Cyltronic FAQ - answers for machine builders

The cycle time in mechanical engineering describes the time required to complete a complete sequence of operations or processing steps. It comprises all steps from the initial movement to the return to the initial state and readiness for the next run.

A cylinder in mechanical engineering is a mechanical drive element. It is often used in machines and systems to generate and transmit forces and movements. There are various types of cylinders, including hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric cylinders, each with specific applications and modes of operation. Cyltronic sells electric cylinders (IO-Link servo actuators).

Repeatability in mechanical engineering describes the ability to reach the same position with repeated movements within short periods of time.

In mechanical engineering, anti-twist protection is a mechanical element or mechanism which is used to prevent unwanted twists or rotations. The anti-twist devices used in Cyltronic -V products are used for stability and precision and not to prevent rotation or twisting. Read more here...

A reverse stroke magnet (also known as a bidirectional linear magnet) consists of two magnetic systems. In contrast to conventional electromagnets, which require a return spring to return to the starting position, the reversible solenoid can remain in either of the two positions without a continuous supply of power. The Dynamag DYM from Cyltronic is a reversible magnet. It has the specialty that electronics are integrated. This reduces energy consumption in the end positions to a minimum, allowing high forces to be generated without the actuator becoming hot. Read more...

A stepper motor (also known as a stepper motor) is a simple two-phase, brushless synchronous motor. It consists of a segmented, magnetized rotor and a stator which consists of a prescribed number of electromagnetic coils. In contrast to ordinary electric motors, which rotate continuously, a stepper motor is triggered by pulses on the rotor, in precisely defined steps.

SPS stands for programmable logic control (eng. Programmable Logic Controller, PLC). A PLC controller is a digitally operating electronic system and is used to control or regulate machines and systems.

STEP stands for Standard for the Exchange of Product Data (also known as ISO 10303). STEP is an ISO standard for describing product data, which includes physical and functional aspects. As a result of standardization, STEP is used for three-dimensional data exchange between various CAD systems.

The (single-turn) is a rotary encoder (encoder). With it, the angular position can be detected within a single revolution. In contrast, there is the multiturn, see Multitun in the glossary.

The spindle drive is a drive system for linear drives. It consists of an electric motor that directly drives a threaded spindle.

The peak load (peak load) in mechanical engineering is the highest load or the highest demand of force that a machine or system experiences or must exert during operation.

The spindle pitch in mechanical engineering is the linear removal that a nut on a threaded spindle makes when the spindle rotates completely (360°). Cyltronic uses ball screws in their equipment, see glossary ball screws.

In mechanical engineering and automation technology, the term signal voltage refers to the voltage that is used to transmit information or control commands in an electrical system or a machine. Typically, these voltages are used by sensors, actuators, control devices, and other electronic components within an industrial control system.

The control cabinet in mechanical engineering is the central unit for the electrical control, distribution and monitoring of machines and systems. As a rule, the control cabinet contains all necessary switching devices, control and regulation components as well as the wiring required to operate the machines safely and efficiently. No components are required in the control cabinet to operate the Cyltronic devices.

A servo drive (also known as a servo axis) is a precise drive system consisting of a servomotor and a servo controller. A servo drive is part of a closed loop in which current and voltage are generated to drive a servomotor. The closed loop comprises servo drive, servo motor and feedback system, and is controlled via an analog or digital signal. The Cyltronic servo axes in particular integrate the servomotor and the servo controller in one compact device. Find out more about the products here.

The servo controller (also known as servo controller or servo amplifier) is an electrical control element for servomotors. With the servo controller, the angular position of the motor shaft as well as the rotational speed and acceleration can be controlled. By amplifying the corresponding signals, servomotors can be controlled quickly and precisely. Cyltronic combines servo motor and servo controller in one device in a unique way.

Round guides in mechanical engineering are guide systems that consist of cylindrical guide rails and suitable linear bearings or plain bearings. They enable precise and low-friction linear movement along the axis of the cylindrical guide rail. Circular guides are used in a wide range of applications where accurate and smooth linear movement is required. Cyltronic offers products with integrated circular guides (-V).

The shear force is a term from statics and strength theory in mechanical engineering that describes the forces that act perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of a component or structure. These forces create shear forces within the material and can cause deformation or even failure if not properly addressed. In order to be able to withstand lateral forces, Cyltronic offers products with linear guides (-F) and integrated circular guides (-V).

