"Hydraulic cylinder users are increasingly converting their high-maintenance and poorly controllable systems to low-maintenance, electromechanical technology with integrated electronics," explains Håkan Persson, Product Line Director Thomson Actuators. "By expanding our successful Electrak HD to 16 kilonewtons, we offer these customers a clean, compact and smart electromechanical alternative for hydraulic actuators in applications of virtually any size. What's more, the new models offer the longest stroke lengths and highest running performance of electromechanical actuators."

Replacement of hydraulic systems
Hydraulic systems require a combination of numerous different components such as the motor, pump, fluid reservoir and hoses as well as the cylinders themselves. Any desired control capability, be it position feedback or dynamic braking, requires additional equipment components. The fact that hydraulic systems are susceptible to leaks also means additional operating and maintenance costs.

The linear actuators of the Electrak HD series in action. © Thomson Industries

In contrast, smart electromechanical actuators implement all operating and control functions via their integrated "on-board electronics", significantly reducing space requirements, installation effort and maintenance costs. Electrak HD actuators are simply connected to a power source and a PLC or other control component and now also bring the benefits of built-in electronics to applications with high loads, for example in construction, agricultural and material handling machines or in factory automation.

First-class performance
Thomson has also set a new benchmark for electromechanical actuators with built-in intelligence by extending the range from ten to 16 kilonewtons for stroke lengths of up to 500 millimetres. The minimum duty cycle of 25 percent for stroke lengths of up to 500 millimetres is the highest value in the industry - it guarantees maximum operational continuity with minimum power consumption. For loads of 16 kilonewtons at these stroke lengths, Thomson also offers speed options of at least five millimeters per second.

Application example for linear actuators. © Thomson Industries

Smart pays off
With enhanced functionality thanks to the built-in Electrak Modular Control System (EMCS) and its optional features, the Electrak HD offers a particularly simple way of controlling and monitoring. This reduces operating costs, the installation space required and the set-up and installation effort. Optional, ready-to-use J1939 CAN bus communication allows for highly efficient control and monitoring of actuator movements, while options such as multi-actuator synchronization, low-current switching, end position output signals, a choice of analogue or digital position feedback and a customizable control interface provide additional versatility.

Resistance to environmental influences
Unrivaled protection type certifications of IP69K and IP67 static and IP66 dynamic contribute to the long service life in heavy-duty operation. Even under high loads, the actuators operate in temperatures from minus 40 to plus 85 degrees Celsius, withstand salt spray for 500 hours and are compliant with CE, RoHS and REACH.

Of course, Thomson also offers unique features for loads up to 16 kilonewtons, such as manual override, anti-rotation piston rod, integrated thermal overload protection, safety nut in case of ball nut failure, high-quality ball screw drive and flexible front and rear clevis options. The heavy-duty versions also meet the requirements of the Thomson test plans to ensure optimum performance regardless of the severity of the operating conditions. The new actuators are available to order now. pb