Total Cost of Ownership: Electric vs. Pneumatic Cylinders

Electric Actuators vs. Pneumatic Cylinders

Pneumatic cylinder actuators, known for their low initial cost and durability, have been a staple in factory automation equipment for decades. They are simple, easy to maintain and provide reasonable control over machine movements in industrial plants. However, since the development of more flexible, precise and reliable electric actuators, there has been an ongoing debate over which technology offers the best overall solution for industrial plant optimization. The case for switching to electric actuators has focused on the ability of electric actuators to achieve more precise control of motion (position, speed, acceleration and force), along with providing superior accuracy and repeatability. While it’s true that electric actuators excel in performance and have a higher initial cost, this paper will instead focus on the factors that contribute to making an electric actuator solution a more economical option than air cylinders over the life of the device or machine. Factors such as efficiency, electric utility costs, air leaks, maintenance, product replacement, product quality, changeover time and cycle times will be examined along with other factors that determine the total “cost of ownership” for a technology. Continue reading...