Some components are more mission-critical than others.  A main worry of machine design engineers is making equipment that will last and avoiding need for field service calls to diagnose issues and replace failing components.  At their core, electric linear screw actuators deploy mechanical technology such as ball bearings, ball screws and roller screws that have a finite life.  These components do not last forever, even though that is the expectation of some customers.  When asked “How long will this actuator last?” we provide our customers with a way to calculate, estimate and size the electric linear screw actuator to achieve the desired life for their applications. 

“People want to save money on their industrial automation systems,” says captain obvious.  Equally obvious is the fact that no one wants to reduce output or product quality to save a buck. So how does a machine designer accomplish this? Save money without sacrificing performance and quality?

One way to ensure affordable automation systems and, specifically, low cost linear motion, is to stop looking at purchase price only and start thinking long term. Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the equipment.

Who doesn’t like to save money?  We’re all in search of a good deal, but how do you define what’s good?  If you buy something on the cheap but it falls apart in a short time, is that a good deal?  Maybe it’s smarter to pay more for something that last longer and performs better.

In business, this means considering total cost of ownership (TCO), that is, initial acquisition cost plus operating costs. Comparing TCO to purchase price alone is especially interesting when applied to pneumatic and electric linear actuators. 

Not too long ago many machine designers only considered the purchase price of automation components, like linear actuators, when they analyzed cost. And manufacturing management only looked at acquisition cost when they considered investing in automation.

Now machine designers and manufacturers are using a more thorough approach to cost analysis. Rather than looking at purchase price alone, they are looking into the “total cost of ownership” of a component, machine or technology. It's a business finance concept, used frequently when considering computer system upgrades.

Conveying equipment manufacturers know that fast and efficient systems are critical to manufacturing success. Conveying system buyers are demanding better positioning accuracy, energy efficiency, and lower cost of ownership to ensure their ongoing success. Plus, some are eliminating compressed air systems and asking for electric linear actuators, including electric cylinders, instead of pneumatic solutions. Since they often produce several product models in the same plant, buyers need actuators that are easily programmable to several positioning set-ups.