The round guide cylinder is a special type of cylinder in mechanical engineering. With their circular guides, they offer a solution for precise and stable linear movements in construction. The Cyltronic round guide cylinder or CTC-V electric cylinder is an IO-Link spindle drive with integrated round guides and end plate. The integrated round guides ensure smooth movement and stability during use. The end plate on the front allows easy installation of attachments or grippers.

A special type of transmission is the planetary gearbox (also known as rotary transmission). The structure of the planetary gear is reminiscent of the solar system, in which the planet wheels (the planets) rotate around the sun wheel (the sun). With the Cyltronic servo rotary drive, it is easy to install a transmission with any transmission; it increases torque. The planetary gearbox from Cyltronic accessories is recommended.

Positioning accuracy in mechanical engineering refers to the ability of a system or machine to precisely reach a specific position. It is the measure of the accuracy with which a desired position can be achieved.

A linear magnet (also known as a lifting magnet) is a rectilinear movement that the diving core performs in the magnetic field of the coil. The linear magnet is predestined to carry out tensile and push movements. The Dynamag DYM from Cyltronic is a reversible magnet. It has the specialty that electronics are integrated. This reduces energy consumption in the end positions to a minimum, allowing high forces to be generated without the actuator becoming hot.

Pneumatics as an area of technology is part of fluid technology, as is hydraulics. It describes the entirety of those parts that are triggered by a mechanical movement under pressure in order to enable pneumatic operation. As a mechanical component, the pneumatic cylinder uses compressed air (energy) to convert it into repetitive, cyclic mechanical energy, such as linear movement. The pneumatic cylinder and the compressed air cylinder are often used interchangeably.

Machine data collection (MDE) is seen as part of production data collection (BDE) and is part of the technical operating data. They are divided into process and product data. The process data in mechanical engineering comprises all information and measurement values that are necessary to operate the machine or are generated during operation. This process data can include various types of information relating to the condition of the machine, operating efficiency, product quality, and other relevant parameters. The product data, on the other hand, is related to the product created. Process data can be obtained from Cyltronic devices using the IO-Link function.

Positioning is an important process in many industrial applications, primarily in manufacturing and assembly. In principle, the higher the required positioning accuracy, the higher the design effort and ultimately the price of the positioning system. Positioning systems are drive-driven, single-axis or multi-axis systems which are used to position workpieces, workpiece carriers, tools or tool carriers in machines and technical systems. With Cyltronic products, any number of positions can be reached thanks to IO-Link. Positioning systems with Cyltronic products are easy to implement due to their compatibility.

Das Potentiometer (auch Poti genannt), ist ein elektrisches Widerstandsbauelement, bei dem der Widerstandswert in einem Stromkreis mechanisch (bspw. durch Drehen oder Verschieben) veränderbar ist. Potentiometer werden häufig als Drehpotentiometer oder Schiebepotentiometer zur Steuerung von elektronischen Geräten und Bauteilen eingesetzt. Die Kraft und Geschwindigkeit der Cyltronic Produkte können digital (oder über IO-Link) über die Potentiometer verstellt bzw. eingestellt werden.

The nominal speed is the maximum speed at which a machine or motor can be operated. It indicates the maximum revolutions per minute (RPM, RPM) that can be achieved at this speed at full power. The Cyltronic rotary drive has a nominal speed of 3800 rpm.

Newton (abbreviated N) is the SI unit of force and was named after the English physicist and mathematician Isaac Newton. It is the force that must be expended to move 1kg with an acceleration of 1 m/s².

The multiturn is a special type of encoder. The encoders are sensors that can convert the angular position of a rotating object into digital or analog signals. Compared to a single turn, a multiturn is able to record and measure several revolutions. Cyltronic uses magnetic, absolutely single-turn encoders in their devices (currently still under development, Multiturn).

The machine is a device that does not use animal or human power as a drive system to perform a specific task or function. A machine should have a higher-level controller. Everything that is operated from a main control panel generally belongs to a machine. The legal basis is the Machinery Ordinance (MaschV, SR 819.14), which implements the requirements of EC Directive 2006/42/EC on machinery into Swiss law - as of 23.04.2024. *On June 14, 2023, the EU adopted a new Machinery Regulation (EU Machinery Regulation), which will apply as of January 20, 2027. It contains new requirements for conformity assessment bodies. These are already valid from January 20, 2024* https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2008/263/de

Mechanical engineering (including mechanical engineering) is a broad field of engineering science. The main focus is on the development, construction, manufacture and maintenance of machines and mechanical systems.

