Electric linear actuators are a crucial component in driving precise and controlled linear motion in agricultural machinery, ranging from combine harvesters to vertical farming. However, like any electrical component, linear actuators require proper usage and integration to avoid electric failures. Due to the broad range of requirements needed in agricultural machinery, many variables and operational practices need to be considered when using electric linear actuators. This article will cover common causes, prevention techniques, and maintenance tips to avoid electric failures in agricultural machinery using actuators to ensure reliable operations.
Common Causes of Electric Failures in Agricultural Machinery
Using an actuator that does not have suitable ratings for your application can put unnecessary strain and lead to premature failure.
Insulation failure - Improper seals or protective covers lead to moisture ingress, short circuits, and voltage spikes. A robust design for linear actuators and enclosure boxes with high environmental resistance is recommended for outdoor agricultural machinery.
Wiring issues - Messy spaghetti wiring of cables can lead to miswiring, increases the difficulty of troubleshooting, and has a greater risk of short circuits. These risks can often lead to electrical failures or cause additional complexities that result in future electrical malfunctions.
Overloading - Overloading a linear actuator can cause it to fail prematurely. This is because the electrical and mechanical components inside an actuator was designed specifically to handle the rated load capacity and would experience excessive strain from exceeding the load capacity limits.
Choose the Right Actuator for Agricultural Machinery
One of the most important factors in avoiding electric failures is selecting the right linear actuator for your specific use case. When choosing an actuator, make sure to consider the performance criteria factors such as:
- Voltage & current draw compatibility - To ensure the pre-existing integrated systems output the suitable voltage to operate the chosen actuators while supplying sufficient current draw for the motor.
- Load capacity - Calculating the force that will truly be exerted onto an actuator helps to confirm which models have sufficient ratings for the application. Industrial actuators have a heavy-duty design for applications that require a high force rating.
- Travel speed - The right travel speed ensures an actuator can travel to a given position in the required amount of time.
- Stroke length - The travel distance of the actuator’s shaft must be suitable for your use case to avoid damage that may occur due to overextending or under-retracting from incorrect strokes.
- Dimensions (Length, width, height requirements) - Ensure the measurements of your chosen actuator will fit within the installation space constraints.
- IP rating (Ingress Protection) - Select actuators that have sufficient environmental resistance to avoid moisture ingress, and salt spray protection for corrosion resistance if necessary.
- Positional feedback requirements - Allows for smart actuator features such as multiple actuators moving together synchronously, memory presets, position display, etc.
Proper Installation and Actuator Alignment
Proper installation of your linear actuators is essential for both the wiring and physical integration into agricultural machinery. The safest practice is to follow the manufacturer's guidelines and use the correct mounting hardware for each component in agricultural machinery. Avoid over-tightening pivot points as this can lead to excessive friction upon the rotating motion and would result in premature wear on the actuator that must exert excessive force to overcome the friction. Additionally, make sure that the actuator’s shaft is properly aligned to move in a straight-line path of travel to avoid damage from side loading.
During installation, neat and organized wiring reduces the chance of cables getting entangled, miswiring components, and short circuits. This practice also helps allow for faster repairs and component replacements by improving the user’s visibility of the wires for ease of troubleshooting in future inspections and field service maintenance.
Electrical Safety and Protection for Agricultural Machinery
In the event of an unexpected short circuit due to insulation failure, wiring issues, or moisture ingress, a fuse works as additional safety and protection for your electrical systems. Integrating an in-line fuse into your actuator’s wiring is a simple yet helpful means of protecting your electronic components from electric failures due to short circuits.
Due to the in-rush current from our electric linear actuator’s DC motor, we recommend choosing a motor starting fuse or time delay fuse. Choose a fuse with suitable current ratings which can be determined by finding out the maximum current draw of your application and using the equation below:
Fuse Current Rating = Actual Current ÷ 0.75
Inspection and Maintenance Tips for Actuators
Regular inspections are an essential part of prevention techniques for collecting data on areas that can use improvements before any electric failures happen, thus preventing them:
Visible inspections - Make sure to regularly check for any signs of wear or damage, such as actuators with frayed wires and loose connections. Also, examine the rubber seals, gaskets, and structural integrity of mechanical components to ensure all components are protected from moisture ingress.
Cleaning practices - Washdowns and regular cleaning procedures are important for removing any dirt, debris, or corrosive contents that could cause rust, damage, or jammed mechanical components.
Lubricate moving parts - Electric linear actuators are self-lubricating, however, occasionally lubricating the hinges, pivots, and moving parts attached to the actuator is recommended to ensure smooth operation and energy efficiency.
IN SUMMARY
Electric failures of linear actuators in agricultural machinery can be avoided by making the right actuator selections, proper installations, performing regular inspections and maintenance, and avoiding overloading. By following these guidelines of prevention techniques, you can ensure reliable operation and avoid costly downtime due to failures.
As one of the top suppliers of electric linear actuators and motion control products, Progressive Automations offers industry-leading flexibility, quality, support, and field experience to meet all your needs. If you have any other questions about what we can offer, please do not hesitate to reach out to us! We are experts in what we do and want to ensure you find the best solutions for your agricultural machinery.
sales@progressiveautomations.com | 1-800-676-6123