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GTX Series

Integrated Motor | Actuator

Industrial - Exlar

Benefits
  • Easily retrofit into existing equipment. 
  • Increased motion control compared to fluid actuation. 
  • Lower total cost of ownership. 
  • Easy integration with 3rd party servo drives. 

Features
  • Compact, power-dense integrated motor actuator. 
  • Long, robust actuator life due to Exlar inverted roller screw technology. 
  • Flexible feedback technology options including Hiperface, Hiperface DSL, EnDat 2.2, DRIVE-CliQ, Resolver, and Incremental encoders
  • Sealed to IP66S for harsh industrial environments. 
More Details

Overview

GTX Series

Quick Data
ModelFrame Size mm (in)Peak Force N (lbf)Continuous Force N (lbf)Max Speed mm/s (in/s)
GTX06060 (2.36)
AC -   5,336 (1200)
DC -   5,336 (1200)
AC -   2,668 (600)
DC -   2,668 (600)
AC - 1,270 (50.0)
DC -    847 (33.3)
GTX08080 (3.15)
AC - 16,730 (3,762)  
DC - 14,202 (3,192)  
AC -   8,365 (1,881)
DC -   7,101 (1,596)
AC - 1,270 (50.0)
DC -    508 (20.0)
GTX100100 (3.90)
AC - 30,784 (6,920)
AC - 15,392 (3,460)
AC - 953 (37.5)

High Performance and Power, Long Life in a Compact Package

GTX Series integrated motor / actuators offer up to 15X the life and 3X the power density of conventional ball screw electric actuators. Integrating our unique inverted roller screw and T-LAM brushless servo motor technologies delivers the programmability and precision of electric actuators combined with the high power density and rugged durability of hydraulics, all in a compact package that is similar in form factor to a hydraulic cylinder.


More Benefits

  • Programmability and precision of electric actuators
  • Power density, durability and form factor of hydraulic actuators
  • Seamless integration with most leading global servo drive and robot controller brands
  • Environmentally sealed for use in harsh industrial environments

Related Industries

           


            





Quick Data
Models:GTX060, GTX080, GTX100
Frame Sizes:60 mm (2.36 in), 80 mm (3.15 in), 100 mm (3.9 in)
Stroke Lengths:

GTX060: 80, 150, 300 mm (3.15, 6, 12 in)
GTX080: 100, 150, 300, 450 mm (3.94, 6, 12, 18 in)
GTX100: 150, 300 mm (6, 12 in)

Screw Lead:

GTX060: 2.54, 5.08, 10.16 mm (0.1, 0.2, 0.4 in)
GTX080, GTX100: 2.54, 5.08, 12.70 mm (0.1, 0.2, 0.5 in)

Linear Speed:Up to 1,270 mm/s (50.0 in/s)
Continuous Thrust Capacity:15,392 N (3,460 lbf)
Standard/Rating:CE and UL Certifications, UL Class 180H insulation, IP66S
 

AAA = GTX Integrated Motor / Actuator
060 = 60 mm (2.36 in)
080 = 80 mm (3.15 in)
100 = 100 mm (3.94)

BBB = Stroke Length
080 = 80 mm (GTX060)
100 = 100 mm (GTX060, GTX080)
150 = 150 mm
300 = 300 mm
450 = 450 mm (GTX080)

CC = Screw Lead
01 = 2.54 mm (0.10 in)
02 = 5.08 mm (0.20 in)
04 = 10.16 mm (0.40 in) GTX060
05 = 12.7 mm (0.50 in)  

D = Winding Voltage
4 = 460 VAC Max
D = 48 VDC Max (GTX060, GTX080)

E = Rod End Thread & Type
A = Male Metric Thread
B = Female Metric Thread
C = Male Metric Thread, Splined2
D = Female Metric Thread, Splined2
F = Female Standard Thread
G = Male Standard Thread, Splined2
H = Female Standard Thread, Splined2
L = Female Metric Thread, 17-4 SS
M = Male Standard Thread
R = Male Metric Thread, 17-4 SS
V = Female Standard Thread, 17-4 SS
W = Male Standard Thread, 17-4 SS

FF = Wiring and Alignment
AK = AMK
BR = B&R Automation
BD = Baldor
BE = Beckoff
BM = Baumueller
CT = Control Techniques/Nidec
EU = Elau/Schneider
EL = Elmo Motion Control
EX = Exlar
IF = Infranor
IN = Indramat/Bosch-Rexroth
KM = Kollmorgen/Danaher
LS = LTI
LZ = Lenze/AC Tech
PC = Parker Compumotor
RA = Rockwell Automation
SM = Siemens
SB = Stober Drives

