SMAC Corp.
Smac Lpl Series 125 Actuator 638a2d7c29a7a

SMAC Low-Profile Electric Actuator Benefits Robot End Effectors

Dec. 5, 2022
The LPL Series 125 of low-profile electric linear actuators provide programmable speed and precision control for robotics applications.

SMAC Moving Coil Actuators has developed the LPL Series 125 of low-profile electric linear actuators specifically for use with robot end effectors. The actuators use SMAC's moving coil linear servo motor technology which enables them to provide precise control, a beneficial feature for robotic applications. 

Key features of the actuators include: 

  • programmable control of speeds, positioning 
  • forces from 0.1-250 N
  • real-time feedback 
  • high cycle rates
  • cost- and energy-efficient design
  • lifespan over 100 million life cycles

Electric Actuation Provides Precision and Control

SMAC's LPL Series electric actuators enable speed, positioning and force to be programmed down to a micron — allowing its movements to be customized to specific application requirements. This is particularly beneficial for robots which may be utilized for tasks such as parts finishing and pick-and-place. Programmability of the actuator enables the robot end effector to move in exactly the way necessary to move objects and maintain productivity.  

End effector applications for which the company said the LPL Series can be used include: 

  • testing buttons, switches and levers;
  • deburring and finishing parts;
  • lifting fragile products; or
  • clamping materials for welding or soldering.        

"With the use of robots becoming more prevalent, there is a demand for actuators with a short height/low center of gravity that can act as end effectors and perform a variety of tasks," said SMAC Founder and CEO Ed Neff. "We designed the LPL Series to fill that void, a low-profile actuator without compromising performance."

SMAC uses its moving coil linear servo motors in the LPL actuators which provides both the force necessary for many applications as well as faster speeds. There are also no rotating shafts, which can be beneficial for certain applications where this rotation is undesirable.  

Compared to other robot end effector technologies such as pneumatics, electric actuators like the LPL series can offer a variety of benefits. Besides the inherent programmability possible through utilization of electronics is the lower operating costs. Pneumatics require a facility to install air compressors whereas electric actuators can make use of the electricity already on site. There are also fewer wear parts, lending to the actuator's longer lifespan.

READ MORE about SMAC's electric actuator technology

"Precision control and feedback is extremely critical in many robotic applications," said Neff. "Electric service actuators provide control and feedback unmatched by any pneumatic actuator."

Continue Reading

May 10, 2022
The companies plan to jointly test and validate the latest version of the RISE Cylinder to aid electrification of heavy-duty equipment.
May 16, 2022
Reducing the weight of hydraulic components can benefit an array of industries and bring about new design options.

Sponsored Recommendations

Feb. 6, 2024
Newcomers to medical device design may think pressure and flow rate are sufficient parameters whenselecting a pump. While this may be true in some industrial applications, medical...
Feb. 6, 2024
Variable volume pumps, also known as precision dispense pumps, are a positive displacement pump that operates by retracting a piston to aspirate a fluid and then extending the...
Feb. 6, 2024
Acheck valve, a non-return or one-way valve, is a mechanical device that allows a gas or liquid to flow freely in one direction while preventing reverse flow in the opposite ...
Feb. 6, 2024
Engineers tasked with managing fluid flow talk about both holes and calibrated orifices, but they are two distinct entities. A hole can be any opening, but a calibrated orifice...