Electric Cylinders

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Electric Cylinders

 

Electric Cylinders

Also called an electric actuator, an electric cylinder is a device that uses electricity to create linear motion for numerous applications. Industries that depend on automation, such as manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and product packaging, use electric cylinders to push or pull something in a straight line.

Joyce/Dayton Corp. is a premier manufacturer of electric cylinders, and we have a long history of designing high-quality motion control solutions for modern industries worldwide. Read on to learn more about the common types of electric cylinders, their applications, and their benefits.

Types of Electric Cylinders

An electric cylinder is a kind of actuator used in industrial automation. It converts electrical energy into linear motion with high thrust force. Regardless of the type, the key components of an electric cylinder are a housing, motor, screw or rotor, control system, and feedback system.  

These are the main types of electric cylinders.

Linear Actuators

The most common type of electric cylinder, a linear actuator is similar in form to pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders. To operate, a motor drives a lead screw and converts its rotary motion into linear motion for the piston rod. In automobiles, for example, linear actuators help to open trunks, sunroofs, and doors.

Guided Cylinders

Guided cylinders combine the power of a linear actuator with the precision of a slide. They offer superior stability and accuracy for demanding tasks that require strict alignment.

How to Size an Electric Cylinder Actuator

Electric Cylinders are sized based on their static thrust capacity, but selection of the best model and configuration of electric cylinders for specific applications requires further consideration.

Joyce’s complementary JAX® Online software makes it easy to size a single unit of a complete system. Contact one of our Application Engineers today.

First, consider the mounting orientation and static load. Vertical mounting and operation permit a longer maximum rise (stroke) than horizontal mounting and operation of electric cylinders. For a given thrust capacity, maximum rise values may differ based on the screw type and diameter. Be sure to check Quick Reference pages.

Consider the DYNAMIC load. The speed at which the load will be moved is a limiting factor. Quick reference pages are arranged from slowest to the fastest operation of acme screw (ECA) cylinders and then ballscrew (ECB) cylinders. Scan down the list to the travel speed you need and then check the horsepower requirements for the load you will be moving.

How frequently will the Electric Cylinder need to move the load? Electric Cylinders with Acme screws (ECA) have a calculated allowable continuous travel that limits duty cycle. Use JAX® to determine this value.

How long will the Electric Cylinder be in service? Electric Cylinders with ballscrews (ECB) have a calculated ball nut life, expressed in inches of travel, which can be used to estimate the life of the unit. Use JAX® to determine this value.

Joyce/Dayton offers motor controls ranging from simple motor starters to complex positioning systems and custom controls. Every system that is powered by an electric motor requires a control system. At Joyce, we know that choosing the best option can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why our Engineers are available to help you through the process.

Applications for Electric Cylinders

Electric cylinders are crucial in a variety of industries:

  • Factory Automation: From pick-and-place robots to material handling equipment, electric cylinders play an important role in factory automation. They provide precise movement in packaging processes and assembly lines. 
  • Medical: Electric cylinders are ideal for the medical industry because they can be easily cleaned and controlled for operating surgical tools, powering diagnostic equipment, and adjusting patient beds. 
  • Food & Beverage: The food and beverage industry uses electric cylinders to handle jobs in high-hygiene environments such as dispensing ingredients and packaging finished products. 
  • Electronics: Precise positioning capabilities make electric cylinders fit for tasks like component placing and testing in electronics manufacturing.

Benefits of Electric Cylinders

Compared to other types of motion control devices, electric actuators offer many advantages for the above applications:

  • Precise Control: Electric cylinders deliver exceptional control over force, position, and speed, creating accurate and smooth motion. They excel in tasks that require exact positioning with high repeatability.
  • Efficiency: Electric cylinders do not rely on compressed air systems, reducing energy consumption. 
  • Quiet Operation: Because no air compressors are necessary, electric cylinders reduce noise pollution and operate more quietly than hydraulic and pneumatic actuators. This makes electric cylinders ideal for noise-sensitive applications.
  • Versatility: With different stroke lengths, motor types, and mounting options, electric cylinders can adapt to a wide range of applications. 
  • Ease of Use: With programmable controllers and microprocessors, electric cylinders are easier to integrate into existing systems than hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders. 
  • Customizable: Electric cylinders are easier to customize to specific application requirements, such as those for speed, stroke length, and applied force.
  • Easy Diagnostics and Maintenance: With built-in feedback capabilities, electric cylinders allow technicians to keep track of real-time operation and initiate predictive maintenance as needed. This responsiveness minimizes downtime and improves overall system reliability.