GGGG = Feedback Device and Connectors
See table below

H= Internal Holding Brake
N = No Brake
B = Internal Holding Brake, Electronically Released

M = Mounting Options 
N = None
1 = Front Flange, Metric
3 = Tapped Face, Metric
5 = Rear Clevis, Metric
F = Front Flange, Standard
C = Rear Clevis, Standard

N = Other Options 
N = None
A = Anti-Rotate Assembly, External
L = Limit Switch Housing/ Anti-Rotate Assembly1 


NOTES:
1 Switches sold separately
2 Splined Rod (Internal Anti-Rotate) option reduces IP rating. 

Drive Manufacturer

Wiring &
Alignment Code

Resolver

Incremental
Encoder

Stegmann
Absolute
Encoder  

Stegmann
Absolute DSL
Encoder  

Heidenhain
Absolute
Encoder  

AMK

AK

R1A1




H1A1

B&R Automation

BR

R1A1




H1A2

Baldor

BD

R1A1




H1A1

Baumueller

BM

R1A1


S1A1


H1A2

Beckhoff

BE





H1A2

Control Technologies

CT

R2B1

E1B2

S1B1


H1B2

Elau

EU



S1A1



Elmo Motion Control

EL

R1B1

E1B2



H1B2

Exlar

EX

R1A1

E1A1

S1A2


H1A2

Infranor

IF

R1B2


S1B2



Indramat/Bosch-Rexroth

IN



S2D3


H1D3

Kollmorgan

KM

R1A1

E1A2



H1A2

LTI

LS

R2A1


S1A2



Lenze

LZ

R1B1


S1B1



Parker

PC

R1B1

E1B2



H1B2

Rockwell Automation

RA


E1C2

S1C2

S3CO


Siemens

SM

R1B1




H1B2

Stober Drives

SB

R2A1




H1A1


* Some options are not available with every configuration. For options or specials not listed above contact your local representative.

Anti-Rotate, External
This assembly restricts the actuator output rod from rotating when the load is not held by another method. Shorter actuators have a single anti-rotation mechanism; longer lengths have a mechanism on both sides.

Front Mounting Flange
Front mounting flange, includes thru-holes for face-mounting.

Internal Anti-Rotate (Splined Rod)
A ball spline shafting main rod with a ball spline nut that replaces the standard front seal and bushing assembly. This rod restricts rotation without the need for an external mechanism. The rod diameter will be the closest metric equivalent to our standard rod sizes. Since this option is NOT sealed, it is not suitable for environments in which contaminants may enter the actuator.

Limit Switch Housing/ Anti-Rotate Assembly
External travel switches indicate travel to the controller and are adjustable for either the home or end position. Switches not included.

Rear Clevis, Metric
Rear clevis mount, allows actuator to pivot while in motion

Stainless Steel Rod Option
All thread options on the GTX product line are available in 17-4 stainless steel. This option provides improved corrosion resistance for the main rod of the actuator. This option can be beneficial in applications where the rod could be exposed to harsh chemicals or outdoor environments.

Tapped Face, Metric
Tapped mounting holes in front flange face, allows face-mounting of actuator. 

Product Specifications

GTX060 Performance SpecificationsOpen arrow

GTX060 Mechanical Specifications

  STROKE LENGTH MM (IN) SCREW LEAD MM (IN) CONTINUOUS FORCE RATING N (LBF) MAX VELOCITY MM/S (IN/S) DYNAMIC LOAD RATING N (LBF) ARMATURE INERTIA KG-M^2 (IN-LB-S^2)
Maximum velocities listed at maximum voltages. Do not exceed 2X the continuous force rating during operation.
Configured stroke lengths available. Consult Exlar sales representative. Dynamic load ratings valid at forces up to 2X the continuous force rating. Continuous force rating based upon 25° C ambient conditions
      4 (VAC) D (VDC) 4 (VAC) D (VDC)    

GTX060-80-01

80 (3.2)

2.54 (0.1)

2,668 (600)

2,668 (600)

318 (12.5)

212 (8.3)

9,230 (2,075)

0.00007367

(0.000652)

GTX060-80-02

5.08 (0.2)

1,900 (427)

1,610 (392)

635 (25.0)

423 (16.7)

6,850 (1,540)

