Debunking "Conventional Wisdom" in Actuator Selection and Deployment

Nov. 15, 2011
Understanding all the costs in pneumatic and electric actuators -- and recognizing their very different capabilities -- can save tens of thousands of dollars.

It's in the news. Everyone is talking about it. Pneumaitc or electric? Are you considering replacing a compressor and 200 pneumatic cylinders with electric actuators to save compressor costs? Thinking about building a new machine with pneumatics because 30 electric actuators cost a whopping $34,000?

You might be making the wrong decision and as a result wasting tens of thousands of dollars a year. This article provides an analysis of cost components for both estimations. Cost calculations are provided in the appendix for readers who wish to evaluate costs for their machines or facilities.

Understanding all the costs in pneumatic and electric actuators — and recognizing their very different capabilities — can save tens of thousands of dollars.

It's in the news. Everyone is talking about it. Pneumaitc or electric? Are you considering replacing a compressor and 200 pneumatic cylinders with electric actuators to save compressor costs? Thinking about building a new machine with pneumatics because 30 electric actuators cost a whopping $34,000?

You might be making the wrong decision and as a result wasting tens of thousands of dollars a year. This article provides an analysis of cost components for both estimations. Cost calculations are provided in the appendix for readers who wish to evaluate costs for their machines or facilities.