The first integrated actuator to fully comply with ISO 6431 and VDMA 24562 standards within the VDMA space envelope, known as 'Smart Cylinder', has been launched by Norgren.
'All in one' actuator combines performance with VDMA sizing The first integrated actuator to fully comply with ISO 6431 and VDMA 24562 standards within the VDMA space envelope, known as 'Smart Cylinder', has been launched by Norgren. Despite its sleek, clean line appearance, Smart Cylinder contains its own sensors, flow regulators, adjustable cushioning, 5/2 or 5/3 valve and ASI Bus or Multipole fieldbus connection inside the casing and is fully interchangeable with other VDMA actuators across the complete range from 32-100mm bore. It is available in stroke lengths of up to one metre and achieves a top speed of 1.5 metres per second, making it suitable for most applications.

Mounting the valve directly in the cylinder enhances response time.

Dietmar Grun, Norgren's product manager for actuators, said: 'The integrated design makes it easier to specify, install and store pneumatic actuators, easing the work of design engineers, simplifying installation and reducing parts on the bill of materials.

'The Smart Cylinder brings simplification and therefore cost savings.

Instant savings of approximately 25 per cent are achieved by buying the one unit compared to buying all the components separately.

It can also increase up-time by dramatically reducing maintenance needs.

Maintenance engineers know immediately which actuator to change and can quickly and easily replace the smart cylinder, which needs only one electrical and one pneumatic connection, without the need to carry out complicated troubleshooting routines.

This can save serious money by slashing down-time.' Other user benefits include diagnostics via the fieldbus system, which tell the operator whether the cylinder is functioning normally.

Data is fed back to the operator which shows if the unit has stopped functioning correctly, if there is maintenance required and shows exactly which unit on the machine has failed and therefore needs to be replaced.