Electric Cylinders from Joyce/Dayton

Electric actuators can be tailored to your specific application’s requirements, offering precision, versatility, and efficiency for your motion control needs. At Joyce/Dayton, our electric cylinder actuators can precisely lift and position loads weighing up to 20 tons, reach speeds up to 546 in./min., and raise loads to heights of up to 100 in. Our electric cylinders are ideal for industrial automation applications where the lifting screw mechanism must be protected while operating reliably.

Request a quote to get started with your custom electric actuator solution.

Product Media

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Available Models

Items to consider when selecting motors and mounting configurations:

Use Quick Reference Charts determine the motor horsepower and gear reduction required to reach your target speed. For example, slow travel of just a few inches per minute will require a high ratio electric cylinder paired with a 10:1 ratio external gear reducer. While fast travel up to 546 inches per minute will require a low ratio electric cylinder paired with a direct drive motor.

  • Standard model Electric Cylinders are purchased without a motor or external gear reducer.
  • Direct Drive models have the motor mounted directly to the input shaft of the Electric Cylinder. The motor extends at a 90 degree angle from eh electric cylinder.
  • ComDRIVE models have mounted external gear reducers and motors. The combination of internal and external gear reduction is specified and it accounts for output speed of the specific electric cylinder.

NOTE: Brake motors must be specified for all ballscrews Electric Cylinders (ECB).and for any acme Screw Electric Cylinder (ECA) with an efficiency ratio greater than or equal to 30%.

Smaller Capacity Linear Actuators are available from Joyce:

  • Multipurpose Actuators - 1600 lb max. capacity, both AC and DC available, speeds to 96 in./min.
  • Integrated Actuators - 2000 lb. max. Capacity, AC, speeds to 345 in./min.

Customization and Special Finishes:

Joyce can customize your Electric Cylinders to meet your requirements.

  • Premium external finishes
  • Proprietary Outdoor paint process resists corrosive elements and works well in harsh environments.
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ComDRIVE Options

  • Special reducer ratios available
  • Special mounting positions available
  • Special motor adapters available
  • Mount limit switch to gear reducers
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Encoders

  • Standard 200 or 1024 PPR
  • Quadrature wave form
  • Stainless steel encoder
  • Absolute encoder
  • Encoders
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Finishes

  • Enamel finish (standard)
  • Epoxy finish
  • STEEL IT® epoxy
  • Outdoor paint process
  • Custom finishes available
  • Anodized (250-lb to 1-ton)
  • Nickel, Xylan®, Armoloy®
  •  Finishes
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Hand Wheels

  • 4" – 12" dia. (standard)
  • Aluminum (standard)
  • Stainless steel available
  • Hand Wheels
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Input Shaft (worm)

  • Square or hex to fit tool
  • Special lengths
  • 17-4 stainless steel available
  • Metric diameters available
  • One side can be cut off
  • Other modifications available
  • Input shaft cover available
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Limit Switches

  • Rotary cam (2-4 switches)
  • SPDT standard
  • DPDT available
  • Explosion proof available
  • Limit Switches
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Lubrication

  • Standard grease temperature range (40°F to 220°F)
  • Low temperature option
  • High temperature option
  • Food grade option
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Mechanical Counters

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Motor Mounts

  • NEMA mounts available on 2-ton to 20-ton wormgear jacks and electric cylinders
  • NEMA mounts included on integrated actuators
  • Servo motor mounts available on 2-ton to 10-ton jacks and electric cylinders, special mounts available
  • Custom mounts available
  • Motor Mounts and Stock Motors
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Oversized Ball Bearings

  • Available for ball screw jacks
  • Limits screw backlash to 0.003"
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Potentiometers

  • 0-10V (POTA)
  • 4-20mA (POTB)
  • 0-10V with limit switches (POTC)
  • 4-20mA with limit switches(POTD)
  • IP65
  • Potentiometers
 

Sample Part Number:

Click on the part number to reveal additional informaton about jack designs and shaft codes.

