Motion control is at the heart of most machine design, and the two most popular technologies for such control being servo motors and drives and pneumatics. For every application, OEMs have to make critical decisions on the best motion control for the job. In very general terms, OEMs may assume that pneumatic components are a cost-effective solution with less precision, while servo motors and controls are considered more suitable for high-performance applications with high precision requirements. However, it’s not that simple. Each technology features various benefits, and there are applications where either or both may be suitable.
In a recent white paper, motion control experts at Emerson explain the basic functionality of servo versus pneumatic solutions and, of special interest to OEMs, explains the strengths and weaknesses of each. Sometimes an application will clearly be best served by either pneumatic or servo technology. However, in many cases there are a spectrum of choices and needs. It is quite common for manufacturing facilities to rely on many types of OEM equipment arranged in a production line, with transport and accumulation conveyors moving product between the machines. Such an application has many opportunities for incorporating both pneumatic and servo motion. An electro-pneumatic solution developed from a portfolio of motion products helps users apply the best technologies for each specific action.
For more detail on pneumatics vs. servo, and examples of how the technologies can be combined to serve different application requirements, download the Motion Control White Paper now.