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Electric Actuator Force Control
In industrial applications that involve linear actuators, it is important to measure and control the force that's applied by the actuator (e.g. a force controlled linear actuator). The most common methods for accomplishing actuator force control are either open-loop or closed-loop force control.
Open Loop Linear Actuators
An open-loop electric actuator force control system can be accomplished by using by measuring and controlling the voltage or current sent to the actuator rotational servo motor. This open-loop approach leads to a 20% error in the force measurement as there are inherent external interferences that are not captured by the voltage and current measurements, such as actuator friction or extraneous factors.
Closed-Loop Linear Actuator Force Control using Load Cell
As more precision is required for the push/pull force of the linear actuator, several applications require a load cell force sensor to be installed in line with the linear actuator. The load cell can be placed externally or internally within the actuator. This approach provides force feedback control accuracy of 1% or better.
Why is FUTEK's LCB Series suitable for electric actuator force control?
The LCB Series is comprised of a Rod End Load Cell (Tension/Compression) models that are designed for applications involving Inline Actuators or Hydraulic Jacks with Male/Female Threads. The standard LCB Series Actuator Load Cell (Tension/Compression) model has male/female threads, uses a lightweight 2024 Aluminum for lower capacities, and a robust 17-4 Stainless Steel for the higher capacities. LCB Series is well suited for the mid-range to high-range capacity requirements (1,000 lb – 20,000 lb).
FUTEK LCB force sensors can be mounted directly on the cylinder rod. They can, for example, be used to measure contact forces or overloads.
LCB Series Features
- Load measurement accuracy of ±0.5% of rated output
- Repeatability of ±0.1% of rated output
- Lightweight (LCB200 model weights as low as 99 grams)
- Tension and compression measurement
- Small temperature drift
- For dynamic or static measurements
- Simple mounting allows easily inline threading into a threaded rod or actuator
How it Works
The fixed end of an LCB Series Rod End Load Cell is mounted to the end of a linear actuator.
The active end of the force sensor is then attached to load.
The LCB force sensor measures the force applied to the load by the actuator.
The measurement from the load cell is sent to the digital display (IHH500, IPM650) or displayed on a PC with FUTEK's SENSIT software (IDA100)
An amplified analog signal is then sent to the PLC, enabling linear actuator force control.
Additionally, our SENSIT software can be used to log sensor output for our IPM650 and IDA100.
Products in Use
One LCB Series Rod End Load Cell (LCB200, LCB400, and LCB450) paired with Instrumentation (IAA Series, IPM650, or IDA100)
Contact Us
All FUTEK application illustrations are strictly conceptual.
Please Contact Us with questions.
Please Contact Us with questions.
Electric Actuator Force Control
In industrial applications that involve linear actuators, it is important to measure and control the force that's applied by the actuator (e.g. a force controlled linear actuator). The most common methods for accomplishing actuator force control are either open-loop or closed-loop force control.
Open Loop Linear Actuators
An open-loop electric actuator force control system can be accomplished by using by measuring and controlling the voltage or current sent to the actuator rotational servo motor. This open-loop approach leads to a 20% error in the force measurement as there are inherent external interferences that are not captured by the voltage and current measurements, such as actuator friction or extraneous factors.
Closed-Loop Linear Actuator Force Control using Load Cell
As more precision is required for the push/pull force of the linear actuator, several applications require a load cell force sensor to be installed in line with the linear actuator. The load cell can be placed externally or internally within the actuator. This approach provides force feedback control accuracy of 1% or better.
Why is FUTEK's LCB Series suitable for electric actuator force control?
The LCB Series is comprised of a Rod End Load Cell (Tension/Compression) models that are designed for applications involving Inline Actuators or Hydraulic Jacks with Male/Female Threads. The standard LCB Series Actuator Load Cell (Tension/Compression) model has male/female threads, uses a lightweight 2024 Aluminum for lower capacities, and a robust 17-4 Stainless Steel for the higher capacities. LCB Series is well suited for the mid-range to high-range capacity requirements (1,000 lb – 20,000 lb).
FUTEK LCB force sensors can be mounted directly on the cylinder rod. They can, for example, be used to measure contact forces or overloads.
LCB Series Features
- Load measurement accuracy of ±0.5% of rated output
- Repeatability of ±0.1% of rated output
- Lightweight (LCB200 model weights as low as 99 grams)
- Tension and compression measurement
- Small temperature drift
- For dynamic or static measurements
- Simple mounting allows easily inline threading into a threaded rod or actuator
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