A linear guide in mechanical engineering is a mechanical device that is used to provide uniform and precise linear movement. It is often used to ensure that movements take place along a fixed straight path. Cyltronic uses linear guides, for example in the CTC-F electric cylinder, to ensure maximum stability.

Electrical power indicates how much electrical energy is converted or transferred to a circuit per unit of time. Simply put, it is energy consumption, or energy production in a specific time, by a consumer. The electrical power P is given in watts.

IO-Link is an open standard communication technology. With IO technology (IEC 61131-9), it is possible to communicate with sensors and actuators. It is a powerful bidirectional point-to-point communication between the devices and the controller. IO-Link is therefore not a field bus, but a connection technology that can be integrated into all field buses. Maintenance, parameterization and configuration of the device are possible in real time. Based on the 3-wire connection, sensors and actuators can be connected to the cable material without further requirements.

A linear motor is a special class of synchronous brushless servomotors. It uses electromagnetic principles to move an object along a straight line. As a result of the electromagnetic interaction between a coil unit (primary part) and a permanent magnet unit (secondary part), the electrical energy is converted into linear mechanical energy instead of a rotational movement.

With a linear axis (also linear drive or linear drive system) in mechanical engineering, precise linear movements are produced along a straight line. The CTL linear axes from Cyltronic are electrically operated and integrate the ball spindle, the servo controller and the servo motor in one device. Multi-axis systems (X-Y-Z) can be implemented in the simplest way with Cyltronic linear axes. The installation of other Cyltronic products and standard attachments is easy thanks to pre-drilled holes and offer additional flexibility.

The ball screw (also known as ball screw or ball nut) is a mechanical component that is used in linear motion technology. Thanks to the ball circulation principle, they are ideal for all areas where precise linear movement must be carried out. This results in lower rolling resistance and significantly reduces wear and the required drive power. Cyltronic uses this advantage of ball screws to be able to offer a more efficient and long-term solution.

A communication interface is the methodological and technical device that enables various systems, devices or applications to communicate with each other and exchange data. These interfaces can be both hardware and software based and are crucial for networking and interoperability in many technical environments. Cyltronic devices use IO-Link as a communication interface.

Standard M12 signal and power cables can be used for Cyltronic devices.

In technical terms, an internal thread (product code Cyltronic -I either an M6 or M10 thread) is a spiral, screw-like, uniformly wound inclined plane drilled into a cylindrical object or other component. It makes it possible to make a connection or attachment by screwing in a corresponding external thread.

IP (International Protection) is a code for the degree of protection of a product housing against water, foreign objects and contact. The first digit stands for protection against foreign objects and contact and the second digit stands for protection against water. The X in IPX is a placeholder for the first digit because the manufacturer makes no statement about protection. Cyltronic products can be IP40 (protected against solid foreign objects > 1 mm and against contact with wire and no protection against water), IP65 (tight against dust, protected against contact and protected against jets of water from any direction or splashing water) or IP67 (tight against dust, protected against contact and protected from water during temporary and complete immersion).

IODD stands for “IO Device Description” and is the device description. It is a concept related to IO-Link and an IO-Link device (without IODD, it is not an IO-Link device). It contains all relevant information about a specific IO-Link device to correctly identify, configure and operate it. Here is the Cyltronic IODD: https://ioddfinder.io-link.com/productvariants/search?vendorName=%22Cyltronic%20AG%22

Compressed air is compressed air, which is also known as compressed air in everyday life. A compressor compresses the air and uses it as a drive or energy source in various applications. The compressed air cylinder, as a mechanical component, uses compressed air (energy) to convert it into repetitive, cyclic mechanical energy, such as linear movement. The compressed air cylinder and the pneumatic cylinder are often used interchangeably.

In the field of mechanical engineering, the holding force is referred to as the force required to hold an object in a specific position or to prevent it from moving. The Cyltronic uses spring-loaded brakes for this purpose. See the terminology in the glossary under brake and products to be purchased under accessories.

The DC motor, also known as a DC motor, is a type of electric motor which converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. The way it works is based on the fact that it consists of a stator which generates the static magnetic field, and a rotor which rotates in the magnetic field and generates energy through the rotational movement of the current flow (through a conductor coil or conductor loop) in a fixed magnetic field. The brushes provide the power supply, which are in contact with a commutator on the rotor, the direction of the magnetic field being controlled by the current flow.

