October 9, 2012 - An online electric actuator sizing program from Tolomatic simplifies the design and specification of electric motion control projects. The online software allows precise specification of either rod-style or rodless electric actuators based on the motion profile (velocity/acceleration), orientation, loads and forces. Application and sizing details can be saved, printed and shared electronically with other design team members. “By offering our sizing software online, automation project engineers can eliminate time-consuming program downloads and avoid IT issues with installing software on ever-changing Windows environments,” said Aaron Dietrich, marketing manager, Tolomatic.
“This powerful new interactive software tool is easily accessed by any device (PC, laptop, tablet, smart phone) that is connected to the Internet.” The sizing software uses a simple six-step process that includes defining the workload, establishing motions, matching an actuator, selecting a motor, adding features such as mounts or switches and viewing the results. The reporting tool allows the selection of final results to include all or selected aspects of the project parameters, along with a 3D CAD file of the selected actuator. “A unique feature of this online program is that it simplifies the sizing and selection of an appropriate motor to drive the actuator. The software calculates and reports critical motor sizing parameters such as continuous/peak torque and RPM.
Once a motor manufacturer and model is determined, the designer selects that motor from an established database of leading motor suppliers,” said Dietrich. “Once the motor is paired with a Tolomatic actuator, the sizing software automatically links up with Tolomatic’s exclusive ‘Your Motor Here – or YMH’ online database to specify the correct motor mounting adapter and hardware.” In the motion profiler section of the program, designers can enter specifics such as length of move, move time, acceleration/deceleration, final velocity and total time. In addition, the designer can enter loads to be carried or external forces that will be applied to the actuator. The resulting motion profile is displayed on a graph, and multiple motion segments, loads or forces can be added as necessary.
The sizing software will then suggest and rank actuator products that best fit the application with respect to several parameters, one being most economical. Once the actuator product has been chosen, the designer can select various accessories such as mounting options and switches to build a complete part number for the desired actuator solution. The last step in the process is to review the results or project summary. The designer can choose from a variety of reports including a full sizing report, motion control charts, loads/forces/moments or a motor specifications summary. Additionally, links to Tolomatic’s online product catalog and 3D model builder can be easily emailed and shared with others.
For more than 50 years, Tolomatic has been a leading supplier of electric linear actuators, pneumatic actuators and power-transmission products for factory automation. Its extensive product line also includes servo-driven high-thrust actuators, servo and stepper motors, stepper drives and configured linear-motion systems. Tolomatic’s electric linear and pneumatic actuators are used in a variety of industries, including the packaging, material handling, medical, food processing, automotive, semiconductor and general automation industries.
