Hydraulic systems vs. electric actuators: simplify your machine design Hydraulic systems are inherently complex. Even the simplest hydraulic setup for creating linear motion requires at least eight moving parts, which increases the likelihood of something going wrong. As oil flows through the system, it’s common to run into problems like clogged filters, low oil levels, and wear and tear on seals, bearings, and gears. These issues often lead to oil leaks, excessive noise, and reduced efficiency, making hydraulics a less viable choice for many applications. Challenges of hydraulic systems Component overload: The need for multiple hydraulic cylinders adds further layers of complexity and risk. Space Constraints: Hydraulic systems consume valuable space, making them unsuitable for compact, modern systems. Noise: Even at peak performance, the numerous components generate significant noise. While noise-reduction solutions are available, they add cost and complexity. Energy waste: Systems that idle still consume energy, inflating operational costs. In this series of articles, we will explore the key advantages of specifying electric actuators over hydraulic systems and the benefits they offer in modern machinery design. Why move to electric actuators #1: simplify your system Electric actuators offer a streamlined, efficient alternative to hydraulic systems. Designed to deliver the same high-load performance without the associated drawbacks, electric actuators integrate their functionality into a compact, all-in-one design. With just a few wires connecting the actuator to an electronic control unit, electric actuators reduce system complexity, eliminating the need for multiple hoses, connectors, filters, switches, valves and pumps that are required in hydraulic systems – all of which increase the risk of failure. In addition, as modern machine designs trend towards being more compact and space-efficient than their predecessors, electric actuators occupy minimal space, unlike bulky hydraulic components. Hydraulic systems have long been the backbone of industrial machinery, but they are increasingly being replaced by simpler, cleaner and more cost-effective electric actuators. If you regularly rely on hydraulic systems for your designs, please contact us to explore how an electromechanical alternative can improve your machinery. Working with our long-term partner, Thomson Industries Inc, we offer advanced electric linear actuators that provide streamlined performance in a compact package. Please take a look at our range here. Article published on: 28/01/2025 Article last updated on: 28/01/2025