An In-Depth Maintenance Plan for Loading Dock Levelers

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Over 5 million workers are injured on the job each year in the United States. For most business owners, finding a way to keep their employees safe is a must.

If your business deals in the loading and unloading of trucks, keeping workers safe can be more challenging. Most loading docks will feature equipment like dock levelers.

With these load dock leveler systems, workers can load and unload large trucks with ease. However, failing to maintain this vital piece of equipment properly can lead to big problems in the future.

Are you interested in creating a dock leveler maintenance plan? If so, check out the helpful tips below.

Properly Lubricating Dock Levelers is a Must

The main thing you will have to do to keep dock levelers functional is to lubricate them on a regular basis. The parts of a dock leveler are always in motion. This means you need a great deal of lubrication to keep these parts functional.

Inspecting your dock leveler will help you discover an orange spot of rust that may exist. As soon as you notice this, you need to lubricate these areas. Lubricating will not only make the leveler operate better, but it will also help to extend its lifespan as well.

Work on Keeping the Dock Leveler Clean

Typically, dock levelers are in high-traffic areas. In most cases, high-traffic areas have large amounts of various debris and waste.

If any of the parts of a dock leveler are covered by debris or garbage, it will prohibit them from working correctly. This is why you need to work with your employees to create a dock cleaning schedule.

By instituting a comprehensive plan, you can rest assured your dock, and the levelers on it will remain clean. Involving your employees in the dock leveler maintenance process is the only way to ensure it is successful.

Test Your Dock Levelers Regularly

Some business owners only look at their dock leveler when it is being used by employees. One of the best ways to honestly assess this machine’s functionality is when there are no distractions.

Taking the time to inspect and test a dock leveler can help you find repair issues before they cause too much damage. If you are unsure about what to look for during this testing, be sure to consult with professionals for help.

Check Fluids in Hydraulic Dock Levelers

If you have a hydraulic dock leveler, it is imperative to check the fluid levels in it on a regular basis. Allowing the hydraulic fluid level to get too low can lead to the dock leveler malfunctioning.

If you notice that the fluid levels are consistently low, chances are you have a leak that needs fixing. Allowing dock leveler repair professionals to diagnose and fix this leak can help to minimize the damage done to this equipment.

In Need of Professional Help?

Trying to repair and maintain dock levelers without professional assistance can create problems. The last thing you want is to damage this equipment due to a lack of experience.

Are you in need of professional heavy equipment repair? If so, contact us now to find out more about the repair services we offer.

A Dock Worker’s Ultimate Dock Equipment Checklist

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Dock work is crucial to the ebb and flow of transported goods, and in turn, to the economy. The safety and smooth processing of dock work is also a must if you want to remain in business.

Dock workers are at risk for workplace injuries, but you don’t want faulty equipment to retract from the safety of your workers. Notifying dock workers during safety talks is just the beginning of keeping workers safe.

Your workers do their part to stay safe every day, now it’s time to do your part by making sure you have all the necessary equipment to run a successful and safe dock working environment. Read our ultimate dock equipment checklist to make sure your docks are operating sufficiently and safely!

1. Dock Levelers

Dock levelers operate mechanically, hydraulically or electrically. The facility where you operate will provide clues on which option may be best for your company.

You can raise dock levelers or lower them to accommodate for varying heights of trailers unloading at the dock. Once you engage the dock levelers, a dock plate will also be useful in providing a bridge between the trailer and the building.

2. Dock Bumper

Dock bumpers protect the surface of the dock from trailers lowering onto the dock. Made out of rubber, they can absorb the impact between the trailer and the dock.

Bumpers protect your building, the trucks, and the incoming trailers from damage. Corner protectors and wall protectors can also be useful in maintaining the condition of your building from trailer impact.

3. Dock Barricades

Dock barricades prevent workers from falling and provide a visual stopping point for forklift drivers and workers near the loading dock when a trailer is not present.

