In a bid to invest in the local economy and to ensure shortened lead times, SMC Corporation Australia and New Zealand will now undertake the local assembly and stockholding of its latest range of electric cylinders.
This move will see a significant amount of stock being held at SMC’s central warehouse in NSW. Furthermore, the company has its sights set on stocking up its Auckland warehouse in NZ later this year.
“We are currently bringing in AC electric cylinder systems and will have full range of options on hand,” explains Jozef Ceh, digital transformation manager for SMC ANZ.
“This includes cylinders, motors, drivers, cables and other accessories. Soon thereafter, we will also focus on bringing in DC systems. For customers with complex and demanding applications, we can develop customised solutions quickly and efficiently.”
As usual, products will be backed up by service that customers have come to expect from SMC, but now, will also deliver greater benefits for its customers’ local upgrades by offering greater flexibility.
“Our team is always on hand to assist with on-site and virtual assistance, as well as technical queries,” Ceh says.
“Having this large stock contingent on hand is ideal for shortening lead times and offers peace-of-mind in terms of spare part and accessories.
“Particularly, since the Covid-19 lockdown period, SMC has been known for our virtual support services. This continues to prove popular.”
Electric cylinders continue to grow in popularity and, according to SMC, the rise in local demand has justified its recent investment.
In addition to SMC’s standard complete system offer, the motor-less option of electric cylinders allows the customer further flexibility of using their preferred choice of servo motors to be mounted onto the cylinder.
The series is currently compatible with 15 companies, including Beckhoff, ANCA Motion, Omron, Rockwell and Siemens.
“Electric cylinders are best known for their precision, ease of use and flexibility. They’re especially in demand as we see a rise in smart factories around the country,” adds Ceh.
“We offer an electric cylinder to accommodate every application. Our range includes a high rigidity slider type (LEJ series), a rod type (LEY), and a guide rod type (LEYG).
“Easy setup, plug and play systems, higher levels of functionality and standalone operations. with or without a PLC, makes for some of the key differentiating features of this sought-after range.”
Ceh explains that repurposing machinery via software is fast becoming a key differentiator for machine builders, and this shift has seen demand for electric cylinder become a more logical choice.
“In saying that, it is important to understand that electric cylinders were not designed to replace pneumatic cylinders (or vice versa). They have been designed to be used in their respective applications,” says Ceh.
“Typically, an electric cylinder is used in areas where a higher level of complexity is required, such as positioning accuracy, intermediate stops, a more sophisticated form of speed, accelerations, or force control.”
The characteristics of electric cylinders have gained significant appeal over the years – largely due to the advancement of controls.
“Here, specifications can be changed via software reconfiguration to achieve a high level of accuracy and repeatability without the need for any mechanical changes,” Ceh adds.
SMC’s comprehensive range will be on exhibit at this year’s much-anticipated Foodtech Packtech, which takes place at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland, New Zealand from 13-15 April 2021 (stand 2023).
