An automation actuator converts energy into controlled mechanical motion used to move, position, or clamp parts in an automated system. Pneumatic actuators use compressed air; electric linear actuators use a motor and screw drive. Pneumatics Group Ireland stocks both types from Festo, Metal Work, Tolomatic, Bosch Rexroth, and Emerson Aventics with application engineering support to help choose the right technology.
Choosing between a pneumatic and an electric actuator is one of the most consequential decisions in any automation project. Get it wrong and you’re dealing with incorrect positioning, excessive energy use, maintenance headaches, or a system that just can’t keep up with cycle time demands.
Pneumatics Group supplies both technologies pneumatic cylinders and electric linear actuators from trusted manufacturers, with the application knowledge to help you choose correctly for your specific process.
Factor | Pneumatic Actuator | Electric Linear Actuator |
Force | High force at low cost | Medium-high force; scales with motor size |
Speed | Very fast; excellent for high-cycle apps | Precise speed control; programmable profiles |
Positioning | Typically end-to-end (2 positions) | Multi-position; programmable via PLC |
Energy efficiency | Less efficient at low utilisation | Only consumes power during movement |
Maintenance | Seals and airlines to maintain | Minimal fewer consumable parts |
Cost | Low upfront; air supply infrastructure required | Higher unit cost; no air supply needed |
Cleanliness | Possible air exhaust not ideal for cleanrooms | No air exhaust ideal for cleanrooms/labs |
Best for | High-speed, high-force, simple motion | Precision positioning, multi-step, hygienic areas |
Electric linear actuators are increasingly chosen over pneumatics for new automation projects in Ireland, particularly in pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical device production, and food processing where precision positioning, traceability, and cleanliness are critical.
Key advantages that make the switch worthwhile:
Pneumatics Group is the authorised distributor for Tolomatic electric linear actuators in Ireland a proven brand trusted by global pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturers.
The right solution for all requirements: Festo offers products, systems and services for pneumatic and electrical control and drive technology – for factory and process automation.
In order to improve its competitiveness on the market, Gimatic has decided not to deal only with Handling, but also with sensors, components for gripping hands (EOAT), gripping solutions for Robots and Mechatronics. The challenge that Gimatic wants to face today is the launch of the new range of vacuum products.
As one of the leading specialists Bosch Rexroth is a partner for Mobile Applications, Machinery Applications, Engineering and Factory Automation.
NOVACOM is based in the heart of Europe, in the north of France. The company has been designing, manufacturing, and developing vacuum components for more than 30 years.
As a genuine vacuum specialist and leader on the market, NOVACOM has never ceased to innovate and evolve. The company now has the most extensive line of vacuum components in Europe, meeting the needs of all applications in industrial environments: standard and special suction cups, single-stage, multi-stage, anti-clogging, and pneumatic transport ejectors (or vacuum pumps), air amplifiers, air nozzles, air curtains, vacuum filters, clamping grippers, air nippers, gripping heads, membranes, and other vacuum accessories.
As part of Emerson Automation Solutions, the pneumatic engineering brand provides products and services for industrial automation, as well as the food, packaging, medical, and energy technology industries.
Since 1954, Tolomatic has been manufacturing innovative automation Actuators components. From gearboxes and brakes to pneumatic actuators and complete electrical linear motion systems, our motion solutions are moving businesses forward.
A pneumatic actuator uses compressed air to generate motion fast, powerful, and simple, but limited to fixed positions. An electric linear actuator uses a motor and screw drive slower but programmable for precise multi-position control, making it ideal for applications requiring variable speed, force control, or position logging.
Pneumatic actuators have lower unit cost but require compressed air infrastructure. Electric actuators cost more per unit but need no air supply and have lower long-term maintenance costs. For high-cycle, simple-motion applications, pneumatic wins on cost. For precision, multi-step, or cleanroom applications, electric often has better total cost of ownership.
Yes drop-in pneumatic-to-electric retrofit kits are available for many standard cylinder sizes, particularly from Tolomatic. Contact our engineering team to discuss your retrofit requirements.
We stock Festo, Metal Work, Tolomatic, Bosch Rexroth, Emerson Aventics, Gimatic, and Novacom covering both pneumatic and electric linear motion products.
Standard products are typically in stock for same-day or next-day dispatch from our Dublin warehouse. Custom or non-standard configurations may have longer lead times contact us to confirm availability.
