyor belt systems
- Bottle filling
- Processing machinery and equipment
Agricultural
Agricultural
Agricultural environments require heavy-duty actuators with sturdy long-lasting construction. In these applications, our electric actuators are frequently a replacement for older hydraulic cylinders. They are much more cost-effective to operate and provide a long service life with enhanced accuracy.
At EDrive, we use robust steel construction and a uniquely reliable, patented ball screw design to ensure quick response and high precision. Our electric linear actuators for agricultural environments come in flexible motor options, with a sealed chamber design and a rugged piston anti-rotation feature.
Some of the most common agricultural applications for electric actuators include:
- Feeding automation
- Grain handling
- Harvesting and picking
- Climate control systems
- Seeding and spraying
Forestry & Lumber
Forestry & Lumber
EDrive's electric actuators are ideal for demanding forestry applications. Their sturdy steel construction is built to endure these demanding environments while operating at high speeds and high force. Our high-force linear actuators are designed for continuous operation while being highly efficient to reduce energy costs.
In the forestry and lumber industry, electric actuators replace hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders, eliminating the need for pumps, compressors, high-pressure lines, and other costly equipment systems. Our products are most commonly used with equipment such as:
- Flying saws
- Presses and pre-presses
- Veneer peeling machines
- Edge guides and saws
- Arbor gang systems
- Log clamping and debarking
Automotive & Transportation
Automotive & Transportation
EDrive serves the automotive and transportation industry with customizable, low-maintenance solutions designed to reduce operating costs. Our electric linear actuators replace pneumatic and hydraulic actuators in many factory automation processes, such as cutting, stamping, bending, and lifting. Electric actuators provide high force and high speed along with precision and unparalleled reliability.
Some of the most common automotive and transportation-related applications for our actuators include:
- Railway maintenance
- Commercial airport jetways
- Opening and closing vehicle doors
- Vehicle assembly processes, such as pressing, conveying, and elevation
Electric Actuators by EDrive Actuators
Electric linear actuators facilitate linear movement along with a host of other benefits hydraulic and pneumatic actuators can't provide. They combine high speed and force with enhanced accuracy and repeatability and help businesses throughout many industries lower their operating costs. At EDrive Actuators, we create solutions for demanding industrial environments. In addition to our standard product line, we also develop customized solutions based on specific needs. To learn more, contact our team or request a quote today.
