LVDT vs SMAC Gauge Actuator
Feature |
LVDT |
SMAC MSA8 |
SMAC MLA8 | |
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Output Force
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Air – Can provide force with some adjustment but no Soft-Land.
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Same as LVDT spring option, air would have to be 3rd party. At this point would recommend MLA8 option.
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No Air Required. Spring is an option only for E-Stop concerns. Force is programmable down to the gram level in any orientation preventing witness marks being left on part surface. Can program Soft-Land to your specifications.
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Extension to Part/Stroke
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The LVDT or the part must be moved to each other or add air option for motion. Strokes available in 1, 5, 12, 32 & 50mm.
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Same as LVDT = Me too option, if comparing to additional of air, see MLA8 option. Strokes available in 10mm, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, & 250mm in larger form factors.
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Voice Coil Linear motor - can program position, velocity, soft-land, and force, Typical move is rapid close to part, Soft-Land, create measuring force, measure. Strokes available in 10mm, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, & 250mm in larger form factors.
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Cost
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LVDT alone is under $1,000 but amp and cabling drive total cost to well over this ~$1,300.
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SMAC starts @ $450 which includes actuator and cabling. No Amp is required as encoder signal is RS422 level encoder signal, 5-15volts and/or can go directly into PLC counter card.
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SMAC starts @ $1,150 for actuator, controller, & cabling, with serial, CAN, or analog out signal options.
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Accuracy/Linearity/Resolution
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Accuracy can improve as measurement window distance decreases. Available in .1um and .5um resolutions.
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SMAC Encoder Technology maintains linearity throughout the entire stroke. Available in 1um, .5um and .1um resolutions.
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SMAC Encoder Technology maintains linearity throughout the entire stroke. Available in 1um, .5um and .1um resolutions.
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IP Rating
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IP67 (air tube on exhaust required)..
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IP65 (IP67 available in different form factor for added cost).
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IP65 (IP67 available in different form factor for added cost).
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Compressed Air/Pneumatic Access
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LVDT pneumatic systems make linear movement possible as an option or as a separate mechanical pneumatic assembly.
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No air used, if motion is required see MLA8 option.
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SMAC actuators are electric 24 and 48 VDC and do not require any compressed air.
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Mechanical Adjustments
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LVDTs mechanical assemblies require occasional mechanical re-adjustment, especially if there are varying part change overs.
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If motion is required, see MLA8 option.
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No need for mechanical adjustments and can easily handle change overs through complete programmability.
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Recalibration
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LVDTs construction requires constant recalibration.
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No need for actuator recalibration. If calibration is desired it is a simple optional task against a known standard.
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No need for actuator recalibration. If calibration is desired it is a simple optional task against a known standard.
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Periodic Maintenance/Life/ Durability
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LVDTs need periodic maintenance & replacement. They cannot handle sideloading or shock / impact. The internal guiding is traditionally weak which causes them to be damaged easily. Recent improvements have been made to improve clamping/bearings on some brands to “increase” service life but nothing is quantified or published.
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No need for periodic maintenance. SMAC units typically are capable of millions to billions of worry-free cycling.
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No need for periodic maintenance. SMAC units typically are capable of millions to billions of worry-free cycling. Motion is controlled by the actuator, there are oversized linear guideways designed in these units and a nose bushing for additional sideload support. Optional cross roller guides for even higher rigidity available for an added cost.
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Sampling interval/Max Output Pulses
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1-4ms Typical
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3 million pulses per second
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100us
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Warranty/Rebuild
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12-month manufacturing
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12-month manufacturing +35% rebuild program
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12-month manufacturing +35% rebuild program
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