Festo has launched a range of compact precision electric actuators that can be ordered on-line and delivered within 24 hours in the UK. The ballscrew-driven EGSK and EGSP series actuators offer ±10 micron repeatability, a choice of two performance categories, stroke lengths from 25–800mm, and three classes of precision (with repetition accuracies of ±3, ±5 or ±10µ).

The rigid actuators have one-piece steel housings which also serve as guide rails. They are said to be ideal for applications demanding short, precise moves, especially where space is limited. Their low profile makes them suitable for small pick-and-place systems and X-Y tables. The standard-performance EGSK range (shown above) comprises five models, with profile heights from 15–46mm. The high-performance EGSP actuators (below) use caged recirculating ball bearings between the carriage and the guide, to reduce friction and noise. There are four models with profile heights from 20–46mm, with a choice of ballscrew drive pitches.

The actuators can be used in any mounting position and can accommodate a wide range of load conditions. They are compatible with Festo’s stepper and servo motors and controllers, and can also be used with third-party motors. A downloadable PC-based software tool helps to choose the optimum components for high-efficiency positioning systems by calculating the ideal combination of linear axes, motors, gears, controllers and software.