Parker launches IP65 rated programmable linear actuators

Citation

(2002), "Parker launches IP65 rated programmable linear actuators", Assembly Automation, Vol. 22 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/aa.2002.03322bad.002

Parker launches IP65 rated programmable linear actuators

Keyword: Actuator

Ideal for use in washdown, external and contaminated environments

Parker Hannifin's Electromechanical Division has launched a range of IP65 rated programmable linear actuators for use in environmentally-challenging applications. The actuators provide extremely accurate and repeatable positioning capabilities, and are excellent alternatives to hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders in applications that demand full programmable control. Forming the latest additions to Parker's renowned ET series of electric cylinders, the new IP65 rated models are available in frame sizes of 32, 50, 80 and 100mm. The largest model can provide thrust forces in excess of 20,000N. The actuators are particularly suitable for applications in the food processing industry, where hydrogen peroxide solution is frequently used for washdown purposes, as well as for reliable, long-term use in external or contaminated environments (Plate 2).

IP65 rated ET electric cylinders feature a rugged epoxy-coated housing which is resistant to a wide range of industrial chemicals, with all mechanical joints sealed by silicone-loaded gaskets. The cylinder thrust rod and all fixings are manufactured from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, and optional stainless steel rod end attachments and cylinder mounting fixtures are available. An extension to the front of the cylinder houses a special high-performance dual- position seal, with both inner and outer seals incorporating spring-loaded sealing elements to guard against the ingress of contaminants. A metal scraper seal can be fitted in place of the outer seal for applications where the cylinder rod may be exposed to firmly-adhering materials such as mud or ice.

Plate 2 Parker EMD has launched an IP65 rated programmable linear actuator that is ideal for use in washdown, external and contaminated environments. The new IP65 rated ET electric cylinder is available in a range of frame sizes – the largest offering over 20,000N thrust force

Parker's ET series electric cylinders are available with stroke lengths of up to 1.5 metres, provide smooth velocity control at speeds up to 2 metres/second, and offer very high positioning repeatability typically to within +0.013mm. Smooth operation across the entire speed range is ensured through the use of a high quality C7 class ballscrew drive, which is available with pitches from 5 to 40mm/rev. Each actuator can be supplied for in-line, parallel or reverse-parallel motor mounting, and the parallel-mounting versions offer a choice of several different drive ratios to facilitate applications matching. All versions of ET electric cylinder have a high mechanical efficiency, of typically 90 per cent, enabling maximum thrust forces to be achieved for a given size of motor.

For customers seeking complete actuator solutions, Parker offers a series of compatible IP65 rated servo and stepper motors, as well as a comprehensive range of high- performance drives, controllers and indexers. The company also supplies IP67 rated Hall- effect sensors and reed switches for home and limit detection, which simply slot into grooves that run the full length of the electric cylinder's housing.

All ET series electric cylinders are designed specifically to provide a long operational life with minimal maintenance; a unique anti- rotate mechanism virtually eliminates cylinder rod end-play and noise, whilst the front screw-support and extra length rod-support bearings withstand side loads and prevent screw whipping, vibration and run-out. Standard cylinders are rated for operation over a temperature range of 0 to 60 deg. C, with a 100 per cent duty cycle.

To simplify the task of choosing the best cylinder for a particular application, which can involve a considerable number of thrust and power calculations, Parker-EMD has developed a software package for sizing metric systems known as Cylinder Select. Running under Microsoft Excel 97 or above, this software completely automates the selection procedure.

To find out more about Parker Hannifin's Electromechanical Division, please visit the company's web site at http://www.parker-emd.com

For further details please contact: Sharon Beale, Customer Services, Parker Hannifin plc, Electromechanical Division, Balena Close, Poole, Dorset BH17 7DX, England. Tel: +44 (0)1202 69 9000; Fax: +44 (0) 1202 69 5750; E-mail: sales@parker-emd.com