Dock barricades can be manual or powered electrically/mechanically depending on what works best for your company and your workers. Dock rails, handrails, and guards can also be useful in preventing falls and letting workers know where danger zones are located.

4. Dock Lights

Proper lighting is essential to the operation of your dock. Depending on your hours of operation, workers may use the dock at night when adequate lighting is needed the most.

Dock lights are essential and help to keep workers safe. Communication lights, much like stop lights, are also a good investment. They provide smooth communication between truck drivers and dock workers.

5. Vehicle Restraint Devices

Vehicle restraint devices keep the truck unloading its trailer from rolling during the unloading process. These devices also protect against human error on the truck driver’s behalf who believes the job is done prematurely.

Wheel Chocks are commonly used to prevent trucks from rolling. These are block wedges which are placed under the front of the rear tires to prevent rolling.

ICC bar restraint systems are also increasing in popularity. These systems engage a trailers rear impact guard and secure it from rolling away. It’s best to have on hand a variety of restraint devices in case of varying weather patterns and poor condition of trailer trucks entering your loading dock.

6. Screen and Curtain Doors

Screen and curtain doors protect your building and your workers from bad weather. Screens and doors provide a barrier from outside elements and assist in preventing slips and falls. They also allow your workers to be in a more secure and climate controlled environment making it easier to unload.

Ready to Upgrade Your Dock Equipment?

Contact us today to receive a quote on your dock equipment needs. We specialize in crane equipment, industrial brakes and clutches, and gearbox and transmission products.

Visit our blog for more about industrial equipment and safety tips available to your industry.

What Are the Best Frictionless Bearings on the Market?

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Whether you realize it or not, ball bearings are involved in many aspects of your life. They are in any machine with moving parts, as well as your car and your bike.

Cave drawings show that at the very beginning of civilization, people discovered that it was easier to move cumbersome things by placing them on top of a rolling log. Voila! Here you have the first bearing.

Although the main idea and design has not changed much, new ideas have been developed. What started as a wooden bearing, has graduated to what we have on the market today.

Which bearings offer the lowest friction? If you are choosing bearings for your machine or looking to customize an industrial application, you’ll want to know the answer to that question.

Read on as we explore the different kinds of frictionless bearings.

The Best Frictionless Bearings on the Market

Bearings were developed to help move things along with less friction. Typically, ball bearings still have some amount of friction. Because most bearings use a cage to keep the balls separate and evenly spaced, there is added friction. The remedy to this is to add grease.

What if bearings could be designed to work without the cage or metal or plastic framework? This would reduce friction without lubrication and make bearings virtually frictionless.

No-Cage Design

Coo Space, which is a Japanese engineering firm, has discovered a way to ensure that the balls stay evenly spaced without the need for the cage.

The Autonomous Decentralised Bearing (ADB) is the name of their product. It is designed with small indentations or divots.

The balls go into the divots as they roll over the track. This motion speeds up or slows down as the balls are rolling and they will never collide.

This invention makes the traditional cage design obsolete. Without the cage, the bearings have ten times less friction. Bonus: they never need lubrication because they are greaseless bearings.

These involve less energy. There will be fewer breakdowns in machines that use these new bearings.

These might just be the best bearings in the world!

Ceramic Bearings

The next best thing to the frictionless bearings mentioned above is ceramic bearings. Ceramic silicon nitride (Si2N4) is the material used to make ceramic bearings.

They are lower friction because they are rounder and smoother and more consistent in size. They are also harder making them more durable. Rust is not an issue either with ceramic bearings.

Heavy Industry Parts and Service

Bearings and other parts wear out over time. Whether you are in the market for frictionless bearings or crane wheels, we can help answer any of your questions.

Kor-Pak is committed to serving numerous industries. We are consistently focused on our customers’ needs and keep up with the changes in the industry.

Check out the information on our website and email or call us with your questions.

