FROM PNEUMATIC CYLINDER TO SERVOMOTOR IN THE TRANSITION TO THE ELECTRIC CAR

In the transition to the electric car, servomotors offer significant advantages over pneumatic cylinders in terms of precision, energy efficiency, maintenance, and adaptability to advanced electronic systems.

Vehicle manufacturing companies are requiring flexible solutions for the adaptation of existing facilities to the production of new electric car models, avoiding the investment that would involve the assembly of new lines and optimizing processes and spaces." - Borja Marcos, mechanical designer at Gurpea-.
 

Flexibility and adaptability in engineering solutions translate into operational efficiency and optimization of production processes by leveraging existing infrastructures to manufacture new bodywork models.

In addition, this flexibility gives them the ability to make future adjustments according to market needs and emerging technological innovations, ensuring an agile response to changes in demand and regulations.
 

• Bivalence project: combustion and electric.

An example of this is this project to adapt the cockpit manipulator to the production of the electric car, whose objective was to achieve bivalence in the production of combustion and electric vehicles in the same line and process, and with the same resources.

The inclusion of four servomotors, 1 in the octopus clamp and 3 in the cockpit gripper, allows us to adjust the width and height to adapt the grip, entry and exit of four different body and dashboard models, with much greater flexibility and precision than that offered by the pneumatic cylinder.

• Advantages of the Servomotor over the pneumatic cylinder

Servo motors are common and essential devices in a variety of industrial and technological applications due to their numerous advantages:

1. Accuracy and Control: Servo motors offer precise control of position, speed and acceleration. This is achieved through a feedback system that continuously adjusts the motor position, making them ideal for applications where high accuracy is required, such as robotics and CNC machinery.
2. High Efficiency: Servo motors are highly efficient in terms of converting electrical energy into mechanical motion. This not only reduces operating costs, but also minimizes the heat generated, prolonging the life of the motor and associated components.
3. Fast Response: Thanks to their fast response capability, servo motors can quickly reach the desired speed and adjust their position almost instantaneously. This feature is crucial in dynamic applications where rapid changes of direction and speed are common.
4. Torque Capacity: Servomotors provide high torque over a wide range of speeds, making them suitable for tasks that require considerable force in starting and braking. This capability allows them to handle heavy loads with greater ease and stability.
5. Compatibility and Versatility: The servo motors can be easily integrated with various control systems and are compatible with a wide range of controllers and software. This versatility allows their use in multiple industries, from automotive to industrial process automation.
6. Durability and Reduced Maintenance: The servo motors are designed to be robust and durable, with minimal maintenance requirements. Their enclosed, sealed design protects internal components from dust and other contaminants, ensuring reliable, long-lasting performance.
7. Noise and Vibration Reduction: Compared to other types of motors, servo motors operate with significantly lower noise and vibration levels. This not only improves the working environment, but also reduces mechanical wear, contributing to longer system longevity.

• Comparative table of servomotors vs. pneumatic cylinders.

• Conclusión

Servo motors represent an advanced and efficient solution for a wide range of applications thanks to their advantages in terms of precision, efficiency, speed of response, torque capacity, versatility, durability and low noise level. These characteristics make them an indispensable component for the automation and improvement of modern industrial processes.

Although both servo motors and pneumatic cylinders have their own advantages and disadvantages, servo motors excel in applications that require high precision, efficiency, fast response, and versatility. On the other hand, pneumatic cylinders are better suited for simple, high-force linear movements, although they can be less efficient and require more maintenance. The choice between one or the other depends on the specific needs of the application.