Macron Dynamics Inc. MacBUILT stainless steel SSR Series Actuator was engineered to meet demands of corrosive environments and sanitation requirements found in food processing, sanitary and other wash-down automation applications.

MacBUILT actuators and belt drives are modular for customized configurations of travel lengths, cart type and orientation, drive and guidance components. The SSR Series Actuator offers the benefits of other MacBUILT actuators with the advantage of stainless steel construction and components.

"Ordinary actuators do not hold up in corrosive environments resulting from wash-down and sanitizing of equipment," says Steve Evers, director of business development at Macron. "Specifying the wrong actuator can lead to mechanical failure or contaminated foodstuffs and even lawsuits."

The SSR Series Actuator is designed to avoid these specific issues by using FDA-compliant materials and stainless steel properties, which includes resistance to corrosive forces of water, acids, caustic cleaning mixtures and bleach used in wash-down solutions. The SSR Series Actuator is configured with stainless steel components, including machined 316 stainless steel pulleys. The actuators also include FDA-compliant belting, bearing lubricant and are fitted with sealed synthetic bearings.

"The usual nooks and crannies of a standard T-slot type of aluminum actuator rail are unacceptable because they create biological-friendly environs where germs and bacteria can grow," Evers says. "Even the exposed threads of a screw can create a virtual incubator for bacteria and mold, which is not acceptable in food processing or sanitary automation processes."

MacBUILT SSR Series Acutators use a proprietary open-sided hollow body actuator rail/beam. This design helps in visual inspection, maintenance and high pressure wash-down to help achieve complete sanitation.

"With the adaptation of even stricter cleaning methods, the actuator bearings themselves must also be addressed," Evers says. "Macron's long-term approach to using an open versus sealed actuator rail design means that even the bearings themselves can be flushed with spray wands and sanitized while the actuator continues to provide smooth, accurate motion."

The SSR Series Actuator is configurable to application specific requirements and available in travel lengths up to 500 feet, maximum speeds up to 15,240 mm/sec and maximum load capacities up to 10,000 pounds. Macron can also accommodate longer travel requirements as needed.

The SSR Series Actuator can be used for single axis or multi-axis automation systems and gantries. Additional options and configurations including wrap around, rotated and extended carts, and dual cart independent belt systems are available from Macron.