Hydraulics are part of fluid technology in mechanical engineering. Liquids (usually oil) are used to transfer power and in systems and machines. This technique uses the physical properties of liquids, which are not compressible, to transfer very large forces (with little energy expenditure) and perform precise movements. A hydraulic cylinder is a hydraulic element and falls within the field of drive technology. The Lienearbeder hydraulic cylinder creates linear movement by converting a liquid medium such as oil or water through a hydraulic system It converts hydraulic energy into mechanical movement.

The hub in relation to Cyltronic devices describes the movement or the distance that a part travels in a linear motion.

A transmission is the link between motor and application. Depending on requirements, there are different designs on the market. In mechanical engineering, a transmission is a device that is used to transfer and change the rotational speed and torque from one rotating drive element to another. A special type of transmission is the planetary gearbox (also known as rotary transmission). The structure of the planetary gear is reminiscent of the solar system, in which the planet wheels (the planets) rotate around the sun wheel (the sun). With the Cyltronic servo rotary drive, it is easy to install a transmission with any transmission; it increases torque. The planetary gearbox from Cyltronic accessories is recommended.

The brake used by Cyltronic is the spring-operated brake (also known as spring-action brake, safety brake or fail-safe brake). This works according to the closed-circuit principle (currentless state). Spring-loaded brakes are single-disc brakes with two friction surfaces, which generate braking torque through frictional action through one or more compression springs and achieve the braking effect. This type of brake is often used in safety applications, where a failure of the external drive automatically results in braking.

A field bus is a bus system that is used in industry to communicate between a PLC (programmable logic controller - control computer) and various field devices such as sensors and actuators. This connection enables data exchange via bus lines, and a central PLC can send and receive data to efficiently control the connected devices. Typical fieldbus systems include: Profinet, Profibus, Ethernet/IP, CAN/CAN-Open, EtherCAT,... The Cyltronic devices communicate with the PLC via the IO-Link communication protocol. Read more about the benefits and areas of application of IO-Link in the Cyltronic FAQ and blog.

A guide cylinder in mechanical engineering is a special cylinder that is stabilized by additional guide elements. This enables very stable and exact linear movements in the design. The Cyltronic guide cylinder or CTC-F electric cylinder is an IO-Link spindle drive with linear guide and end plate. The linear guide promises maximum stability and smooth movement during use. The end plate on the front allows easy installation of attachments or grippers.

An end plate is a component which is typically used in mechanical engineering to close, for example, at the end of a housing or a cylinder. Cyltronic products such as the CTC-V and CTC-F electric cylinders often use this end plate as a mounting or mounting part.

The encoder in mechanical engineering is a device that is particularly suitable for precise positioning in industrial automation. It measures the position, speed, or angle of rotation of a rotating or linear movement and converts this into electrical signals. For control and monitoring purposes, they provide precise information about the movement or position of machines or components. Cyltronic uses a magnetic, absolutely single-turn encoder in its actuators (currently still under development of the Multiturn) to ensure positioning and repeatability.

The end position sensor, also known as an end position switch or position switch, is an electrical component. It is used to monitor the position or movement of a mechanical part and to make or break electrical contact when a specific position is reached. In mechanical engineering, such switches are often attached to the endpoints of machines or mechanisms to ensure that certain movements or actions are carried out correctly.

The Dynamag (linear magnet or short-stroke magnet, reversible magnet) from Cyltronic is the simplest solution to convert short strokes into machines electrically. It has the specialty that electronics are integrated. This reduces energy consumption in the end positions to a minimum, allowing high forces to be generated without the actuator becoming hot.

The electric cylinder in mechanical engineering is an electromotive component which generates linear movement or force through electrical energy. Electric cylinders basically consist of a motor, a gearbox and a spindle. Depending on the requirements, electric cylinders vary significantly in their mileage, power and speed. Electric cylinders from Cyltronic combine all components of an electric cylinder in one actuator in a unique way. They differ from conventional electric cylinders in their outstanding performance, power and speed as well as control.

