Thomson Electrak® Smart Linear Actuators: Electric Solutions Featuring Onboard Electronics for Enhanced Control
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Thomson Electrak® Smart Linear Actuators Electric Solutions Featuring Onboard Electronics for Enhanced Control

Designing Smart Machines Starts with Smart Tools As the industrial world becomes increasingly connected, the designer’s need for intelligent components that can communicate with each other and operate without the need for manual interaction is growing. Thomson, a trusted manufacturer that has always been committed to staying ahead of the technology curve, is meeting this demand and helping to usher in a new generation of smart actuators. What are Smart Actuators? The crux of smart actuators begins with the integration of onboard electronics, which enables enhanced control functions that...

Smart Actuators ACTUATORS IMPROVE EFFICIENCY DIAGNOSTICS PRODUCTIVITY PERFORMANCE CONTROLLABILITY COMPLEXITY ENGINEERING COMPONENTS OVERALL COSTS INSTALLATION TIME

Smart Actuators Overview Electrak® XD Ushering in the next evolution of electric actuators, the Electrak XD is strong enough to take on hydraulic applications while, at the same time, be smarter, smaller and more efficient than competitive technologies. On top of its strength (up to 25,000 N loads), the XD offers extensive protection against even the harshest conditions and ingress, and features enhanced controllability and diagnostics via onboard controls. www.thomsonlinear.com/xd Electrak HD The Electrak HD sets the bar for the electric linear actuator platform. Onboard electronics can...

Smart Actuators Electrak LL Designed for long life, high duty cycle and the ability to work in the harshest environments, Electrak LL actuators with brushless motors deliver bar-setting, world-class performance with 100% duty cycle and up to 600 km (375 miles) of maintenance-free life. The LL smart electric actuator is well suited for many applications – most notably mobile battery powered ones – that previously have had to employ more expensive and complex solutions. www.thomsonlinear.com/ll Electrak MD Designed as a smaller sibling to the Electrak HD actuator, these smart electric linear...

Smart Actuator Feature Breakdown It’s all about control. With onboard electronics allowing you to make standalone controls a thing of the past, a new world of interconnected possibilities awaits your machine designs. The Thomson Electrak® Modular Control System (EMCS) is the foundation for the best onboard controls currently available in electric linear actuators, and includes standard and optional features such as built-in CANopen® or SAE J1939 CAN bus support. This level of control helps save design and installation time, as well as space and installation cost. Plus, a generous selection...

Smart Actuators Force Feedback The force feedback function transmits the force applied to the extension tube over an analog signal or as a CAN bus message. In force-sensitive applications, this feature will allow the system to not go over or under the desired force. Programmable End-of-Stroke Limits This feature lets you program exactly how much of the full mechanical stroke of the actuator you want to use. Synchronization This option allows two or more actuators to share a load. Designers are able to take advantage of a more stable and potentially quicker lift, no additional guides, and...

Reaching New Markets and Applications Smart actuators are increasingly finding their way into applications that were once dominated by pneumatic and hydraulic systems. The mobile off-highway (MOH) vehicle market was among the first to deploy electric actuators for enhanced control and automation capabilities available in the field. However, other industries have begun to realize the many benefits of smart actuators. Autonomous Vehicles • Advanced position and speed control, force feedback, bus communication, and synchronization of multiple actuators. • High power density for more compact...

Smart Actuators Domestic, Office and Hospital Equipment • Manual-to-electromechanical conversion assists with load and ergonomics, while saving time for users/patients. • Programmable positions, including sitting and standing at a workstation or desk. • Safer and cleaner environment, highlighted by elimination of hydraulic fluid replacement and leaks. • No need for wall outlets when operating the actuator with a battery as a power source. • Saves energy due to lack of power consumption when holding a static load. • Easy to integrate into home automation systems compared to other mechanical...

Smart Autonomous Vehicles on the Move When vehicles are designed to move autonomously and communicate with operators and other machines within an integrated system, smart actuators are given a golden opportunity to shine. Not only do these actuators provide users with a multitude of enhanced control options, they help ensure the safety of the vehicles and any nearby workers. Actuated Equipment Manipulated Object Actuator Directions

Smart Actuators Taking ‘Smart’ to the Next Level Not just any actuator can deliver the performance and intelligence required by autonomous vehicles. You can find Thomson smart actuators in machines such as AGVs, logistics trains, work platforms, automated pickers, and wheelchair lifts and ramps. For further detail on autonomous vehicle applications that benefit from smart actuators, see the next page.

Autonomous Vehicles at Work Everywhere on the Globe Indoor and Outdoor Material Handling • Autonomous vehicles such as logistics trains and forklifts can benefit from the enhanced controllability of Thomson smart linear actuators. This capability, which includes bus communication, feedback and diagnostics, allows the actuators to work with a central computer and other smart components for improved logistics flow. It also directly impacts waste reduction, and time and energy savings. • For AGVs without human involvement, remote control over radio, WiFi, satellite and other communications is...