COMPARISON OF LINEAR ACTUATORS: WITH PNEUMATICS AND HYDRAULICS

摘要

When deciding whether to use hydraulic or electromechanical actuators in a particular application, the sole deciding factor is: which best meets the technical and economic demands of the application. Although the features of each application need to be examined individually, the table provided with this article makes clear the several variables that will influence the basic decision and need to be considered when designing a linear motion system (Table I). A system for a fully electric powered forklift truck is taken as an example. Over the last few years the development of electric linear actuators has led to their increasing use in linear motion systems that would formerly have used hydraulics. So much so that it is now good practice before designing a new linear motion system to decide which type of linear actuator might be best for the system. As well as the technical aspects and the price of the drive concerned, it is necessary to consider the cost of any necessary ancillary equipment together with the costs arising over the total life cycle including maintenance and repair costs. In addition, because of the current trend to longer warranty periods, it would be wise to consider questions regarding fatigue resistance and availability.