How to Find the Best Phenolic Bearings Supplier

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If you need replacement bearings for your heavy machinery it’s a good idea to pick out the best variety for your needs.

Using lower quality phenolic bearings will decrease efficiency and lower overall productivity.

They’ll also wear out faster and cause more downtime than if you put the time in to buy the best phenolic bearing.

Use this guide to learn how to choose the best bearing supplier for your operation.

Check Reviews

The first step when purchasing just about anything is to ask around for recommendations and check out reviews. You can get a pretty good picture of an organization’s product quality and overall customer relations this way.

Find out what variety of bearings they offer and see how they compare in head-to-head tests with other manufacturers. Double check how they are with delivery schedules, timetables, and how they deal with issues when they crop up.

Ask your business associates and other suppliers who they’ve used in the past and how they would rate their experience. It’s always a good idea to check out what other types of bearings a manufacturer provides. A well-rounded manufacturer with a wide range of experience in the industry will probably be able to assist you more effectively than a smaller one.

Compare Phenolic Bearing Prices and Properties

Phenolic bearings are composite bearings that use a cotton or other fiber layer bonded to phenolic resin. The best quality phenolic or nylon sleeve bearing will have extremely low thermal conductivity.

Make sure and get a firm answer on the level of thermal conductivity a manufacturer’s bearings have. Also, figure out what varieties of lubricant will work with them. This is especially important in roll stands, paper mills and construction equipment applications where heavy loads will be placed on bearings.

Don’t be afraid to shop around. One of the best ways to find the best price on phenolic and nylon bearings is to get quotes from numerous fabricators and manufacturers. This allows you to get a general feel for market prices and can help you in making counter-offers to a high-quality supplier’s offer.

Ask for Samples

If you only need two or three bearings you probably won’t have much luck getting samples to test out. If, on the other hand, you’re looking to create a continuing business relationship for a major source of supply don’t be afraid to ask for samples.

A quality manufacturer will have no problem letting you try out their products to see if they meet your long-term needs. There is a caveat here of course. If you need to get parts custom fabricated it’s unlikely you’ll be able to get a sample.

Weigh the Costs

Phenolic bearings are designed to provide expensive equipment with flawless functionality under extreme conditions. It’s not a good idea to cheap out on something that can cause a catastrophic failure in your capital machinery. Make sure you weigh the costs of high-grade bearings vs. savings.

If you’re having trouble sourcing a specific bearing, get in touch with us to get a free quote on custom machined parts.

The Ultimate Guide to the Different Types of Couplings

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Are you stuck trying to find the right couplings for your project? Looking at the many different types of couplings could cause anyone to become confused, but when your project is on a time limit, you need answers – and fast.

The good news is that knowing your coupling types isn’t as confusing as you might think it is. The even better news is that we’re here to break all of it down for you.

A List of Couplings

Jaw Couplings

Jaw couplings do their job by transmitting torque through compression, with an elastomeric spider placed in between two intermeshing jawlike pieces.

This may sound like a lot of complicated words, but jaw couplings are one of the most common kind out there. It’s excellent for low torque, general purpose use and is made of inexpensive but reliable materials to handle any project.

Beam Couplings

These little guys look like something out of a spaceship movie, and they’ve probably been used in a couple of them.

Beam couplings tend to be more complicated than jaw couplings. They have either one or many helical cuts to accommodate a wide variety of parallel and angular misalignments.

This makes them fantastic for use on motion control applications, and it’s a bonus that they can hold a decent amount of weight as well.

Tire Couplings

Tire couplings are incredible pieces of work. Everything about their size and shape shows that they didn’t come to play games.

Tire couplings have either rubber or polyurethane molded in the shape of a tire (hence the name) in between two hubs. The rubber/polyurethane helps to transmit the needed torque.

Thanks to the design, it not only reduces vibration or shock, but it also has a high misalignment capacity, meaning it can take a wide variety of couplings.

Combine that with its easy assembly and high torque capacity, and you’ll be wanting to use this coupler for almost every project.

