SMC electric rod actuators combine rod-style linear motion with the precision, flexibility and programmability of electric motion. Designed for pushing, pulling, lifting and positioning applications, they provide accurate stroke control, repeatable positioning and adjustable speed and force, making them suitable for a wide variety of industrial automation tasks.
Unlike conventional pneumatic cylinders, electric rod actuators allow users to control movement profiles, intermediate positions and acceleration without requiring compressed air. This improves process flexibility, reduces energy consumption and simplifies machine optimisation.
Whether you’re designing new machinery or upgrading existing equipment, SMC offers a comprehensive portfolio of electric rod actuators that should be integrated with compatible controllers as complete motion solutions to meet different load capacities, stroke lengths and communication requirements.
Why choose SMC electric rod actuators?
SMC electric rod actuators are engineered to deliver reliable linear motion while simplifying machine design and improving productivity. Their compact construction, excellent positioning accuracy and flexible control options make them suitable for applications ranging from simple pushing operations to highly dynamic automated systems.
Key benefits include:
- High positioning accuracy
- Adjustable speed and force
- Repeatable movements
- Intermediate positioning capability
- Easy integration into automated equipment
- Improved energy efficiency
- Compact and robust designs.
Many models are available with battery-less absolute encoders, reducing maintenance requirements while improving Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).
Electric rod actuator series available from SMC
SMC offers a wide range of electric rod actuators to suit different machine requirements. Our portfolio includes standard rod-type electric actuators and guided rod-type electric actuators with different motor and control options available depending on the series.
Standard electric rod actuators
Suitable for general industrial automation where reliable linear motion and precise positioning are required. SMC rod-type electric actuators are designed for pushing and pulling applications and are available with different stroke, mounting and control options.
High-load electric rod actuators
Designed for applications requiring higher thrust forces while maintaining positioning accuracy. Different sizes and configurations of rod-type electric actuators are available to help match the actuator to the workload and movement requirements of the application.
Compact electric cylinders
Ideal when installation space is limited but precision remains essential. For applications where a compact electric rod cylinder is required, SMC offers miniature rod-type electric actuators designed for pushing applications where installation space is restricted.
Servo-controlled electric actuators
Compatible with advanced controllers for complex motion profiles, synchronisation and programmable positioning. SMC’s electric actuator portfolio includes a range of control and configuration options, making it possible to select a solution according to the motion requirements of the application.
SMC electric rod actuators should always be used with a compatible electric actuator controller, either as a separate component or integrated into the actuator depending on the solution selected. Depending on the controller, SMC offers digital I/O and industrial communication options including IO-Link, PROFINET®, EtherCAT® and EtherNet/IP™, among others. SMC also provides electric actuator controller setting tools to support controller setup.
Applications for electric rod actuators
Electric rod actuators are widely used wherever controlled linear movement is required. Typical applications include:
- Pushing products
- Press fitting
- Clamping operations
- Lifting mechanisms
- Pick and place
- Assembly automation
- Material handling
- Loading and unloading
- Packaging machinery
- Conveyor positioning
- End-of-line automation
- Quality inspection equipment.
Their ability to perform precise movements with programmable force and speed makes them particularly suitable for modern automated production lines. Rod-type electric actuators are especially suited to pushing, pulling and transfer applications, while guide rod versions provide additional support where required.
Industries that use electric rod actuators
Electric rod actuators are suitable for numerous industries, including:
How to select the right electric rod actuator
Selecting the right electric rod actuator depends on several application parameters.
It’s also important to consider whether a standard rod actuator or an actuator with guide rods is more suitable for the load and movement required:
Mechanical requirements
- Required thrust force
- Stroke length
- Payload
- Mounting orientation
- Duty cycle
- Available installation space
- Need for additional guide support.
Motion requirements
- Maximum speed
- Acceleration
- Positioning accuracy
- Repeatability
- Intermediate positioning
- Operating cycle.
Control requirements
- Controller type
- Communication protocol
- Encoder type
- STO safety requirements
- I/O configuration
- Compatibility between electric rod actuator and controller.
Considering these parameters helps ensure optimum machine performance and long-term reliability.
Need help selecting the right electric rod actuator? Contact SMC’s automation specialists for expert guidance.
Frequently asked questions about electric rod actuators
What are electric rod actuators?
Electric rod actuators are electric actuators that use an extending and retracting rod to move a load. SMC electric rod actuators are designed for controlled pushing, pulling and transfer applications, combining precise movement with adjustable positioning, speed and force. They provide a flexible alternative to pneumatic cylinders where programmable electric motion is required.
Can electric rod actuators be used for vertical movement?
Yes. SMC electric rod actuators can be used for both horizontal and vertical applications, provided the right actuator is selected to meet the required workload and operating conditions. Factors such as load, stroke, speed and mounting orientation should be considered when choosing the most suitable solution. SMC’s Electric Actuator Selector can help evaluate these requirements.
Can electric rod actuators perform intermediate positioning?
Yes. SMC electric rod actuators can provide programmable intermediate positioning, allowing the actuator to stop at different positions during operation. This flexibility makes them suitable for applications requiring accurate and repeatable movement. Compatible controllers for electric actuators allow users to configure motion according to application requirements.
Do electric rod actuators require regular maintenance?
SMC electric rod actuators are designed to reduce maintenance requirements compared with solutions that require additional consumables or adjustments. Options such as battery-less absolute encoders help simplify maintenance by eliminating the need for encoder battery replacement.
Can electric rod actuators be used in environments where dust or water protection is required?
SMC offers electric actuators with improved ingress protection for applications where additional protection against dust or water is required. The most suitable solution should be selected according to the environmental conditions of the application.
What are the benefits of a battery-less absolute encoder in an electric rod actuator?
Selected SMC electric rod actuators are available with a battery-less absolute encoder. This allows position information to be retained so the actuator can restart from its previous position, helping to simplify start-up while reducing the maintenance associated with encoder batteries.
Does SMC offer an online selection tool for electric rod actuators?
Yes. SMC’s Electric Actuator Selector allows users to enter application conditions such as speed, workload, orientation, position and acceleration or deceleration to determine the optimal actuator and controller combination for their system.