GTX060-80-04

10.2 (0.4)

1,006 (226)

852 (192)

1,270 (50.0)

847 (33.3)

5,471 (1,230)

GTX060-150-01

150 (5.9)

2.54 (0.1)

2,668 (600)

2,668 (600)

318 (12.5)

212 (8.3)

9,230 (2,075)

0.00008689 (0.000769)

GTX060-150-02

5.08 (0.2)

1,900 (427)

1,610 (392)

635 (25.0)

423 (16.7)

6,850 (1,540)

GTX060-150-04

10.2 (0.4)

1,006 (226)

852 (192)

1,270 (50.0)

847 (33.3)

5,471 (1,230)

GTX060-300-01

300 (11.8)

2.54 (0.1)

2,668 (600)

2,668 (600)

318 (12.5)

212 (8.3)

9,230 (2,075)

0.00011537 (0.001021)

GTX060-300-02

5.08 (0.2)

1,900 (427)

1,610 (392)

635 (25.0)

423 (16.7)

6,850 (1,540)

GTX060-300-04

10.2 (0.4)

1,006 (226)

852 (192)

1,270 (50.0)

847 (33.3)

5,471 (1,230)

 

GTX060 Electrical Specifications

MOTOR VOLTAGE   4 (AC) D (DC)
Max Bus Voltage VAC 230/460 Vrms 24/48 VDC
Speed @ Bus Voltage RPM 5000/7500 2400/5000
Actuator Lead in 0.1 0.2 0.4 0.1 0.2 0.4
RMS Sinusoidal Commutation
Continuous Motor Torque Nm 1.35 1.81 1.81 1.35 1.53 1.53
  lbf-in 11.9 16.0 16.0 11.9 13.6 13.6
Continuous Current Rating A 3.0 4.0 4.0 18.3 20.8 20.8
Peak Current Rating A 6.0 8.0 8.0 36.7 41.7 41.7
Torque Constant (Kt)  (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) Nm/A 0.5 0.08
  lbf-in/A 4.5 0.7
Voltage Constant (Ke)  (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) V/kRPM 30.5 5.0
0 - Peak Sinusoidal Commutation
Continuous Motor Torque Nm 1.8 1.5
  lbf-in 16 13.6
Continuous Current Rating A 5.7 29.5
Peak Current Rating A 11.3 58.9
Torque Constant (Kt)  (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) Nm/A 0.35 0.06
  lbf-in/A 3.2 0.5
Voltage Constant (Ke)  (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) V/kRPM 43.1 7.0
Pole Configuration Number of Poles 8
Resistance (L-L) (+/– 5% @ 25˚C) Ohms 2.8 0.1
Inductance (L-L)(+/– 15%) mH 13.8 0.3
Electrical Time Constant ms 4.9 3.1
Insulation Class 460 VAC Max, 180°C (Class H)

Specifications subject to change without notice. Test data derived using NEMA recommended aluminum heatsink 10" x 10" x 1/4" at 25°C ambient. VAC Class winding operational compatible with drive voltages up to 460 VAC. VDC Class winding operational compatible with drive voltages up to 48 VDC. Rotational speed approximately proportional to drive input voltage

 

GTX060 Weights

Description kg (lb)

GTX060-80

3.2 (7.0)

GTX060-150

3.7 (8.1)

GTX060-300

4.8 (10.5)

Brake Adder

0.7 (1.4)

Front Flange (1)

0.4 (0.9)

Tapped Face (3)

0.3 (0.5)

Rear Clevis (5)

0.2 (0.5)

Imperial Flange (F)

0.3 (0.7)

Imperial Clevis (C)

0.3 (0.7)

Anti Rotate (80 mm stroke)

0.46 (1.0)

Anti Rotate (150 mm stroke)

0.54 (1.2)

Anti Rotate (300 mm stroke)

0.72 (1.6)

Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (80 mm stroke)

0.67 (1.5)

Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (150 mm stroke)

0.81 (1.8)

Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (300 mm stroke)

1.11 (2.5)

GTX060 Data CurvesOpen arrow

                                                       VAC

GTX060-0-1-in-lead-VAC-01-(1).jpg

GTX060-0-2-in-Lead-VAC-01.jpg
GTX060-0-4-in-lead-VAC-01.jpg
 

                                                      VDC


GTX060-0-1-in-lead-VDC-02-01.jpg

GTX060-0-2-in-lead-VDC-01.jpg

GTX060-0-4-in-lead-VDC-01.jpg
GTX080 Performance SpecificationsOpen arrow

GTX080 Mechanical Specifications

  STROKE LENGTH MM (IN) SCREW LEAD MM (IN) CONTINUOUS FORCE RATING N (LBF) MAX VELOCITY MM/S (IN/S) DYNAMIC LOAD RATING N (LBF) ARMATURE INERTIA KG-M^2 (IN-LB-S^2)
Maximum velocities listed at maximum voltages. Do not exceed 2X the continuous force rating during operation.