A moment or torque is created when a force acting from outside is exerted on a rotary axis or body via a lever arm and causes it to rotate. The moment/torque is proportional to the force and the lever arm and indicates how strong the force acts on the body. Formula: M (Nm newton meters) = F*a. In machines, moment refers to the rotating or rotational force exerted by an axle or shaft to produce movement or work. Torque indicates how much force is required to rotate or move an object in a machine and is a decisive factor in determining the performance of motors, transmissions, and other mechanical systems.

The continuous load on Cyltronic refers to a constant load that a Cyltronic component must withstand over a longer period of time without causing damage. This load can be mechanical, thermal or electrical and is used to determine the maximum, long-lasting load capacity of Cyltronic components. Continuous loads are usually an important factor when designing and calculating machines for continuous operation, as they can affect reliability and safety.

The mounting plate is used as a mechanical component in order to securely and precisely attach various components to a machine, a system or a structure.

Cyltronic is the expert for smart IO-Link servo actuators in mechanical engineering. Which offers intelligent drives are based on highly developed all-in-one technology. It does everything it can to help machine manufacturers reduce complexity, reduce costs and meet diverse customer needs. In doing so, they offer machine and plant manufacturers a simple, compact and versatile solution so that complex and high-quality machines can be designed quickly and cost-effectively.

CAD data is digital information created in CAD software (computer-aided design (CAD) software) for the development and documentation of real objects. CAD data makes it easier to exchange information in the design process. In mechanical engineering, it describes the geometry, construction and technical specifications of machines or components. These often include information about dimensions, shape, material properties, and assembly instructions for a specific project or product in a detailed 2D drawing or 3D model.

The brake used by Cyltronic is the spring-operated brake (also known as spring-action brake, safety brake or fail-safe brake). This works according to the closed-circuit principle (currentless state). Spring-loaded brakes are single-disc brakes with two friction surfaces, which generate braking torque through frictional action through one or more compression springs and achieve the braking effect. This type of brake is often used in safety applications, where a failure of the external drive automatically results in braking.

A brushless DC motor, also known as BLDC (Brushless Motor or Brushless DC) or EC (Electronical Commutated) motor, is an electric motor that does not require mechanical brushes (which are used in conventional DC motors to transfer power to the rotor). The way brushless DC motors work is based on the fact that an electrical controller is used to regulate the flow of current in the stators, which creates the rotating magnetic field, which sets the rotor, consisting of coils, in motion. This type of motor (synchronous servomotor) is fully integrated into Cyltronic and offers the advantages of a longer service life, higher efficiency, lower maintenance costs and lower heat generation.

A plant itself is equipment, a device, a machine or even a large plant that supports, facilitates and accelerates the daily work of people in industry. A plant is a more comprehensive system or device that consists of several machines or devices, several control panels and has no superordinate control system. The plant is designed for a more complex purpose or process. The MRL does not know any system in the colloquial sense. It knows “machine” or “set of machines” as “machine.” In contrast, there is a “combination of individual machines” - known colloquially (and in the Cyltronic article) as an installation.

A drive in mechanical engineering is a system or component that generates and transmits mechanical energy in order to set in motion or operate a machine or a machine component. Drive technology is an area of expertise within engineering sciences and especially electrical engineering. It is not only limited to generating and transmitting radially acting forces, but also includes linear drives. This means that the drive can be either linear or radial. The drive technology ensures that the movement is carried out with repeatability and at the desired power and speed.

In technical terms, an external thread (product code Cyltronic -A either an M10 or M16 thread) is a spiral, screw-like, uniformly wound inclined plane, on the outer surface of a cylindrical object or other component. It makes it possible to make a connection or attachment with a corresponding internal thread.

Automation means the transfer of functions of a production process, in particular process control and regulation tasks, from humans to artificial systems. *Full definition on https://wirtschaftslexikon.gabler.de/definition/automatisierung-27138

The control or control of machines and systems refers to the process or system in which input variables influence the output variable in a specific way and controls the functions and operations of a machine or a technical system. A distinction is made between three groups of information presentation; analog control, binary control, digital control. Control technology comprises the design and implementation of control systems, i.e. the targeted influence on the behavior of technical systems. It is a branch of automation technology.

An actuator (from the mechanical, physical quantity), or even actuator (derived from English: actuator) or converter is a mechanical component which converts electrical signals/energy mostly in electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic form, into mechanical movement or non-electrical quantities. The data generated by sensors and actuators plays an important role in the Internet of Things (IoT) and for Industry 4.0 (I4.0).