In an effort to overcome the problem of having to oversize actuation components for applications that have a rapid stroke at low force with a load stroke at high force, Kyntronics—a provider of cutting-edge motion control/actuation products—has developed its patent-pending HSHF (High Speed/High Force) Single Cylinder All-In-One Actuator.
Combining key technologies from the company’s servo-based SMART Hydraulic Actuator (SHA) with a high-speed actuator and a high-force pair of actuators, the HSHF Single Cylinder Actuator is designed to deliver a scaleable, modular, ‘power-on-demand’ machine platform which accommodates a changing industry and which is more cost-effective. The design is meant to be self-contained with no hoses in order to reduce leaky hydraulic system infrastructure.
HSHF Single Cylinder employs a High Speed (HS) cylinder which is designed to vary depending on desired speeds and tool weights. The single High Force (HF) cylinder is meant to simplify the design. Utilizing a patent pending system, it leverages valves to control the pump flow to either the HS or HF cylinder. The motion program is capable of accurately controlling position, force, and speed in all four quadrants throughout any position in the HF cylinder–giving a significant amount of flexibility to the user.
Kyntronics hopes to provide end-users with a simpler circuit with four quadrant motion control that delivers more flexibility on the stroke through this version of the HSHF. Furthermore, by leveraging a standard piston vs. a dual piston, it should be able to do force control anywhere in the HF cylinder. This single cylinder version is made to have less slow down, engaging into the high-force mode with continuous motion.
Features of Kyntronics HSHF Single Cylinder Actuator:
▪ HS cylinder: 1in to 2.5 in
▪ Single HF cylinder: HF zone (HF cylinder) / 3.25 to 6 in cyl ID
▪ Standard Piston
▪ Four quadrant motion control
▪ Servo Drive with Integral Motion Control.
▪ High Load: >85 tons <2 sec.
▪ Load Stroke / High Force Actuation Cylinders Up to 170,000 Lbf (756kN) of force.
▪ High Speed / Rapid Stroke Actuation Cylinder: Up to 45.6 in/sec (115.9 cm/sec) with up to 4,081 Lbs. (18.2 kN) of force
With controller and programming included, the HSHF’s single cylinder drop-in design is made to feature a variable displacement pump, servo motor, servo drive/motion controller, and closed-loop position and force control, with precision position and pressure sensors.
The machine has a reduced footprint sin an attempt to eliminate the hydraulic infrastructure and oversized elements, It is further designed to only use power-on-demand. The HSHF Actuator is made to be compatible with Fieldbus, I/O (selectable indexes), and Analog (0-10vdc or 4-20ma).
Kyntronics’ HSHF Single Cylinder system is meant to deliver accurate force control for clamping and pressing applications with improved performance. This HSHF Actuator design should provide controlled, rapid movement with high force clamping, and reliable movement with a high force press (small distance) in transitioning from HS-to-HF cylinders.
Integrating the Kyntronics standard servo solution, the high-speed cylinder/piston (e.g. a 1in cylinder) is designed to accurately pull a larger cylinder/piston (e.g. a 6in cylinder) to the desired position or force without slowing down or stopping during the movement. The controls scheme the machine uses is meant to allow the system to provide high force anywhere in the cylinder stroke at any time without sacrificing speed, control, or cycle time, says Kyntronics.
Industries that the company expects will benefit from HSHF Single Cylinder include: Automotive, Aerospace, Metal Fabrication, Packaging, and Plastics. A broader scope of applications may also benefit, including: Metal Forming and Pressing, Injection Molding, Blow Molding, Toggle/Platen Clamping, Injection Carriage Actuation, Trim Press Actuation, and Thermoforming Platen Actuation.