Configured stroke lengths available. Consult Exlar sales representative.

Dynamic load ratings valid at forces up to 2X the continuous force rating. Continuous force rating based upon 25° C ambient conditions
      4 (VAC) D (VDC) 4 (VAC) D (VDC)    
GTX080-100-01 100 (3.9) 2.54 (0.1) 8,365 (1,881) 7,101 (1,596) 254 (10.0) 102 (4.0) 24,535 (5,516) 0.000340 (0.003013)
GTX080-100-02   5.08 (0.2) 4,740 (1,066) 4,024 (905) 508 (20.0) 203 (8.0) 25,798 (5,800)
GTX080-100-05   12.7 (0.5) 2,008 (451) 1,704 (383) 1,270 (50.0) 508 (20.0) 21,795 (4,900)
GTX080-150-01 150 (5.9) 2.54 (0.1) 8,365 (1,881) 7,101 (1,596) 254 (10.0) 102 (4.0) 24,535 (5,516) 0.000369 (0.003267)
GTX080-150-02   5.08 (0.2) 4,740 (1,066) 4,024 (905) 508 (20.0) 203 (8.0) 25,798 (5,800)
GTX080-150-05   12.7 (0.5) 2,008 (451) 1,704 (383) 1,270 (50.0) 508 (20.0) 21,795 (4,900)
GTX080-300-01 300 (11.8) 2.54 (0.1) 8,365 (1,881) 7,101 (1,596) 254 (10.0) 102 (4.0) 24,535 (5,516) 0.000455 (0.004029)
GTX080-300-02   5.08 (0.2) 4,740 (1,066) 4,024 (905) 508 (20.0) 203 (8.0) 25,798 (5,800)
GTX080-300-05   12.7 (0.5) 2,008 (451) 1,704 (383) 1,270 (50.0) 508 (20.0) 21,795 (4,900)
GTX080-450-01 450 (17.7) 2.54 (0.1) 8,365 (1,881) 7,101 (1,596) 254 (10.0) 102 (4.0) 24,535 (5,516) 0.000541 (0.004790)
GTX080-450-02   5.08 (0.2) 4,740 (1,066) 4,024 (905) 508 (20.0) 203 (8.0) 25,798 (5,800)
GTX080-450-05   12.7 (0.5) 2,008 (451) 1,704 (383) 1,270 (50.0) 508 (20.0) 21,795 (4,900)

 

GTX080 Electrical Specifications

MOTOR VOLTAGE   4 (AC) D (DC)
Specifications subject to change without notice. Test data derived using NEMA recommended aluminum heatsink 10" x 10" x 1/4" at 25°C ambient. VAC class winding operational from 115 - 460 VAC. VDC Class winding operational from 24 - 48 VDC. Rotational speed linear proportional to input voltage
Max Bus Voltage V 460 Vrms 48 VDC
Speed @ Bus Voltage RPM 6000 2400
RMS Sinusoidal Commutation
Continuous Motor Torque Nm 4.27 3.86
  lbf-in 37.8 34.2
Continuous Current Rating A 4.7 24.5
Peak Current Rating A 9.4 48.9
Torque Constant (Kt) (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) Nm/A 1.02 0.18
  lbf-in/A 9 1.6
Voltage Constant (Ke) (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) V/kRPM 61.6 10.7
0 - Peak Sinusoidal Commutation
Continuous Motor Torque Nm 4.27 3.86
  lbf-in 37.8 34.2
Continuous Current Rating A 6.6 34.6
Peak Current Rating A 13.3 69.2
Torque Constant (Kt) (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) Nm/A 0.72 0.13
  lbf-in/A 6.4 1.1
Voltage Constant (Ke) (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) V/kRPM 87.1 15.1
Pole Configuration Number of Poles 8 8
Resistance (L-L) (+/– 5% @ 25˚C) Ohms 2.8 0.1
Inductance (L-L)(+/– 15%) mH 15.5 0.46
Electrical Time Constant ms 5.5 4.4
Insulation Class 460 VAC Max, 180°C (Class H)

