Electric Actuators
SMC’s comprehensive line of electric actuators provides a highly adaptable and energy-efficient alternative to traditional pneumatic systems, offering superior precision in linear, rotary, and gripping applications. Engineered for the evolving needs of industrial automation, these actuators feature advanced technologies such as battery-less absolute encoders and integrated controllers. Whether you require high-speed sliders, precise rod-type cylinders, or compact rotary tables, SMC’s electric solutions are designed to enhance productivity and flexibility across a wide range of manufacturing processes.
Actuators with Integrated Controllers
The EQ series of electric actuators is designed for engineers who want to transition from pneumatic cylinders to electric actuators for better repeatability or energy efficiency. Because the controller has been built directly into the actuator body, there is no need for external control cabinets. It requires only three M12 connectors and the user interface is similar to a 2-position pneumatic solenoid valve. These units feature high-performance motors with battery-less absolute encoders that retain position data without requiring a homing routine, and they offer significant environmental benefits by reducing energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Actuators with Battery-less Absolute Encoders
SMC’s line of electric actuators featuring battery-less absolute encoders is designed to provide the benefits of an absolute encoder without the maintenance and environmental drawbacks of traditional batteries. This product line includes high-performance electric actuators (sliders, rods, grippers, and rotary tables) equipped with a proprietary electro-mechanical sensor. Unlike incremental encoders, which require a homing routine every time the machine is restarted, these units know exactly where they are the moment they power up, minimizing downtime. Because they contain no lithium or hazardous chemicals, they can be shipped internationally and simpler to dispose of at the end of their life cycle. They are sought by industries where precise position is required and strict quality controls must be met.
Slider Type Actuators
The Slider series is a versatile line of electric actuators that are designed to move loads along a linear path with high precision and repeatability. These actuators feature a rodless design where a mounting platform moves along the body of the unit. The line is defined by two primary drive mechanisms (belt and ball screw) and two motor technologies (AC servo and step). These sliders are ideal for tight machine footprints and shops that are transitioning from pneumatic to electric to reduce CO2 emissions and energy consumption. They are cleanroom compatible and have high throughput speeds and sub-millimeter precision.
AC Servo Sliders
The AC Servo Slider line is a premium tier of electric linear actuators designed for high-performance industrial automation. Instead of DC stepper motors, this line uses AC servo motors, which provide a significant boost in speed, precision, and load capacity. Compared to DC models, they offer higher top speeds, faster acceleration, and greater vertical load capabilities. They are equipped with high-resolution encoders for extremely accurate positioning. AC servo sliders are sought by engineers who need high throughput and the ability to run their production line faster and with fewer errors than a standard DC or pneumatic slider would allow.
Actuators for Manifold Controller
LE2 electric actuators feature 24VDC high performance motors with batteryless absolute encoders designed to function with the JXD1-M manifold controller. They offer a highly integrated, space-saving solution for multi-axis motion control. Unlike traditional setups, this system centralizes control into a single, compact manifold unit. The JXD1-M acts as a hub for up to 16 axes of motion and combines a fieldbus gateway and multiple 1- or 2-axis drivers into one modular unit, significantly reducing its footprint. All connections (power, actuators, and settings) are located on the front of the manifold for easy access.
Electric Stopper Cylinders
LEB electric stopper cylinders are electric versions of traditional pneumatic stopper cylinders. They are designed to be physically interchangeable with our pneumatic stopper series, allowing companies to upgrade from air to electric without redesigning their machines. As electric stopper cylinders, they have better control over the stopping speed and force which is critical when handling sensitive or expensive components. Many models can be operated with a simple on/off signal, eliminating the need for complex programming or dedicated motor controllers.
