What Is an Electric Cylinder?

An electric cylinder is a linear motion device that generates straight-line movement through electric drive rather than compressed air. It combines mechanical transmission components with an electric motor, allowing motion parameters to be controlled digitally instead of pneumatically.

In industrial automation, electric cylinders are commonly used when accuracy, repeatability, and flexible motion profiles are required. Compared with traditional air cylinders, they are better suited for applications that demand precise positioning and programmable movement.

Main Components of an Electric Cylinder

Although designs vary, most electric cylinders are built around several core elements:

1️⃣ Drive motor – typically a servo motor or stepper motor that supplies rotational motion

2️⃣ Transmission mechanism – usually a ball screw or lead screw that converts rotation into linear displacement

3️⃣ Guiding structure – supports the moving rod or carriage and maintains alignment

4️⃣ Feedback devices – encoders or sensors that provide position and status information

5️⃣ Mechanical housing – protects internal parts and improves overall stiffness

The integration of these components enables stable and controllable linear motion in a compact assembly.

 

Working Principle

When the motor is energized, its rotational output is transferred to the screw mechanism. As the screw rotates, the nut or slider moves along the screw axis, producing linear motion. By adjusting motor commands through a controller, the system can accurately regulate stroke position, travel speed, and motion sequence.

Because motion is controlled electrically, electric cylinders can perform tasks such as multi-position stops, synchronized movement, and smooth acceleration or deceleration. These capabilities are difficult to achieve with purely pneumatic systems.

 

Typical Industrial Applications

Electric cylinders are widely applied in:

✅ Automated assembly equipment

✅ Packaging and material handling systems

✅ Battery production and electronics manufacturing

✅ Testing, inspection, and measurement machines

✅ Medical and laboratory automation

✅ They are particularly effective in systems where frequent parameter changes or high repeatability are required.

 

Electric Cylinders and Pneumatic Alternatives

While pneumatic cylinders remain suitable for simple and high-speed operations, electric cylinders provide greater control flexibility and energy efficiency. For modern automated equipment, they are often chosen as a long-term solution when precision and control are critical.

A detailed comparison with pneumatic cylinders will be discussed in the next article of this series.

 

INCT GmbH offers electric cylinders designed for industrial automation, with optional integration of servo motors, gear reducers, sensors, and linear modules to support complete motion solutions.