High Speed Soft Eject, Soft Divert, and Multi-lane Sorting
SMAC MCA Solutions
SMAC programmable electric actuators are based on moving coil technology. They are unique in that force, position, and speed are totally programmable and they provide realtime feedback on the work they are doing while it is being performed. SMAC electric actuators are designed to perform at exceptionally high speeds or very low speeds and with sub-micron accuracy and repeatability. A patented Soft-Land™ function gives extremely accurate sensing of product location or dimensions.
High Speed Eject
SMAC electric actuators can reject or divert a single container only, at line speeds over 1200 containers/minute. Movement of container is smooth, fast, and gentle with unique Soft-Land™ feature. Container will not tip over because of force and velocity control. First the actuator must slowly make contact and start the bottle moving then do the high speed push after 10mm or so of movement. Total out and back is 50ms, 1200/min.
What is a Soft-Land™?
The Soft-Land™ is a patented unique routine which allows the actuator rod to land on the surface of a container with a low programmed force. It gives extremely accurate sensing of product location or dimensions. This is particularly useful for handling delicate or high value components.
The routine consists of a controlled low force approach in velocity mode, while the position error is constantly monitored. Once contact is made the position error builds up until a pre-programmed figure is reached - resulting in the rod maintaining position on the surface of the container.
SMAC STACK
SMAC STACK is ideal for eject applications. SMAC STACK combines multiple functions into a single assembly by stacking various control functions together. SMAC STACK is a cost effective solution for automating multiple axes with a built-in controller option via CANopen, Ethernet/IP and EtherCAT. It simplifies installation and reduces cabling of multi-actuators. It allows easy, quick exchange of units, which reduces down time. Easy to customize to fit application requirements. Learn more here.
Multi-Lane Rejection and Sorting Systems
SMAC is capable of sorting and rejecting containers into different lanes. For example: Lane #1 is used for bottles with missing caps, Lane #2 is used for unlabeled bottles. The sorting capabilities of SMAC can be individually programmed and tailored to your application.
Comparison Chart: SMAC Electric Actuators vs Pneumatic Actuators
Feature |
SMAC Performance
|
Pneumatics Performance (Average) |
Benefit |
| Speed | > 2,500 CPM | <1,200 CPM (higher rates = reduced Durability) | > 1.5x throughput increase |
| Durability | > 200 Million Cycles | 10-20 Million Cycles | CPM = 250 SMAC = 6,000 hrs. MTBF Air = 1,200 hrs. MTBF |
| Configurability | Speed, Positions and Force | None, limited to mechanical adjustment | Quick & Easy to set up/change |
| Energy Consumption | Low (24/48v) voltage/amps (1.7A peak) | High cost of Air supply + Electricity for control | >30x lower energy consumption than Air 8 HP of electricity to produce 1 HP of air |
| Noise Level | < 55 dB | Typically > 85 some > 110 dB | Achieves ‘Silent’ Industrial classification |
| Repeatability | +/- 1 ms cycle time variance | 20 ms cycle time variance | Enables increased throughput & synchronisation of process |
| Validation | Encoder feedback & control of all movement parameters available | Sensors/Switches cannot control the movement, only set fixed limits | Less destructive movements No separate sensors |
| In-line Changeover | Reconfigure for different movements in seconds | Change unit or adjust for small variations, in minutes/hours | Reduce change over time and cost |
| Cost of Ownership | One time buy, no maintenance or adjustment | Regular replacement, adjustment and/or repair of compressor, control valves, tubing etc | Air is between 5x to 7x the cost of moving coil actuators |
| Position Verification | Interface visually displays rod’s exact position for setup and evaluation | Location of rod unknown and must be visually debugged | Faster setup and more precise motion profiling |