Chain Couplings

Chain couplings are all about the power – and boy, do they bring all of it.

These types of couplings can transmit hundreds of horsepower per unit using an array of chain sprockets and roller chains, while still being flexible enough to allow for a pretty good misalignment range.

You won’t be disappointed if you choose these.

The Leader in Industrial Equipment

Now that you know all about couplings, you can shop around for them like a pro.

Here at Kor-Pak Corporations, we provide the highest quality industrial products at the best price. We have a large inventory, including disc brakes, industrial couplings, crane wheels, torque limiters, and so much more.

Have a question? We can help.

Come and check us out. We look forward to hearing from you!

What Maintenance Do Drum Brakes Need?

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Postponing the maintenance of your drum brakes is a disaster waiting to happen.

By caring for your breaks with regular maintenance, you are caring for your machinery and the safety of those operating it.

It’s important to keep in mind that brakes simply don’t fail on their own. Brake failure is a direct result of negligence and improper maintenance.

So to ensure your drum brake are operating at their optimum, here’s what you need to know about their maintenance.

A Simple Guide to Drum Brake Maintenance

Drum brakes are comprised of a number of moving parts, so it’s essential to ensure all these parts are well-maintained.

Just some of these include hydraulic or magnetic actuators, brake drums, brake shoes, thrusters, coils, controllers and other spare parts.

To add to this, there are a number of drum brake varieties on the market, so depending on the variety, the maintenance may differ:

  • DC magnetic drum brakes
  • Thruster drum brakes
  • DC solenoid magnetic drum brakes
  • Three phase magnetic AC drum brakes
  • Hydraulic drum/shoe brakes
  • Handwheel drum brakes

When undergoing maintenance, you may notice that brakes require complete replacing.

In this case, remember to consider the required braking torque and correct size and model for adequate stopping power.

Wondering how to determine the torque factor of the drum brakes you need?

The drive-factor usually determines torque. Crane travel usually requires 75-100%, while 150-200% for crane hoists and overhauling loads is the norm.

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

Even if the brakes on your machinery show no visible signs of wear and tear or failure, routine maintenance every 6-months is a must.

As mentioned, waiting for brakes to fail is a disaster in the making and can put lives at risk and cost you unnecessary time and money.

Preventative maintenance is a smart move because in the long-term you will be saving yourself money while extending the life cycle of your machinery.

For these above reasons, it’s 100% necessary to incorporate drum brake maintenance into your standard operating procedures (SOP).

This way, you can educate both engineers and machine operators on the signs to look for when it comes to wear and tear and when maintenance is required.

How to Safely Replace Drum Brakes

When it comes time for drum brake maintenance, ensure your employees wear the necessary protective equipment, including an asbestos respirator.

You’ll need to ensure they are aware of all the potential hazards and how to avoid them before they begin. This is where SOP training comes in!

A simple step-by-step guide on how to replace drum brakes is as follows:

  1. Follow the directions to remove the machinery’s tires – this must be done before replacing drum brakes
  2. Make sure to double-check the brake adjuster and its screws- remove or replace as needs be
  3. Pull the drum brake off by holding firmly with two hands and slowly wiggling it off
  4. Do a thorough inspection of the drum brake before replacing with a new one
  5. Make sure to take a photo of the drum brake for its disassembled
  6. If brake shoes need replacing, make sure a comparable pair is used, i.e., they must be the same width as the previous pair
  7. After this, dismantle and inspect all brake components
  8. Replace brake pads and any faulty springs, then reassemble everything

It’s important to note that if you had to replace brake cylinders, make sure to bleed the system before the machine is used in full function again.

Looking for Specialized Industrial Parts?

Kor-Pak is a well-renowned OEM and distributor of industrial products.

We supply a range of products including heavy duty drum brakes, industrial braking systems, customized machine parts and more.

No matter the part, Kor-Pak is sure to supply it! Get in touch today to learn more about our services.

