Solutions in Motion™

Full disclaimer: W.C. Branham Inc. does not currently manufacture electric linear actuators. Instead, we manufacture many different types of pneumatic and low-pressure hydraulic linear actuators for over 35 years. So then, why write about electric linear actuators? Simple: We’d like to give you a few things to think about when you are trying to decide if going electric is right for your next application.

As the name implies, a linear actuator moves a load of some kind in a straight line. You can use hydraulic or pneumatic power or electricity to operate linear actuators, but we’ll take a closer look at the electric option. How does it work? What can it do? And how does it differ from other options?

Here's what you need to know about electric linear actuators.

Fluid power is a great way to help automate material handling. It is the process of using a fluid under pressure to move a load or perform some other mechanical task. Hydraulic systems typically use a specialized oil, whereas pneumatic systems use compressed air as the “fluid.” Both types of actuators can be invaluable for material handling applications, though not necessarily the same ones.

Here's what you need to know about fluid power and material handling.

From technology and automotive to food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, the manufacturing industry remains busier than ever. And what better way to celebrate National Manufacturing Day (MFG Day) Oct. 5 than to share the importance manufacturing has on our society and what inspires individuals to get into this line of work.

Manufacturing's Impact in Our World

There isn't much we use on a daily basis that wasn't manufactured by a company — local or international. The bed you woke up in: manufactured. The toothpaste (and toothbrush) you used to brush your teeth: manufactured. The car you drove to work: manufactured. The desk you sit at Monday through Friday: manufactured. And the stove you cooked dinner on: manufactured, as well. You get the idea. Manufacturing plays a huge role in the functionality of our country and world. So, why wouldn't we celebrate the industry?

With so many unique applications and different sizing requirements, it can be difficult to find the perfect gearbox for your needs. And of course, you want your selected gearbox to help your application run as smoothly as possible.

In this video, our VP of Engineering and General Manager, Chad Randleman walks you through the process of finding the right gearbox amongst the various types of gearboxes we offer.

Only weeks after concluding its 2018 Hyperloop Pod Competition, where WARR Hyperloop of Munich, Germany, hit a record 290 miles per hour with its pod, SpaceX released the rules for its next competition. SpaceX's 2019 Hyperloop Pod Competition is set to be even bigger and better than the three previous challenges, and we can't wait to see what these students create.

Teams will not only aim to beat that 290 mpg record and successfully stop their pod for the new competition, but they'll have to do it with a few extra rules.

Scale matters in industrial design. When it comes to braking, you don’t necessarily need enough torque to stop a freight train. A gentle touch will do fine for subtle movements. A larger brake may work OK if it fits the space available, but it will probably cost more and not operate as efficiently.

We, at W.C. Branham, are excited to announce our new pneumatic spring applied brake, which will be available in October 2018. The PFS38 is the smallest member of our pneumatic spring applied caliper disc brakes family, providing half the torque of our next-smallest model, the very popular PFS47.

The PNEUSA® is a unique cylinder design using an internally enclosed cable cylinder based on our original cable cylinder sealing technology. This provides complete protection of the internal sealing components from harsh environments, which means you can use the PNEUSA® in all types of applications!

But finding the perfect fit for your application isn’t always the easiest job. Our VP of Engineering and General Manager, Chad Randleman, breaks down how to size a PNEUSA® rodless cylinder for your rodless cylinder application:

You’ve decided a rod-style actuator is the answer for your industrial equipment design. That’s great! But, do you want a hydraulic rod cylinder or a pneumatic rod cylinder? Either style can deliver excellent, reliable performance in the right circumstances, so what’s the difference?

When your industrial design calls for linear movement, you might want to use hydraulic actuators. There are definite advantages to using a fluid-powered actuator, but that doesn’t mean they are right for every purpose. It all comes down to the requirements of your specific application. So, when should you choose hydraulic linear actuators?

Without actuators, everything would come to a standstill. That’s because actuators make things happen, literally keeping automated production plants moving, industrial doors operating, and so on. But they come in several styles, so how do you know which type to use?

Here are some tips to help choose between linear and rotary actuators.