Columbus McKinnon's first smart actuator combines plug-and-play control and feedback with powerful Duff-Norton® hardware

SPA linear actuator with Intelli-Motion technology (Photo: Business Wire)

SPA linear actuator with Intelli-Motion technology (Photo: Business Wire)

Buffalo, NY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Columbus McKinnon Company (NASDAQ: CMCO) is a leading designer and manufacturer of smart motion solutions, products and technologies The manufacturer, combining intelligent control with some of the highest quality linear actuators on the market, for material handling, today announced the launch of Duff-Norton® brand SPA linear actuators using Intelli-Motion™ technology. As the latest and most advanced Duff-Norton linear actuator, SPA with Intelli-Motion is designed to provide reliable operation, achieve precise motion control and simplify applications, especially those that can benefit from automation technology. As the latest product to join the Columbus McKinnon automation solution series, this smart actuator provides simple installation, configuration and operation to ensure that the system can start up and run quickly and run reliably.

"Getting the most from the motion system means finding the right linear actuator that can work efficiently, durable, and safely move loads and run at the required speed," said Mark Yerse, senior global product manager and strategic marketing manager. "The SPA with Intelli-Motion can do all of this and more. It is powerful enough to handle higher duty cycle applications while providing precise, repeatable motion and feedback."

Through the use of onboard variable frequency drive (VFD) control, SPA with Intelli-Motion enables operators to program specific motion patterns at variable speeds, thereby expanding the range of production applications it can be applied to, including balance automatic guidance The load on the vehicle (AGV), synchronized lifting platform, time-critical steps in the manufacturing process, etc. The optional Ethernet/IP connection enables direct connection with the PLC, and provides an unlimited number of control options and configurations to choose from when programming complex patterns and motion sequences.

Other actuator configurations require a separate VFD or contactor control system installed in the external control panel. SPA with Intelli-Motion has an integrated VFD and onboard I/O, which can reduce installation costs and overall product footprint. On-board analog and digital I/O provide enhanced control and position feedback functions. The actuator also has electronic programmable limit switches (EPLS), which can provide higher precision and accuracy compared with mechanical limit switches, and enhance the ability to repeat movement. EPLS can be set via buttons on the actuator or easy-to-use digital configuration software. Then, the operator only needs to connect the actuator to the PC to troubleshoot or adjust parameters.

In addition, compared with a typical ACME screw actuator, the SPA with Intelli-Motion increases the full-load duty cycle to 30%, an increase of up to 75%. The SPA with Intelli-Motion can also operate at up to 50% duty cycle when the load is reduced. This not only extends the operating time of the actuator, but also helps increase productivity and reduce the need for waiting time or external forced cooling equipment.

Customers can learn more about SPA linear actuators with Intelli-Motion at the webinar hosted by Columbus McKinnon experts on November 18th, including more information about features and advantages, available product packages and technical data. Registration for the free conference is available at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6638015997554897935.

Columbus McKinnon's Duff-Norton brand actuator solutions have won the reputation of reliable, high-quality products that can meet the industrial lifting, positioning and transfer needs of global customers. For more information about company actuators, please call 800-477-5002 or visit www.columbusmckinnon.com/duff-norton.

About Columbus McKinnon Columbus McKinnon is the world's leading designer, manufacturer and marketer of smart motion solutions, advancing the world and improving lives through efficient and ergonomic moving, lifting, positioning and fixing materials. The main products include cranes, crane components, precision conveying systems, rigging tools, light rail workstations, and digital power supplies and motion control systems. The company focuses on commercial and industrial applications that require safety and quality through its superior design and engineering expertise. For comprehensive information about Columbus McKinnon, please visit www.columbusmckinnon.com.

Christie Lagowski Communications Manager Columbus McKinnon Corporation 716-689-5648 christie.lagowski@cmworks.com

Columbus McKinnon (Nasdaq: CMCO) adds a new SPA linear actuator with Intelli-Motion™ technology to the series of automation solutions

Christie Lagowski Communications Manager Columbus McKinnon Corporation 716-689-5648 christie.lagowski@cmworks.com