Those same electronics, coupled with recent experience of applying electric actuators in new applications, now enable a modular design strategy that makes customising electric actuators easier, further enhancing their advantages over hydraulics.
Modularity comes to motion control
Modular design approaches are common in many other markets. In the lawn and garden market, for example, some string trimmers come with a basic handle, motor and connector, to which the user can attach a leaf blower, edger, rototiller, or the original trimmer.
In the electronics industry, the Apple app platform has spawned the creation of thousands of new productivity and entertainment options. Electric actuator manufacturers are now providing the same kind of interchangeable functionality, giving machine designers even more reasons to convert from hydraulics.
Read the full article in DPA's October 2024 issue