Model Number

2.5-Ton
ACME Screw
2.5-Ton
Ball Screw
3-Ton
ACME Screw
3-Ton
Ball Screw
5-Ton
ACME Screw
5-Ton
Ball Screw
10-Ton
ACME Screw
10-Ton
Ball Screw
20-Ton
ACME Screw
20-Ton
Ball Screw
ECAL242.5

ECAH62.5
ECAH122.5
ECAH242.5

ECBL62.5
ECBL122.5
ECBL242.5

ECBM62.5

ECBH62.5

ECAL63
ECAL123
ECAL243
ECBL63
ECBL123
ECBL243

ECBH63
ECBH123
ECBH243

ECAL65
ECAL245

ECAM65
ECAM125
ECAM245

ECAH65
ECAH125
ECAH245

ECBL65
ECBL125
ECBL245

ECBM65
ECBM125
ECBM245

ECBH65
ECBH125
ECBH245

ECAL810
ECAL2410

ECAM810
ECAM2410

ECAH810
ECAH2410

ECBL810
ECBL2410

ECBM810
ECBM2410

ECBH810
ECBH2410

ECAL820
ECAL2420

ECAM820
ECAM2420

ECAH820
ECAH2420

ECBL820
ECBL2420

Important Note: Electric Cylinders that are ≥ 30% efficient may lower under load. Brake motors or external locking systems are required.

Tube End Conditions

Base Designs

Cylinder Rise

Rise is travel expressed in inches and not the actual tube length. The allowable travel for each unit is listed in the Quick Reference section. Allowable lengths differ for vertical and horizontal mounting.

Left Side Shaft Code

Right Side Shaft Code

XXXX=Remove
STDX=Standard

XXXX=Remove
STDX=Standard


Optional Shaft Codes

Screw Stops and Boots

Screw stops are optional on machine screw jacks. When specified, the closed height of the jack and/or the protection tube length may be increased. When boots are added to machine screw jacks, the closed height of the jack may be increased.

Mechanical Counters

CNT0=0.001" Increments
Note: Contact Joyce/Dayton for availability and options.

Hand Wheels

HW04=4" dia
HW06=6" dia
HW08=8" dia
HW10=10" dia
HW12=12" dia

Not recommended for cylinders that are ≥ 30% efficient.

Geared Potentiometers

POTA=0-10V (IP65)
POTB=4-20MA (IP65)
POTC=0-10V w/2 switches*
POTD=4-20MA w/2 switches*
*Optional IP65 rating available

Encoders and Electronic Liit Switches

ENCX=Encoder
ELS2=2 Position Electronic Switch
ELS4=4 Position Electronic Switch
ELS6=6 Position Electronic Switch

ComDrive Reducers
Ordering Example: P2 (Moutning Positions) A (Ratio) C (Motor code from chart below)
Mounting Positions Ratio
Code P1 P2 P3 P4

5:1
Code A

7.5:1
Code B

10:1
Code C

Left
Side
Shaft
Positions
Right
Side
Shaft
Positions

Motors

Size Code
1/4 HP K
1/3 HP A
1/2 HP B
3/4 HP C
1 HP D
1-1/2 HP E
2 HP F
3 HP L
5 HP G

Motor Mounts

Ordering Example:
MMA A (Motor code from chart above)

MMA=56C
MMB=140TC
MMC=180TC
MMD=210TC

Standard motor adapters are aluminum

All standard motors are 3-phase, 208-230/460 VAC or 230/460 VAC. Specify the appropriate motor size from the chart above. Refer to the "Additional Options" chart on the preceding page as needed. Brake motors are required for electric cylinders that are more than 30% efficient. Contact Joyce/Dayton options that are not listed.

Mechanical Limit Switches

Ordering Example:
LA (Models) 1(Number of DPDT Switches) 3(Available Positions)

Model Code   Available Positions
LS7-402 LI

Number of DPDT Switches

NOTE: Will always be 0 for LS7 models

  1 3 5
LS8-402 LA Left Side Shaft Options
LS8-504 LB
LS9-502 LC
LS9-503 LD Right Side Shaft Options
LS9-504 LE
LS9-505 LF
LS9-506 LG
  • 2.5, 3, 5, 10, and 20 Ton Electric Cylinders are available with positions #1, #3, and #5
LS9-507 LH

To order additional options, use these part numbers

Female Clevis Bracket
FCB-30
FCB-100
FCB-200

Clevis Pin w/ retaining rings
CP-30
CP-100
CP-200

Female Rod Clevis
FRC-30
FRC-100
FRC-200

Additional Options

  • X=Standard Jack, no additional options
  • S=Additional Specification Required (comment as necessary)

Finishes

  • F1=Do Not Paint
  • F2=Epoxy Paint
  • F3=Outdoor Paint Process

Motor Options

  • M1=Less Motor
  • M2=Brake Motor
  • M3=Single Phase Motor (120VAC)
  • M4=50Hz Motor

