Actuators For Positioning; Pneumatic; Brake Motor - Mitsubishi Electric Melsec FX Series Beginners Manual

The Basics of Positioning Control
1.2

Actuators for positioning

The options available for positioning control depend on the type of actuator driving the system. An
actuator is a mechanical device that moves or controls a specific element or a series of elements within
a system.
In a mechanical system, an actuator is often used with a sensor to detect the motion or position of a
workpiece. The following illustrations provide examples of diversified actuators, their features and
their weak points.
1.2.1

Pneumatic

Features and Drawbacks
● Air source and high grade piping are required.
● High torque is not available.
● Multi-point positioning is complex and very difficult to achieve.
● Change in positioning is difficult.
Piping
1.2.2

Brake motor

Features and Drawbacks
● Positioning mechanism is simple.
● Repeatability is poor.
● Change in positioning is difficult.
(When optical sensors or limit switches are used for stop)
Motor with brake
1 - 2
Fig. 1-1:
Air cylinder
Workpiece
Compressor
Fig. 1-2:
Limit switch
Actuators for positioning
Schematic drawing
Pneumatic
Schematic drawing
Brake motor
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC
120010da.eps
120020da.eps