Motion Control Products Ltd (MCP), the Bournemouth-based solutions provider for the automation market, has launched the IMA-S stainless-steel integrated servo actuator from Tolomatic, designed for the most demanding food and beverage processing applications.
As the demand for cleaner and safer machinery in food and pharmaceutical production grows, machine builders are increasingly tasked with designing equipment that meets stringent hygiene standards. This emphasis on improved hygiene is driven by a greater focus on product safety and compliance with health regulations. To meet these requirements, machine designers must stay up to date with the latest best practices in hygienically designed equipment.
Motion Control Products Ltd, as the official UK & Ireland distributor for Tolomatic, is pleased to introduce the IMA-S integrated electric servo actuator, which is specifically engineered for applications within the food and beverage processing industry. The IP69K-rated IMA-S actuator is built entirely from 316 stainless steel and features hygienic fasteners and cord grips, all designed to endure rigorous cleaning processes. The robust construction of the IMA-S makes it particularly suitable for washdown applications, providing maximum protection against dust, high temperatures, and high-pressure water jets.
The IMA-S features a hollow rotor servo motor integrated directly into the actuator housing, resulting in a compact, hygienic motion module. This design facilitates the conversion of pneumatic and hydraulic cylinder systems by increasing efficiency, improving motion control, and reducing the risk of product contamination. The hygienic IMA-S series delivers forces of up to 11.1 kN, speeds of up to 500 mm/s, and stroke lengths of up to 450 mm. Additionally, it offers the choice between planetary roller screws or ball screws, complemented by a proprietary lubrication feature that helps extend service life.
The IMA and IMA-S models integrate seamlessly with a broad range of servo drives from various manufacturers, offering machine builders the flexibility needed for diverse applications. Tolomatic’s Drive Integration Resource includes comprehensive documentation and motor files, supporting interoperability with major drive brands. For Rockwell Automation users, Tolomatic provides custom motor files (CMF) that facilitate smooth integration, including specific guidance for interfacing the IMA actuator with Rockwell Automation servo drives and absolute encoders.
Feedback options for the IMA-S actuator include multi-turn absolute encoders (e.g. Hiperface DSL, Hiperface Sin-Cos, EnDat 2.2), incremental encoders, and resolvers, ensuring compatibility with a range of PLCs and control systems. For users of the Rockwell Automation Kinetix motion platform, motor files are readily available to support rapid integration. Flexible mounting options, including front face, front flange, and rear clevis, enhance adaptability across various setups. Additional features include a replaceable IP69K seal cartridge, FDA-approved seal materials, and EHEDG-compliant fasteners.
The IMA-S actuator embodies advanced design features that enhance both performance and cleanliness. The actuator’s 316 stainless steel body is corrosion-resistant and chemically inert, allowing it to withstand exposure to harsh cleaning chemicals. The blue gaskets and O-rings not only offer additional durability but also comply with food safety standards, making them suitable for direct contact with food products. The IP69K-rated FDA-approved seal cartridge can be easily replaced in the field, further contributing to the actuator’s operational reliability and longevity in washdown environments.
By incorporating features like skewed windings, the IMA-S actuator minimises cogging torque, delivering smooth and repeatable motion. Its low electrical time constraint motor provides quick response times, enhancing the actuator’s efficiency and enabling precise control over speed and position. This level of control is difficult to achieve with traditional fluid power technologies, making electric servo actuators an appealing alternative for high-performance applications.
Tolomatic’s IMA-S hygienic integrated servo motor actuator presents a compelling solution for machine builders focused on hygiene, performance, and flexibility. Its design not only meets the stringent cleaning and sanitising requirements of food and beverage applications but also provides advanced control capabilities that contribute to more efficient and adaptable machine designs.
“The IMA-S was designed to meet food and beverage industry trends towards more open machine designs requiring hygienic, clean-in-place, linear motion solutions,” explains Steve McKay, Managing Director of MCP Ltd. “Throughout the design process, Tolomatic analysed and incorporated feedback from industry-leading OEMs into the design, ensuring the IMA-S eliminates many of the challenges and concerns the industry sees with standard actuators and historical fluid power motion solutions that have traditionally been implemented.”
For more technical information, please visit our website https://motioncontrolproducts.com/mechanical/linear-electric-actuators/tolomatic-electric-actuators.html or contact our sales team at +44 (0)1202 599922.