Rod & Guided Rod
This product line consists of two primary types of linear actuators that are similar to standard pneumatic cylinders but with the superior control of electric motors. The LEY Series offers high-precision positioning and repeatability and is well suited for applications requiring straight-line pushing, pulling, lifting, or pressing. It can be mounted in multiple orientations and is often used where high force or speed is needed without the maintenance of an air system. The LEYG Series is designed for applications where lateral loads or rotational forces are present. It is ideal for pick and place operations or any task where the load isn't perfectly centered.
AC Servo Rod
AC Servo Rod electric actuators are high-performance electric linear actuators that are similar to standard pneumatic cylinders but with the advanced control of an AC servo motor. Compared to standard DC versions, the AC servo models offer higher speeds, greater acceleration, and more powerful pushing force. They are sought by company's that want to replace traditional pneumatic cylinders to improve energy efficiency or because they need multi-position control. While a pneumatic cylinder only has two positions, this actuator can stop at 64+ different precise points.
Electric Actuator Slide Tables
LES and LESH slide tables integrate high-rigidity guidance with precise electric control. Unlike standard actuators these units have a built-in worktable and linear guide. This ensures high accuracy and the ability to handle twisting forces. Since they are electric, they allow for multiple positioning points, adjustable acceleration and deceleration, and variable speed. They are designed for industries that currently use pneumatic cylinders but need more control, to stop at more than just two positions, and to reduce energy costs associated with compressed air.
AC Servo Slide Table
AC Servo Slide Tables are designed to provide precise, programmable linear motion for industrial automation. They combine a motor, a ball screw drive, and a worktable into a single, compact unit. They are equipped with high-resolution encoders that provide real-time position feedback to a PLC and are capable of horizontal workloads up to 12kg and vertical workloads up to 20kg, with speeds reaching 400 mm/s. They are used to move tiny components (like microchips or vials) with sub-millimeter accuracy and can accelerate and decelerate rapidly without losing position or causing vibration.
Rotary Table
Rotary Table electric actuators are designed for applications requiring precise, controlled rotational movement without the use of compressed air. Unlike pneumatic cylinders that go end-to-end, these allow for variable speed, acceleration, and multiple stopping positions, They are available in 90°, 180°, and 320°/360°, and continuously rotating variations. Engineers purchase them to solve a specific motion problem, such as flipping a part, and require CAD-supported, reliable components. They are popular in the semiconductor industry for their cleanliness and extreme precision for handling tiny chips or PCBs.
Electric Grippers
SMC electric grippers are designed to handle parts with the delicacy of a human hand and the tireless precision of a machine. Unlike pneumatic grippers, the electric versions allow for precise control over position, speed, and force. They are available in 2-finger and 3-finger models to handle everything from flat components to round or spherical objects. They can perform soft-touch gripping, making them capable of picking up fragile items like glass tubes or electronics If the power fails, the gripper maintains its hold on the part, preventing expensive damage or safety hazards.
Controllers & Drivers
Controllers and drivers are the brains behind our electric motion systems. These devices translate high-level commands from a factory’s central computer into precise physical movements. You will find step motor, servo motor and card motor controllers as well as 24VDC Fieldbus gateway units and AC servo drivers.
Electric Actuator Products for Clean Rooms
SMC clean room electric actuators are a specialized line of actuators designed for environments where particulate contamination must be strictly controlled. They translate electrical energy into precise linear or rotary motion while adhering to high-grade cleanliness standards. Clean room actuators use low-particle-generating components and specialized fluorine grease that is inert to chemicals and temperature fluctuations. Features include battery-less absolute encoders and compatibility with industrial protocols such as IO-Link, EtherNet/IP, and Profinet.
Mounting Kits for Multi-Axis Systems
These mounting kits allow engineers to take individual electric actuators and bolt them together to create complex robotic motion systems like 2-axis or 3-axis gantries. The core of this line is modularity and speed of assembly. The kits include mounting plates, brackets, and all necessary fasteners compatible with specific SMC actuator series. We provide multi-axis calculation software specifically for this line, which helps users select the right kit based on the weight of the load and the speed required, ensuring the brackets won't flex or fail under stress.