Sizing an electro-mechanical actuator requires consideration of many different factors. Drive mechanism, gearing, load, and motion profile all impact the actuator and motor required. Festo’s Positioning Drives software is a comprehensive selection tool that uses this data to ensure you are using the correct electro-mechanical actuator for your application.
The first step of the sizing is to input the main system parameters. This includes data such as:
- Axis drive technology (ball screw vs. belt drive)
- Installation position (horizontal, vertical, or angled)
- Payload
- Required stroke
Filtering allows you to narrow down the scope of products considered for the application. Removing items in the filter can help speed up the analysis step. Common items to filter out would be unnecessary motor types or supply voltages for the application.
The final data entry step is inputting the motion profile of the system. You can simply put in the stroke and the system will calculate the move as the max axis speed. If you want to create a more detailed profile, there is a calculation tool that will assist with calculating acceleration and deceleration rates.
Clicking the “Results” tab will start the analysis step of the software. During this process, the software will simulate different combinations of actuators and motors using the defined payload and motion profile. Once all simulations have completed you will be shown a list of results which will include utilization percentages for the axis, motor, and guide.
Selecting the “Details” tab will provide a breakdown of the calculations used in the simulation. From this tab you can get information such as:
- Reflected inertia load
- Peak/RMS motor torque
- Motor Speed
- Axis travel speed
- Required axis force
