Heavy-duty linear positioning: Thomson’s new Electrak HD actuators

The Electrak HD is a culmination of several years’ experience in the design and manufacture of high-grade industrial positioning actuators. The 12 and 24 VDC powered range includes Thomson’s Electrak Modular Control System (EMCS) – on-board electronics options designed to make installation easier – allowing users a wide choice of graduated control features designed to match their application requirements. These include end-of-stroke indication from standard built-in limit switches, low-level signal motor switching and communication via the industry standard J1939 CAN bus control network which is well established in automotive, agricultural and construction equipment.

The standard Electrak HD configuration covers safe operation with current monitoring and auto-shutdown as well as voltage and temperature monitoring that prevents motion outside normal ranges. Temperature compensation allows normal operation at lower temperatures without nuisance tripping whilst end of stroke limit switches combine with dynamic braking to ensure protection of internal mechanical parts. Further optional control features in various combinations include mid-stroke dynamic braking, limit switch output and a choice of analogue (potentiometer) or digital (encoder) position output.

In addition to its advanced control possibilities the Electrak HD mechanics offer the user many advantageous installation features and maximum durability for harsh environment applications. Modular cabling, using profiled slots in the actuator, and combined power and signal/CAN bus level connectors make electrical interfacing straightforward whilst a wide selection of mechanical adapters include rod-end and threaded styles. The stainless steel extension tube is mounted in an attractive hard-coat anodised aluminium housing with IP67/IP69K protection class (static) which has been salt-spray tested for 200 hours. Internally the impressive actuator’s parallel mounted DC motor and heavy duty gear assembly is mounted on a robust zinc frame with an anti-rotation coupling interfaced to the high efficiency ballscrew assembly. An integral holding brake ensures that the actuator holds position when power is removed for maximum efficiency and an integrated manual override can be used when conditions dictate.

Available stroke lengths are from 100 mm to 1000 mm in increments of 50 mm. The housing also features longitudinal slots for optional external limit switches that may be adjusted to suit the application. The wide temperature range, -40 ⁰C to +85 ⁰C, allows operation in harsh environments whilst the smooth protective housing withstands dirt water, fertilisers, acids and oils.  

The new Electrak HD range is supported with a 32-page catalogue with complete specification information and several application examples.