Feature

LVDT

SMAC MSA8

SMAC MLA8
Output Force
Requires a spring or air to create force: 
Spring- force determined by spring rate, will change based on orientation.
Air – Can provide force with some adjustment but no Soft-Land.
Same as LVDT spring option, air would have to be 3rd party. At this point would recommend MLA8 option.
No Air Required. Spring is an option only for E-Stop concerns. Force is programmable down to the gram level in any orientation preventing witness marks being left on part surface. Can program Soft-Land to your specifications.
Extension to Part/Stroke
The LVDT or the part must be moved to each other or add air option for motion. Strokes available in 1, 5, 12, 32 & 50mm.
Same as LVDT = Me too option, if comparing to additional of air, see MLA8 option. Strokes available in 10mm, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, & 250mm in larger form factors.
Voice Coil Linear motor - can program position, velocity, soft-land, and force, Typical move is rapid close to part, Soft-Land, create measuring force, measure.  Strokes available in 10mm, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, & 250mm in larger form factors.
Cost
LVDT alone is under $1,000 but amp and cabling drive total cost to well over this ~$1,300.
SMAC starts @ $450 which includes actuator and cabling. No Amp is required as encoder signal is RS422 level encoder signal, 5-15volts and/or can go directly into PLC counter card.
SMAC starts @ $1,150 for actuator, controller, & cabling, with serial, CAN, or analog out signal options.
Accuracy/Linearity/Resolution
Accuracy can improve as measurement window distance decreases. Available in .1um and .5um resolutions.
SMAC Encoder Technology maintains linearity throughout the entire stroke. Available in 1um, .5um and .1um resolutions.
SMAC Encoder Technology maintains linearity throughout the entire stroke.  Available in 1um, .5um and .1um resolutions.
IP Rating
IP67 (air tube on exhaust required)..
IP65 (IP67 available in different form factor for added cost).
IP65 (IP67 available in different form factor for added cost).
Compressed Air/Pneumatic Access
LVDT pneumatic systems make linear movement possible as an option or as a separate mechanical pneumatic assembly.
No air used, if motion is required see MLA8 option.
SMAC actuators are electric 24 and 48 VDC and do not require any compressed air.
Mechanical Adjustments
LVDTs mechanical assemblies require occasional mechanical re-adjustment, especially if there are varying part change overs.
If motion is required, see MLA8 option.
No need for mechanical adjustments and can easily handle change overs through complete programmability.
Recalibration
LVDTs construction requires constant recalibration.
No need for actuator recalibration. If calibration is desired it is a simple optional task against a known standard.
No need for actuator recalibration. If calibration is desired it is a simple optional task against a known standard.
Periodic Maintenance/Life/ Durability
LVDTs need periodic maintenance & replacement.  They cannot handle sideloading or shock / impact. The internal guiding is traditionally weak which causes them to be damaged easily. Recent improvements have been made to improve clamping/bearings on some brands to “increase” service life but nothing is quantified or published. 
No need for periodic maintenance. SMAC units typically are capable of millions to billions of worry-free cycling.
No need for periodic maintenance. SMAC units typically are capable of millions to billions of worry-free cycling. Motion is controlled by the actuator, there are oversized linear guideways designed in these units and a nose bushing for additional sideload support. Optional cross roller guides for even higher rigidity available for an added cost.
Sampling interval/Max Output Pulses
1-4ms Typical
3 million pulses per second  
100us
Warranty/Rebuild
12-month manufacturing
12-month manufacturing +35% rebuild program
12-month manufacturing +35% rebuild program
       
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