SMAC Smart Gage Actuators Outperform and Replace LVDTs

Carlsbad, CA – SMAC Moving Coil Actuators has introduced a series of electric gage actuators that provide gaging solutions with consistent, fast and precise control of the process. These electric gage actuators are easy to install and eliminate problems associated with the conventional pneumatic solutions. They reduce maintenance time and cost. Their design is based on SMAC proprietary moving coil technology and include SMAC’s own encoders.

Affectionately known among SMAC Engineers as the "LVDT Killer," the SMAC MSA/MLA series was born to compete directly against LVDT's and provide a complete measuring solution improving on the value seen with traditional LVDT solutions. While the LVTD has served various industries for well over 50 years, little more advancement other than miniaturization and IP protection has come about in that time. Most applications require added cost over and above what the traditional Linear Variable Differential Transformers can provide. Some of these attributes are better linear resolution, longer strokes, programmable motion, Soft-Land, speed control, industrial robustness, longer life and price, all of which SMAC provides.

The MLA is an electric gage actuator with programmable, precision measurement. It achieves consistent measurement replications and improves processes by reducing gage repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) variation. It has repeatability and linearity of force no matter where it is operating in the stroke unlike LVDTs that utilize pneumatics or springs. It achieves smooth and consistent low friction over the entire stroke. The MLA has an internal precision linear guide as well as added side-loading support on the shaft. It can handle higher side-loads than most LVDTs. The MLA8 is the first model in the series and only 8mm in width.

The MSA gage actuator is a simple solution that does not require additional module(s) externally, and allows users to go directly to their PLC / high speed counter card. It can handle higher side-loads and it is far more cost effective than traditional LVDTs. The MSA8 is the first model in the series. It is compact measuring only 95mm x 28mm x 8mm for 10mm stroke.

Both models are available for purchase now.

SMAC Moving Coil Actuators offer true “mechatronic solutions.” By that they mean their actuators have unique capabilities such as programmable and controllable position, velocity, and force, high accelerations, cycle life well over 100M, and a patent-pending “Soft-Land” capability. The Soft-Land capability is particularly useful when performing fragile part assembly, measurement, moving objects, etc. Real time feedback of these motion attributes enables proof that the work is done (i.e., direct quality feedback).