Saving money is on everyone’s mind these days, especially when it comes to industrial automation. Automation is recognized as an important way to boost quality and productivity; however, the cost of adding automated systems can be daunting.

To keep costs in line, machine designers are often tasked with finding money-saving solutions. This doesn’t mean using the cheapest components, though. If a component has a low purchase price but is expensive to operate and maintain, it’s not a bargain. Smart engineers look at the total cost of ownership (TCO) of components they’re considering, including linear actuators.