Electromechanical positioning has typically been the most common method of motion control in automation systems. But an alternative that’s gaining ground is electropneumatic positioning. Systems based on this technology rely on precision valves to control flow or pressure and, in turn, move an actuator to a required location. Here’s a closer look.
Electromechanical Basics
In electromechanical systems, linear devices such as profiled rails, ball screws, and linear modules driven by electric motors lift, move, and place components. These systems can provide excellent positioning accuracy. Accurate positioning refers not only to an actuator’s endpoint accuracy, but also to the accuracy of its position at any selected point along a path of motion. In high-speed automation, precision motion sequences—not just in terms of positioning, but also in its timing—are crucial to manufacturing speed, throughput, and quality.
Electromechanical positioning can meet these requirements. However, electromechanical devices also have some inherent drawbacks that, over the long term, can increase manufacturing costs, cause production problems, and hurt overall productivity.http://www.machinedesign.com/motion-control/electropneumatic-valves-better-option-motion-control
