Glossary · Automation fundamentals, platforms and components
Stroke (machine cycle)
Also known as: Machine cycle, Cycle (Takt), Stroke
German: Takt
In manufacturing automation, a stroke or machine cycle (German: Takt) is one complete working cycle of an intermittently operating machine, such as one press stroke or one index step of an assembly line, after which the sequence repeats. The time for one cycle is the cycle time (German: Taktzeit).
- Automation components
In one sentence
A stroke or machine cycle (Takt) is one complete working cycle of an intermittent machine, such as one press stroke or one index step.
Example
The press runs at 30 strokes per minute, so each stroke, including feeding and part removal, must be completed within two seconds.
How it applies
- Engineering: All stations of a cycle-based machine must complete their tasks within one cycle. The slowest station determines the achievable output. Presses distinguish single-stroke and continuous operation, which matters for safety concepts.
- Operation: Cycle counters are used for output tracking and maintenance intervals, for example lubrication every 100,000 strokes.
- Documentation: Distinguish in manuals between the machine cycle (seconds), the controller Scan cycle (milliseconds) and takt time in production planning (available time divided by customer demand). Using "cycle" for all three causes confusion.
Stroke vs. takt time
In production planning, takt time is the pace set by customer demand. Machine cycle time is what the machine can achieve. A line runs well only if cycle time is at or below takt time.