DC vs. AC Motor: What’s the Difference?

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You need an industrial motor, but what kind should you get: AC or DC?

That depends on what you’re trying to accomplish with the motor. There’s no clear winner in the DC vs. AC motor debate, but learning more about how each motor works can help you decide.

First, let’s answer the question, “What is the difference between AC and DC motors?”

How AC Motors are Built

An AC motor uses alternating current. That’s where the “AC” part enters the picture.

There are two types of AC motors. The first is an induction motor, also known as an asynchronous motor. It works like this: A part called the stator winds and produces electromagnetic induction, which is then turned into the electric current that propels the rotor.

Then there’s the synchronous motor. If you’ve noticed that synchronous sounds like “synchronized,” then you’re onto something. The shaft rotates in sync with the supply current’s frequency.

The Edison Tech Center in Schenectady, New York, calls induction motors “the most popular electric motor in the world.” It credits the motor’s longevity to its simplicity of design.

Synchronous motors aren’t as simple, but they’re still popular.

How DC Motors are Built

In DC motors, the “DC” stands for “direct current.” That’s what these motors use for power; it has nothing to do with the District of Columbia.

Their power often comes via batteries. If you took a close look at a DC motor, the parts you’d find would include a rotor and an axle. They come in brushed and brushless models.

Both models also use magnets, but the magnets work in different ways. The brushless models are newer, and they’re generally considered more efficient than the brushed models, due in large part to how the magnets are placed.

Now that we’ve covered the difference between AC and DC motors let’s look at the different applications for them.

DC vs. AC Motors: How We Use Them

Did you have a piece of toast for breakfast this morning? Maybe a bagel instead? In either case, you used an AC motor to warm up the bread before you ate it.

When you take the toaster cord and plug it into an electrical outlet, you probably aren’t thinking, “I’m connecting to the AC power supply,” but that’s what’s happening.

Maybe you prefer to stick with coffee from the drive-thru in the mornings. If so, guess what? The friendly barista brewed your espresso with an AC motor.

If you had an electric car 20 years ago, it would have been powered by a DC brushless drive. In the induction motor vs. DC motor debate, the latter is winning handily. Only a few electric vehicles have used an induction drive, including the Tesla Roadster.

If you’ve gone off-roading in an ATV, though, you can thank a DC motor. They’re also used for things like electric wheelchairs, chemical pumps, and sprayers.

Some types of motors come in both AC and DC versions. For instance, if you wanted to, you could switch between an AC and DC crane motor.

More About Motors

Want to know more? There’s no need to wring your hands as you ponder a DC vs. AC motor.

If you’ve got additional questions, we can answer them. We provide all sorts of motors for all kinds of industrial uses, so contact us today.

How to Choose the Right Brake Pad Material for Your Equipment

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Remember asbestos? The now-maligned heat resisting, sound absorbing, load withstanding miracle mineral used to be the standard brake pad material. Blow out the brakes, inhale the dust, repeat.

And now 3,000 mostly senior men are diagnosed with mesothelioma yearly.

Asbestos use peaked in 1973, and the industries that relied on it have since adapted. This includes the manufacture of brake pads. Let’s see what the options are now so you can decide what’s best for you.

Necessary Qualities of Brake Pad Material

When brakes are employed, kinetic energy is converted into thermal energy. The brake pads create friction which creates heat.

Regular use can drive the temperature up to 392 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot enough to bake chicken wings. It’s also hot enough to lead to brake pad decomposition eventually. Heavy use can send the temperature over 1000 degrees!

As such, brake pads need to be able to withstand friction and dissipate heat.

Non-Asbestos Organic

Non-asbestos organic brake pads were the immediate replacement for asbestos brake pads, hence the name. They are made by combining resin with a variety of materials, including coconut shell fibers, glass, carbon, rubber, and Kevlar.

