Take control of linear motion and control energy use

If your production process involves linear motion control, there’s not just one easy answer for energy-saving. There are two easy answers. And both of them are provided by Norgren.

Linear motion has traditionally been provided by pneumatic actuators. But recently, electric actuators have grown in popularity, thanks to their precision, flexibility and guaranteed repeatability. Now as energy costs soar and industry is searching for any possible way to reduce energy consumption, Norgren offers both pneumatic and electric options aspotential energy-saving solutions.

If you want to entirely remove compressed air and the cost of its production from your application, there’s the Norgren ELION rod-style electric actuator. Or, if you wish to reduce the amount of compressed air used in your application, there’s the Norgren IVAC (Integrated Valve And Cylinder) pneumatic cylinder.

To help you choose the right option for your particular application, you need to consider the unique benefits each one offers.
 

Switch to which?

The Norgren ELION Electric Actuator range has a key advantage which makes it a convenient switching option for applications served by rod-style cylinders. The unit has been designed to conform closely to ISO dimensions which greatly aids interchangeability. So you can change from pneumatic to electric actuation with minimal cylinder footprint adjustment.

However, if swapping to electric actuation is not an option, upgrading your pneumatic system to IVAC cylinders, you will benefit from the integration of valve and cylinder – which reduces pipework, reduces wastage of air, and therefore reduces the amount of compressed air needed to be generated.

Compared with your current pneumatic system, this can cut your energy consumption by as much as 50% – and in turn optimise the sustainability of your operations by shrinking your carbon footprint.

The reduced amount of air required also significantly reduces the cost per mm of stroke, meaning the air savings will effectively pay for replacing your current cylinders with IVAC alternatives.
 

High-efficiency, plus hygiene

There are two IVAC cylinder Options. The IVAC Cleanline is a smooth, Cleanline body profile cylinder, engineered to IP67 Protection Class, and is a hygienic design according to EN1672-2. Alternatively the IVAC Industrial variant has external switch mounts and is engineered to IP65 Protection Class.

Both options are available in six sizes, ranging from 32-100mm cylinder diameter.
 

Reliability, repeatability, reduced energy

A pneumatic system uses the full air pressure supplied to the cylinder, even if it’s not all required for the application. This means that more energy than necessary may be consumed, to produce more compressed air than necessary, that ultimately goes to waste.

An electric actuator such as the Norgren ELION, on the other hand, only uses the energy that’s required to move the load to its required position, and then to keep it there. And if a holding brake is fitted and applied, then the load can be held in position with no energy consumption whatsoever.

The result is less power consumption, lower energy costs, and a smaller carbon footprint than a comparable pneumatic system.

The Norgren ELION can also provide unmatched performance in precision control of speed, position, accuracy and repeatability. For example, accuracies of +/- 0.02mm can be achieved, with a repeatability of +/- 0.01mm.
 

The long and the short

So as you face rising energy costs, Norgren gives you choices. Choices which will not only reduce your energy consumption, shrink your carbon footprint and increase the sustainability of your processes, but which could also optimise the efficiency of your linear motion control.

However, for a more customised and considered review, and more expert know-how to aid your decision-making, just go straight to your usual ERIKS representative.

Why would you waste your energy going anywhere else?

For more information on Flow Control solutions or contact your local ERIKS Service Centre, who will be happy to discuss your options.
 

#Norgren #ERIKS #LetsMakeIndustryWorkBetter #Valves #Actuators #ElectricActuators #EnergySaving