Cylinders reduce commissioning and maintenance time

At the core of ETH cylinders is a high-quality, precision ballscrew that is designed to deliver smooth operation over the entire speed range. However, all ballscrews require occasional re-lubrication over the course of their operating life. In order to simplify this process and save time, Parker’s engineers have designed the integrated lubrication port. The patent-protected port is located on the rear bearing block/housing of the extrusion profile.

Parker’s second new patent for its ETH cylinders relates to the tensioning of the timing belt that couples the ballscrew to a parallel-mounted motor. To ensure optimum torque transfer, belt tension must be perfectly adjusted. Here, Parker has devised a clever tensioning principle in order to increase reliability and reduce the amount of time this process requires.

The company claims that the patent-protected tensioning principle, which is based on a simple system involving a toothed belt, threaded pins and lock nuts, allows perfect tension to be achieved. Another advantage of the process is simplified maintenance. For instance, if a customer ever needs to change the motor, the same belt tension is retained; there is no need for any adjustment.

Parker’s ETH electro-thrust cylinder is designed to close the gap between pneumatic and hydraulic actuators, providing a reliable and economic alternative to both in a range of industry applications.