SMC invests in local manufacturing in 2021
SMC Corporation Australia New Zealand (ANZ) has announced it will undertake in the local assembly and stockholding of its latest range of electric cylinders.
The move to invest in the local economy hopes to shorten customer lead times allowing for quicker and more efficient solutions for customers with complex applications.
The decision will see a significant amount of stock being held at SMC’s central warehouse in New South Wales. The company also has its sights set on stocking up its Auckland warehouse in New Zealand later this year.
“We are currently bringing in AC electric cylinder systems and will have a full range of options on hand,” said Jozef Ceh, Digital Transformation Manager for SMC Corporation ANZ.
“This includes cylinders, motors, drivers, cables and other accessories. Soon thereafter, we will focus on bringing in DC systems.”
The products will be backed up by SMC’s virtual support service.
Electric cylinders in demand locally
Electric cylinders continue to grow in popularity and local demand justifies the investment by SMC.
In addition to SMC’s standard complete system, the motorless option of electric cylinders allows further flexibility with users’ preferred choice of servo motors allowed to be mounted onto the cylinder. The series is currently compatible with 15 companies including Beckhoff, ANCA Motion, Omron, Rockwell and Siemens to name but a few.
“Electric cylinders are best known for their precision, ease of use and flexibility. They’re especially in demand as we see a rise in smart factories around the country,” Ceh said. “We offer an electric cylinder to accommodate every application. Our range includes a high-rigidity slider type (LEJ series), a rod type (LEY) and a guide rod type (LEYG).”
When to use an electric cylinder
Ceh explained that some of the most successful projects are those with the careful and correct combination of electric and pneumatic cylinders. “In saying that, it is important to understand that electric cylinders were not designed to replace pneumatic cylinders (or vice versa). They have been designed to be used in their respective applications.”
“Typically, an electric cylinder is used in areas where a higher level of complexity is required, such as positioning accuracy, intermediate stops, a more sophisticated form of speed, acceleration or force control.”
The characteristics of electric cylinders have gained significant appeal over the years — largely due to the advancement of controls. “Here, specifications can be changed via software reconfiguration to achieve a high level of accuracy and repeatability without the need for any mechanical changes.”
On show
SMC’s comprehensive range will be on exhibition at this year’s Foodtech Packtech, which takes place at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, New Zealand from 13–15 April 2021 (stand 2023).
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