Servomech presents a new series of linear actuators
The search for linear motion systems capable of meeting increasingly stringent requirements in terms of load capacity, precision and durability represents one of the most significant technological challenges in industrial automation. In this context Servomech, a company specializing in the production of linear actuators and mechanical screw jacks, has made linear motion its core expertise, combining the production tradition of Made in Italy with a constant drive towards technological innovation. This combination has led the company to develop a new series of linear actuators called HPA (High Performance Actuators), characterized by the use of planetary roller screws.
«The objective of Servomech – confirms Valentina Cataldo, the company’s marketing and sales manager – has always been to try to propose new ideas for linear motion. For this reason, we pay great attention to the needs of the market and try to anticipate trends with competitive and high-performance solutions, capable of satisfying the growing need for greater performance and productivity».
Balance between load capacity, precision and versatility
«The basic concept from which we start developing the new HPA series – explains Valentina Cataldo, Servomech’s marketing and sales manager – was to expand the field of application of our linear actuators and mechanical screw jacks, already available in versions with acme screws and ball screws, to satisfy applications with even higher loads».
In particular, the new linear actuators stand out for their performance profile, which combines high load capacity, operational precision and application versatility. The new range includes six different sizes, with load capacities from 100 kN to 1,000 kN and planetary roller screws with diameters from Ø 30 mm to Ø 99 mm. With standard strokes up to 1,000 mm and linear speeds up to 1.5 m/s, the backlash-free mechanical transmission offers a completely modular design.
«The cylinder, complete with precision planetary gearbox – adds Cataldo – can be configured with different drive options: it is available with a backlash-free coupling for mounting in-line motors, or with a high-strength, backlash-free toothed belt drive for parallel motor configurations. To ensure maximum application flexibility, a simple linear unit with a male input shaft is also available, allowing for custom integrations based on specific design requirements.
All actuators in the new series are designed for mounting servomotors from major brands, offering designers maximum flexibility. «As with other high-performance products in our range -Cataldo points out – the roller screw and nut re-lubrication system for these new HPA actuators has also been designed with attention to detail: the lubricant is only where it is needed, without dispersion even in the case of high operating dynamics. Finally, all the fixings comply with ISO 8132 standards for hydraulic cylinders, guaranteeing complete and easy interchangeability».
Advantages, sectors and application opportunities
One advantage of the new series compared to the existing range is the ability to increase load capacity and service life while maintaining a compact external footprint, thanks to the high-performance planetary roller screw linear transmission.
«With the same dimensions – explains Cataldo – a planetary roller screw can handle a load three times greater than that of a ball screw. Considering the same applied load conditions, the life of planetary roller screws is up to nine times longer than that of ball screws of the same size. Thanks to this significant technological progress, we can now support applications with very high loads, up to 1,000 kN».
The new HPA Series is also characterized by its ability to reach high linear speeds and accelerations while maintaining precise and accurate positioning control, thanks to the backlash-free transmission. The technical sizing of the components and their precise manufacturing, entirely carried out in-house by Servomech, guarantee high rigidity and robustness of the system, even in applications with high loads. The combination of features and design makes this new series suitable for applications that require high loads, high speeds and accelerations, high efficiency and energy saving, as well as precise and accurate control of position, speed and applied force.
«The application sectors are very diverse – concludes Cataldo – from heavy industry to the plastics industry, from steel production to metalworking machinery, and even general industrial automation applications. They are also ideal for replacing high-power hydraulic cylinders».
Article by Gianandrea Mazzola
