All syringe machine is not created equal. At first glance, they all appear to be doing the same thing, but internally there are major differences when it comes to the level of technology employed to make them operate.

I think you would agree that if everyone reading this article were sitting in an auditorium listening to me present this in person, and I asked you all to take your cellphones out and hold them up over your heads, at least 95 percent of the audience would have a smartphone that is less than three years old. Yes?

Strangely, I am contacted almost daily by companies that somehow expect to obtain 21st century results while using pad printing technology that, in “phone terms,” represents a level of technology equivalent to an old rotary phone with a long, twisty cord. The benefits of all-electric, programmable, stepper motor drives alone provide lots of reasons to move away from pneumatics.

Single plug simplicity
Start with the simplicity of a single plug. If you have clean electricity, you can run the equipment. There is no need to plumb in air. This makes the machine substantially more mobile, so that as production demands change, you can move your machine to where it is most needed.

Less maintenance
Preventive maintenance on stepper motor-driven machines is nearly eliminated. Without cylinders and their associated issues, the equipment requires very little care. There is no worry about filters, water or oil in the lines, seal failures, gummed-up valve banks, etc. All you have is periodic lubrication of the cams, followers and linear guideways. Simple.

Quieter operation
Stepper motor-driven machines are quieter than pneumatics. Compressed air is a substantial contributor to the overall noise pollution of your shop floor. Quiet, electric drives keep the dB rating low.

Better energy efficiency
Electric machines are less expensive to operate and maintain than older machines. The use of pneumatics to drive motion in equipment is practical and convenient at first glance, but it also can be expensive. Running an air compressor requires an enormous amount of electricity in comparison to the power output. Air compressor efficiency is the ratio of energy input to energy output. Many air compressors may be running at efficiencies as low as 10 or 15 percent.

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