With the increasing use of electric actuators in modern European manufacturing lines and machinery, requests for an easy to use, CE approved, positioning unit have risen dramatically. Responding to this need automation control experts from SMC have met the challenge with the launch of their new Series LC8 positioning driver for use with AC servo motors. Designed initially for point to point applications, when positioning a single axis actuator, further developments have now meant that up to an additional six extra slave units can be used, positioning further axis, all being controlled via a PLC through the LC8 master unit. Using up to 117 programmable position steps, parameters such as velocity, acceleration, deceleration and torque can be quickly set using the “user friendly” Windows® based LC8 setting software included with the driver. In addition, up to 5 different types of palletising patterns can be easily configured for 2-axis pick and place applications. The LC8 can be specified for use with either 50, 100 or 200W servo motors to suit most application needs and is the perfect partner when used with SMC´s LG1, LJ1 or LTF electric actuator ranges.