More control options

Thomson Industries has equipped its highly robust Electrak LL electric linear actuators with new integrated control options. In addition to the maintenance-free mileage of 600 km and 100% duty cycle - performance factors of all Electrak LL models - machine designers can now benefit from absolute position feedback, CAN bus integration, reduced current consumption and higher speeds.

"OEM users of our long-life actuators for applications that would otherwise require hydraulic or pneumatic systems now have even more control over position, load and speed. With our new configuration variants, they position the loads particularly gently, know their position at all times and can use this data in motion profiles," explains Anders Karlsson, Product Manager for Linear Actuators at Thomson.

In addition to resistance to environmental influences such as UV radiation, the Thomson Electrak LL electric linear actuators suitable for continuous use now have even more electronic control options.

Requirements for a long service life

Key components for the longevity of the Electrak LL are a brushless motor, a heavy-duty ball screw drive, a wear-free brake and encapsulation in accordance with IP69K (static) or IP66 (dynamic). This combination enables 100% duty cycle, a mileage of up to 600 km and up to a million work cycles - more than ten times more than electromechanical actuators without this equipment. This unmatched longevity of the Electrak LL is complemented by state-of-the-art control and integration options as well as higher voltage and speed ranges.

Absolute position feedback

Instead of calculating the position using sensors and encoders, users of Electrak LL actuators receive direct information on the absolute position of the load being moved. To do this, the integrated microprocessor counts the mechanical revolutions in the gear unit in a program-based manner, which enables immediate and precise position output, for example for integration into a higher-level control logic. For example, a designer could use this functionality to synchronize the movement of multiple cylinders at specified speeds.

Another benefit of absolute position feedback is that it is calibrated only once during assembly and does not require subsequent recalibration. This benefits efficiency in applications such as rail vehicles and agricultural machinery, where actuators are turned off for long periods when the machines are not in use. With relative position values, however, the actuator must be recalibrated every time the machine is restarted. In addition, the Electrak LL's absolute position measurement is completely contactless, so it does not cause wear.

CAN bus communication

More complex control sequences require the ability to exchange instructions and data - this is also what the long-lasting Thomson actuators offer. Electrak LL users can choose to communicate their solutions via CANopen or SAE J1939. This gives them maximum flexibility to couple the actuators with other components or to integrate them into productivity and business applications.
Higher voltage

High duty cycle applications such as mobile robots are typically battery powered, as low current consumption can be an advantage. Electrak LL users can now meet the voltage requirements of their applications by configuring their systems with a 48 volt power supply. Compared to the 24 volt version, 48 volts reduces resistive power dissipation, allowing for more cost-effective wiring with smaller cable cross-sections.

Higher speeds

Thomson also offers a 2 kN load option for the Electrak LL, optimizing the actuator for higher speeds with a longer service life.

Application areas

The new Electrak LL configuration options are designed for applications that require both higher duty cycle and maximum controllability, such as:

• Intelligent pantographs and couplings for rail vehicles
• Automated guided vehicles (AGVs)
• Logistics trains for material handling
• Automated agricultural robots
• Movable stairs and access lifts for trains and buses
• Gravel buckets and hatches

Thomson's robust Electrak LL actuators with new control functions, CAN bus, 48 ​​volt voltage and 2 kN load are now available.