Self-contained actuator for a variety of applications
Manuela Kessler27.04.2022Lohr am Main / Germany | PI 006/22
Highly compact CytroMotion system solution raises the efficiency of linear axes in the power class up to 6.2 kW to a new level
Energy-efficient compact actuator with a wide range of applications
Low-maintenance alternative to hydraulic and electro-mechanical axes
Electrical control makes engineering and commissioning easier
Compact hydraulic actuator, electrically controlled: With CytroMotion, Bosch Rexroth has expanded its range of self-contained actuators for forces of up to 110 kN. (Image source: Bosch Rexroth AG)
Bosch Rexroth has expanded its range of standardized self-contained actuators by adding the CytroMotion system solution. With the help of the new compact actuator, linear movements involving forces of up to 110 kN can be achieved in a range of machines and systems in smaller spaces, more efficiently and more sustainably. These benefits can be seen over the entire life cycle. Thanks to fully electric control, CytroMotion also makes engineering and commissioning easier. The efficient power-on-demand drive and the maintenance-free, hermetically sealed design help to save CO2 and minimize operating costs.
Linear movements involving large forces and micrometer-precise positioning are found in many machines and systems. For technical implementation, a compact and simple solution is needed. At the same time, the need for greater energy efficiency and process safety is growing. Self-contained actuators meet all these requirements by combining the power density and robustness of hydraulics in a compact, energy-efficient and low-maintenance system solution. The new CytroMotion self-contained actuator offers all these benefits in the power class up to 6.2 kW.
CytroMotion combines the standard components electric motor, hydraulic pump and cylinder with important control functions and poppet valves to form a compact, integrated assembly with a hermetically sealed hydraulic part and a fully electric control system. The optional features include a digital position measurement system with an industry-standard SSI interface, a circuit variation with an engagable, reduced-force rapid traverse system and a pressure relief valves for adjustably limiting maximum loads or process variables.
This innovative design approach opens up new constructional and functional possibilities for mechanical and process engineers. After all, it allows a much longer stroke compared to mechanical linear axes in the same space. It also results in a range of benefits throughout the life cycle. The electric control system is similar to that of an electro-mechanical axis and can be controlled by a conventional frequency converter from Bosch Rexroth or a third party provider. Engineering and commissioning require no hydraulics know-how and are carried out within a known control architecture of the customer. An online configurator helps to find the optimum actuator configuration for the particular application in just a few minutes. Installation is carried out without piping, hoses or filters.
During operation, CytroMotion in conjunction with modern control technology increases not only process quality but also energy efficiency. While linear movements and forces can be regulated electronically in a straightforward and precise manner, the self-contained actuator reduces electricity consumption and the resulting carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional hydraulic systems. The variable-speed power-on-demand drive uses electricity only when power output is actually needed. In force holding mode where virtually no electricity is used, integrated poppet valves support the loads applied.
CytroMotion is suitable for a wide range of applications. These range from power plant systems, metalworking and pressing and joining applications with force holding mode to ring rolling mills in the steel industry with large forming, process and holding forces. The encapsulated hydraulic system is also suitable for testing and quality assurance and for use in the process and food industries.
CytroMotion also enables condition monitoring in order to maximize availability. To make it easy to measure process forces and monitor internal system parameters, open interfaces and pressure sensors are integrated. As a result, anomalies in potentially critical process parameters can be identified early on and unplanned downtimes can be avoided.
The hermetically sealed system also allows for reduced-maintenance operation. While electro-mechanical axes may need external or cyclic lubrication, CytroMotion works with the same oil from the factory over a significantly longer service life. If pressure sensors need to be replacing, the system is remaining sealed.
The self-contained actuator also works extremely quietly. Depending on the application and installation, the low-noise internal gear pump limits noise emissions to no more than 70 dB(A). Roughly speaking, this is as loud as the noise level of an open-plan office.
The servo-hydraulic axes complement Bosch Rexroth’s overall portfolio which includes hydraulic and electro-mechanical solutions.
As one of the world’s leading suppliers of drive and control technologies, Bosch Rexroth ensures efficient, powerful and safe movement in machines and systems of any size. The company bundles global application experience in the market segments of Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications and Engineering, and Factory Automation. With its intelligent components, customized system solutions and services, Bosch Rexroth is creating the necessary environment for fully connected applications. Bosch Rexroth offers its customers hydraulics, electric drive and control technology, gear technology and linear motion and assembly technology, including software and interfaces to the Internet of Things. With locations in over 80 countries, more than 31,000 associates generated sales revenue of around 6.2 billion euros in 2021.
Basic Information Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 402,600 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2021). The company generated sales of 78.7 billion euros in 2021. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group’s strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is “Invented for life.” The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in some 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. With its more than 400 locations worldwide, the Bosch Group has been carbon neutral since the first quarter of 2020. The basis for the company’s future growth is its innovative strength. At 128 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 76,100 associates in research and development, of which more than 38,000 are software engineers.