Grease/Seals

  • H1=High Temperature Operation
  • H2=Food Grade
  • Specify as many options as needed
Model Static Capacity Screw Diameter Thread Pitch/Lead Worm Gear Ratio Worm Shaft Turns for 1" Travel Tare Torque (Inches Lbs.) Starting Torque (Inches Lbs.) Operating Torque (Inches Lbs.) Translating Tube Torque (Inches Lbs.) Base Weight Weight
per Inch Travel
ECAL242.5 2.5 ton 1 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
24:1 96 6 .018W* .010W* @
500 RPM
.098W* 24 1.5
ECAH62.5 2.5 ton 1 .25 pitch
.5 lead ACME 2C
6:1 12 8 .056W* .040W* @
500 RPM
.140W* 24 1.5
ECAH122.5 2.5 ton 1 .25 pitch
.5 lead ACME 2C
12:1 24 7 .035W* .023W* @
500 RPM
.140W* 24 1.5
ECAH242.5 2.5 ton 1 .25 pitch
.5 lead ACME 2C
24:1 48 6 .025W* .014W* @
500 RPM
.140W* 24 1.5
ECBL62.5 2.5 ton 1 0.25 lead ball 6:1 24 8 .017W* .013W* @
500 RPM
.045W* 30 1.5
ECBL122.5 2.5 ton 1 0.25 lead ball 12:1 48 7 .010W* .008W* @
500 RPM
.045W* 30 1.5
ECBL242.5 2.5 ton 1 0.25 lead ball 24:1 96 6 .008W* .005W* @
500 RPM
.045W* 30 1.5
ECBM62.5 2.5 ton 1 0.5 lead ball 6:1 12 8 .033W* .026W* @
500 RPM
.089W* 30 1.5
ECBH62.5 2.5 ton 1 1 lead ball 6:1 6 8 .065W* .051W* @
500 RPM
.177W* 30 1.5
ECAL63 3 ton 1 1/4 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
6:1 24 9 .048W* .033W* @
500 RPM
.114W* 26 1.9
ECAL123 3 ton 1 1/4 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
12:1 48 8 .030W* .018W* @
500 RPM
.114W* 26 1.9
ECAL243 3 ton 1 1/4 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
24:1 96 7 .021W* .011W* @
500 RPM
.114W* 26 1.9
ECBL63 3 ton 1 3/20 .2 lead ball 6:1 30 9 .013W* .011W* @
500 RPM
.036W* 32 1.9
ECBL243 3 ton 1 3/20 .2 lead ball 12:1 60 8 .008W* .006W* @
500 RPM
.036W* 32 1.9
ECBH63 3 ton 1 1/16 .625 lead ball 6:1 9.6 9 .041W* .032W* @
500 RPM
.111W* 32 1.8
ECBH123 3 ton 1 1/16 .625 lead ball 12:1 19.2 8 .025W* .018W* @
500 RPM
.111W* 32 1.8
ECBH243 3 ton 1 1/16 .625 lead ball 24:1 38.4 7 .018W* .011W* @
500 RPM
.111W* 32 1.8
ECAL65 5 ton 1 1/2 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
6:1 24 15 .057W* .039W* @
300 RPM
.130W* 50 2.3
ECAL245 5 ton 1 1/2 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
24:1 96 12 .026W* .014W* @
300 RPM
.130W* 50 2.3
ECAM65 5 ton 1 1/2 .375 pitch STUB ACME 6:1 16 15 .065W* .045W* @
300 RPM
.151W* 50 2.3
ECAM125 5 ton 1 1/2 .375 pitch STUB ACME 12:1 32 13 .041W* .025W* @
300 RPM
.151W* 50 2.3
ECAM245 5 ton 1 1/2 .375 pitch STUB ACME 24:1 64 12 .030W* .016W* @
300 RPM
.151W* 50 2.3
ECAH65 5 ton 1 1/2 .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C 6:1 12 15 .073W* .051W* @
300 RPM
.171W* 50 2.3
ECAH125 5 ton 1 1/2 .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C 12:1 24 13 .046W* .029W* @
300 RPM
.171W* 50 2.3
ECAH245 5 ton 1 1/2 .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C 24:1 48 12 .033W* .018W* @
300 RPM
.171W* 50 2.3
ECBL65 5 ton 1 1/2 .474 lead ball 6:1 12.66 15 .032W* .025W* @
300 RPM
.084W* 65 2.3
ECBL125 5 ton 1 1/2 .474 lead ball 12:1 25.33 13 .020W* .014W* @
300 RPM
.084W* 65 2.3
ECBL245 5 ton 1 1/2 .474 lead ball 24:1 50.66 12 .015W* .009W* @
300 RPM
.084W* 65 2.3
