Bosch Rexroth presents an electromechanical solution for pressing and joining where position, motion and force can be controlled within the same system. The solution is based on the company’s electromechanical cylinders and Smart Function Kit Pressing, and is developed for automated processes where controlled force and documentation of the pressing sequence are important.
In the system, the servomotor’s rotation is converted into linear motion through the cylinder’s screw drive. At the same time, a force sensor measures the actual force in the process and provides feedback to the control system.
This makes it possible to control a pressing cycle based on both position and force. The actuator can, for example, be driven to a defined position, operate until a defined force has been reached, or hold a defined force for a specified period of time.
Active force control
With force control, the measured value from the force sensor is used as feedback to the system. If the load changes during the process, the actuator position can be corrected to maintain the set force.
Among other things, Bosch Rexroth highlights powder pressing, grinding, material testing, as well as battery and fuel cell manufacturing as examples of processes where this type of force control can be used.
Force and position can also be recorded simultaneously during the operation. The information can be used for process monitoring and to determine whether an operation is within defined tolerances.
Ball screw up to 56 kN
Bosch Rexroth’s EMC electromechanical cylinder uses a ball screw to convert the motor’s rotation into linear motion. According to the company, the series covers maximum forces up to 56 kN, stroke lengths up to 1,500 millimetres and speeds up to 1.6 metres per second.
For applications with higher force requirements, Bosch Rexroth offers the EMC-HP series. Here, a planetary roller screw is used instead, making it possible to transmit significantly greater axial forces in a compact design.
EMC-HP is available with maximum forces up to 250 kN and stroke lengths up to 1,500 millimetres. Bosch Rexroth cites pressing, riveting, bending, clamping, lifting and testing, among other things, as areas of use for the series.
Ready-made system for pressing applications
In Smart Function Kit Pressing, Bosch Rexroth combines the electromechanical cylinder with servomotor, servo drive, force sensor, industrial PC and software into a complete subsystem.
The system is specified for nominal forces up to 70 kN. Pressing sequences can be configured in the software, and process results can be recorded and evaluated.
In addition to force and position, various criteria can be defined to check whether the process has been carried out within the desired limits. The system can also communicate with higher-level systems via, among other things, OPC UA and REST API.
Electromechanics for force-intensive linear motion
With EMC, EMC-HP and Smart Function Kit Pressing, Bosch Rexroth offers electromechanical solutions also for applications where linear force is a central part of the process.
A ball screw is used in the EMC series, while EMC-HP uses a planetary roller screw for the higher force ranges. In combination with servo drive, force measurement and control, the same system can control both motion and the force applied to the workpiece.
This makes the technology an electromechanical alternative in pressing and joining applications where hydraulic or pneumatic solutions have traditionally been common.
Source: Bosch Rexroth, Precision Press-Fit and Joining with Electromechanical Cylinders, 31 July 2026, as well as Bosch Rexroth product information for Smart Function Kit Pressing and EMC/EMC-HP electromechanical cylinders.