  • The good: Non-asbestos organic brake pads are quiet, can generate friction without too much heat or dust and are affordable.
  • The bad: Their use is limited to lower temperatures, and they compact and wear out quickly.
  • Best use: Every day driving

Semi-Metallic

Semi-Metallic brake pads are made of roughly half metal frictional material and half filler and lubricant. They provide consistent friction and are hardwearing. Their adeptness at conducting heat gives them better-stopping power, but it can also diminish the life of the disc brake rotor.

  • The good: Semi-metallic brake pads are highly responsive and provide good cold bite. They don’t compress and are effective over a wide range of temperatures.
  • The bad: They’re noisy, dusty, and more abrasive.
  • Best use: Everyday driving, heavy duty, track racing

Sintered

Sintered brake material is made when metallic particles are fused together under high heat and pressure.

  • The good: Sintered brake pads are long-lasting and perform well under high heat. They excel in inclement weather.
  • The bad: They’re very noisy and require breaking-in. They can be very expensive.
  • Best use: Motorcycles, heavy duty, track racing

Ceramic

The use of ceramic in brake linings material is relatively new. They’re the brake babies. They combine the softness of copper with the density of ceramic to reduce noise, dust, and rotor wear.

  • The good: Ceramic brake pads are consistent and long-lasting. They produce a fine dust that won’t stick to wheels.
  • The bad: They do not perform well in cold temperatures, and they aren’t as good at absorbing heat. They’re expensive.
  • Best use: Every day driving

What Suits Your Use?

Braking is a balancing act, and it’s not one size fits all. You can go for high performance, but you’ll pay for it with dust and wear. You can go for tidiness and longevity, but you’ll pay for it with performance.

Whatever brake pad material you need, we’ve got it all. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, let us know, and we’ll get it sorted out.

What is the Best Clutch Material for Friction?

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When a clutch engages with an engine, a pressure plate pushes a clutch disc onto the flywheel. This allows for the power of an engine to transfer to the rest of the machine.

This vital clutch disc makes sure that this engagement and disengagement of the flywheel happens smoothly every time. Early clutches were made with weak clutch discs that would wear out after just a minimal amount of usage. But today we have clutch material that can withstand high friction, high heat, and the force of the pressure plate.

In this article, we’ll run you through the best modern clutch lining material.

Organic Material

Organic clutch discs are made with a combination of friction materials. Most commonly, they’re made with phenolic resins, metallic powders, and compounded rubber. This type of material comes in two forms: woven and molded.

In woven organic clutch discs, fiberglass is woven into the discs, increasing their durability and longevity. This makes them superior to their molded counterparts even though molded discs are much more affordable.

Heavy-Duty Organic Material

Heavy-duty organic clutch materials are the same except they’re with a more significant percentage of metallic components. This means they’re more heat resistant. They can withstand temperatures as high as 700 degrees Fahrenheit.

However, when it comes to engagement smoothness, these clutch discs are identical to organic clutch discs.

Ceramic Material

Ceramic clutch plates are, ironically, made with a combination of copper, iron, bronze, and silicon and graphite. Because of their metallic content, these discs can withstand a lot of friction and heat. This makes them ideal for race cars and other high-speed vehicles that need to engage and disengage from fast-moving flywheels.

However, these discs are high-friction. This means that the engagement and disengagement of the clutch won’t always be very smooth.

Kevlar Material

Kevlar clutch discs have two key benefits: they’re incredibly durable, and they always engage the flywheel smoothly. They last 2-3 times longer than clutch discs made of organic materials.

These are the ideal choice for machines that require smooth, precise movement. Their only downside is that they have a long break-in period before they feel right.

Feramic Material

Feramic is essentially a heavy-duty version of ceramic clutch discs. Made of similar materials – steel, silicon, graphite, etc. – feramic has an extremely high amount of friction, so they’re best used for machines that require quick lock-up like racing or heavy-duty trucking.