ECBM65 5 ton 1 1/2 1.0 lead ball 6:1 6 15 .067W* .052W* @
300 RPM
.177W* 65 2.3
ECBM125 5 ton 1 1/2 1.0 lead ball 12:1 12 13 .042W* .030W* @
300 RPM
.177W* 65 2.3
ECBM245 5 ton 1 1/2 1.0 lead ball 24:1 24 12 .031W* .018W* @
300 RPM
.177W* 65 2.3
ECBH65 5 ton 1 1/2 1.875 lead ball 6:1 3.2 15 .125W* .098W* @
300 RPM
.332W* 65 2.3
ECBH125 5 ton 1 1/2 1.875 lead ball 12:1 6.4 13 .079W* .055W* @
300 RPM
.332W* 65 2.3
ECBH245 5 ton 1 1/2 1.875 lead ball 24:1 12.8 12 .057W* .034W* @
300 RPM
.332W* 65 2.3
ECAL810 10 ton 2 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
8:1 32 30 .052W* .036W* @
200 RPM
.162W* 64 2.8
ECAL2410 10 ton 2 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
24:1 96 25 .026W* .016W* @
200 RPM
.162W* 64 2.8
ECAM810 10 ton 2 .5 pitch
ACME 2C
8:1 16 30 .061W* .044W* @
200 RPM
.195W* 64 2.6
ECAM2410 10 ton 2 .5 pitch
ACME 2C
24:1 48 25 .031W* .019W* @
200 RPM
.195W* 64 2.6
ECAH810 10 ton 2 .333 pitch .66 lead ACME 2C 8:1 12 30 .070W* .051W* @
200 RPM
.228W* 64 2.7
ECAH2410 10 ton 2 .333 pitch .66 lead ACME 2C 24:1 36 25 .035W* .022W* @
200 RPM
.228W* 64 2.7
ECBL810 10 ton 2 .474 lead ball 8:1 16.88 30 .023W* .019W* @
200 RPM
.084W* 81 2.3
ECBL2410 10 ton 2 .474 lead ball 24:1 50.66 25 .012W* .008W* @
200 RPM
.084W* 81 2.3
ECBM810 10 ton 1 1/2 1.0 lead ball 8:1 8 30 .049W* .040W* @
200 RPM
.172W* 81 2.3
ECBM2410 10 ton 1 1/2 1.0 lead ball 24:1 24 25 .024W* .017W* @
200 RPM
.172W* 81 2.3
ECBH810 10 ton 1 1/2 1.875 lead ball 8:1 4.27 30 .091W* .074W* @
200 RPM
.332W* 81 2.3
ECBH2410 10 ton 1 1/2 1.875 lead ball 24:1 12.8 25 .045W* .031W* @
200 RPM
.332W* 81 2.3
ECAL820 20 ton 2 1/2 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
8:1 32 60 .066W* .044W* @
200 RPM
.194W* 124 4.9
ECAL2420 20 ton 2 1/2 .25 pitch
ACME 2C
24:1 96 40 .035W* .019W* @
200 RPM
.194W* 124 4.9
ECAM820 20 ton 2 1/2 .5 pitch
ACME 2C
8:1 16 60 .075W* .052W* @
200 RPM
.227W* 124 4.7
ECAM2420 20 ton 2 1/2 .5 pitch
ACME 2C
24:1 48 40 .039W* .022W* @
200 RPM
.227W* 124 4.7
ECAH820 20 ton 2 1/2 .375 pitch
.75 lead
ACME 2C
8:1 10.67 60 .088W* .062W* @
200 RPM
.273W* 124 4.8
ECAH2420 20 ton 2 1/2 .375 pitch
.75 lead
ACME 2C
24:1 32 40 .046W* .027W* @
200 RPM
.273W* 124 4.8
ECBL820 20 ton 2 1/4 .5 lead ball 8:1 16 60 .026W* .020W* @
200 RPM
.089W* 164 4.5
ECBL2420 20 ton 2 1/4 .5 lead ball 24:1 48 40 .014W* .009W* @
200 RPM
.089W* 164 4.5

Important Note: Electric cylinders that are >/= 30% are not self-locking. Brake motors or external locking systems are required.
*W: Load in pounds.
Tare Torque: Initial torque to overcome seal and normal assembly drag. This value must be added to starting torque or operating torque values.
Starting Torque: Torque value required to start moving a given load (dissipates to operating torque values once the load begins moving).
Operating Torque: Torque required to continuously raise a given load at the input RPM listed.
Translating Tube Torque: Torque required to resist tube rotation.
Lead: The distance traveled axially in one rotation of the lifting screw.
Pitch: The distance from a point on a screw thread to a corresponding point on the next thread, measured axially.