A subgroup of feramic clutch discs, carbotic clutch discs, are very commonly used in trucking because they have smoother engagement while retaining strong heat resistance.

Now That You Know About Different Clutch Materials…

You can make an informed decision the next time you buy a clutch for your car, truck, or any other type of machine that requires one. Just remember that there’s really no right answer when it comes to determining which clutch material is the best. It all depends on your financial situation and what type of machinery you need it for.

Contact us today, and one of our associates will be more than happy to answer any questions you still have. Be sure to check out our offerings of industrial brakes and clutches to see if anything suits your needs.

Electric vs. Hydraulic Linear Actuator: Which is Best for Your Needs?

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You’ll find actuators in everything from cell phones to the Mars Rover. Linear hydraulic actuators operate the wheel brakes and landing gear in aircraft.

NASA built the Mars Rover with 31 electric actuators to move its legs and arms. Without them, the Curiosity rover couldn’t perform the functions NASA scientists designed it to do.

While their functions sound similar, electric and hydraulic linear actuators perform their functions by different means. If you’re unsure which one you need for your application, we discuss the differences between them in this guide.

What is an Actuator?

An actuator converts energy into torque to control the movement of a mechanism. Actuators get powered by hydraulic fluid, electric current, or pneumatic pressure.

The two basic types of actuators are linear and rotary.

What’s a Hydraulic Linear Actuator?

A linear hydraulic actuator gets powered by hydraulic fluid. Typically, this fluid is oil made from different oils. The fluid creates pressure which moves cylinders in a straight line or linear motion.

The Pros to hydraulic actuators are:

  • High load capacity
  • Constant pressure
  • Initial cost is affordable
  • Durable
  • Simple Design

Hydraulic actuators are very powerful and can handle applications that need high force. They can also handle heavy weight and constant pressure. The initial cost of hydraulic actuators are usually low, and they have a simple, yet rugged construction.

There are some cons as well:

  • Leakages
  • Speed
  • Operating cost
  • Limited motion control
  • Low operating efficiency
  • High maintenance

Hydraulic linear actuators are durable and rugged, but this gives way to some disadvantages. The actuator itself costs less than other types, but it needs extensive maintenance to run at its max capability. This leads to higher operating costs.

Because of the sheer nature of which it works, leaks do occur. In higher temperature environments, this can lead to damage if it’s not monitored on a consistent basis.

It performs at slower speeds that aren’t as efficient. Hydraulic systems operate at 25-44% efficiency, much lower than it’s electric counterpart.

What’s an Electric Actuator?

Electric linear actuators convert energy into motion with electricity. The electric motors turn a lead screw that’s fitted with a nut on a thread. The nut moves on the thread depending on which direction the screw rotates.

This converts into linear movement. The advantages of electric actuators are:

  • Precision
  • Speed
  • Efficiency
  • Low maintenance

Electric actuators are designed for speed and accuracy. As such, it operates at up to 80% efficiency. They’re also able to stop at any position, and the screw units are self-locking in the event of a power failure for safety.

Unlike hydraulic actuators, electric actuators are self-contained and don’t have external components. This allows them to be smaller in size with little maintenance.

There are disadvantages to electric actuators:

  • Cost
  • Sensitive to certain operating environments
  • Can overheat
  • Complicated design

The initial cost and installation are higher than a hydraulic actuator due to its design and construction. But they don’t need a lot of maintenance, so they’re operating cost is lower than hydraulic.

While they operate in most environments, electric actuators aren’t suitable for hazardous or flammable areas. If an electric actuator runs for a continuous period, it’s vulnerable to overheating.

Keeping Industry Productive

Now that you know the differences between an electric and hydraulic linear actuator, you can choose the right one for your application. We can help.

Kor-Pak Corporation’s journey began more than 40 years ago. Our philosophy of providing quality products at low prices with exceptional customer service keeps us going strong today.

Check out our extensive product line and distinguished services. Contact us today to request a quote or for any questions.