 

GTX080 WEIGHTS  
Description kg (lb)
GTX080-100 6.1 (13.5)
GTX080-150 6.8 (14.9)
GTX080-300 8.6 (19.0)
GTX080-450 10.5 (23.1)
Brake Adder 1.1 (2.5)
Front Flange (1) 1.0 (2.2)
Tapped Face (3) 0.6 (1.2)
Rear Clevis (5) 0.4 (0.8)
Imperial Flange (F) 0.8 (1.8)
Imperial Clevis (C) 0.8 (1.7)
Anti Rotate (100 mm stroke) 0.5 (1.1)
Anti Rotate (150 mm stroke) 0.6 (1.3)
Anti Rotate (300 mm stroke) 0.8 (1.8)
Anti Rotate (450 mm stroke) 1.1 (2.4)
Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (100 mm stroke) 0.9 (1.9)
Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (150 mm stroke) 1.0 (2.3)
Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (300 mm stroke) 1.6 (3.5)
Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (450 mm stroke) 2.1 (4.7)
GTX080 Data CurvesOpen arrow

                                                       VAC

GTX-0-1-in-lead-VAC-01.jpg

GTX-0-2-in-lead-VAC-01.jpg

GTX-0-5-in-lead-VAC-01.jpg
 

                                                      VDC


GTX-0-1-in-lead-VDC-01.jpg

GTX-0-2-in-lead-VDC-01.jpg

GTX-0-5-in-lead-VDC-01.jpg
GTX100 Performance SpecificationsOpen arrow

GTX100 Mechanical Specifications

  STROKE LENGTH MM (IN) SCREW LEAD MM (IN) CONTINUOUS FORCE RATING N (LBF) MAX VELOCITY MM/S (IN/S) DYNAMIC LOAD RATING N (LBF) ARMATURE INERTIA KG-M^2 (IN-LB-S^2)
      4 (VAC) 4 (VAC)    
GTX100-150-01 150 (5.9) 2.54 (0.1) 15,392 (3,460) 191 (7.5) 54,557 (12,266) 0.0014085 (0.012467)
GTX100-150-02   5.08 (0.2) 12,098 (2,720) 381 (15.0) >55,972 (12,584)
GTX100-150-05   12.7 (0.5) 5,444 (1,224) 953 (37.5) 37,141 (8,350)
GTX100-300-01 300 (11.8) 2.54 (0.1) 15,392 (3,460) 191 (7.5) 54,557 (12,266) 0.0017399 (0.015399)
GTX100-300-02   5.08 (0.2) 12,098 (2,720) 381 (15.0) 55,972 (12,584)
GTX100-300-05   12.7 (0.5) 5,444 (1,224) 953 (37.5) 37,141 (8,350)
Maximum velocities listed at maximum voltages
Do not exceed 2X the continuous force rating during operation

Configured stroke lengths available. Consult Exlar sales representative. 

Continuous force rating based upon 25° C ambient conditions

 

GTX100 Electrical Specifications

MOTOR VOLTAGE   4 (AC)

Specifications subject to change without notice.
Test data derived using NEMA recommended aluminum heatsink 12" x 12" x 1/2" at 25°C ambient.
VAC Class winding operational compatible with drive voltages up to 460 VAC

* For actuators with a 0.1” lead, the torque and current must be limited to 8.89 nm/9.0 a not to exceed the continuous force rating specified in the mechanical specifications table on page 6. Peak torque and current values would be 2x the continuous values

Max Bus Voltage V 460 Vrms
Speed @ Bus Voltage RPM 4500
RMS Sinusoidal Commutation
Continuous Motor Torque Nm 12.23
  lbf-in 108.2
Continuous Current Rating* A 12.3
Peak Current Rating* A 24.7
Torque Constant (Kt) (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) Nm/A 1.11
  lbf-in/A 9.8
Voltage Constant (Ke)
(+/– 10% @ 25˚C)
V/kRPM 67
0 - Peak Sinusoidal Commutation
Continuous Motor Torque Nm 12.23
  lbf-in 108.2
Continuous Current Rating A 17.4
Peak Current Rating A 34.8
Torque Constant (Kt)
(+/– 10% @ 25˚C)
Nm/A 0.78
  lbf-in/A 6.92
Voltage Constant (Ke) (+/– 10% @ 25˚C) V/kRPM 94.8
Pole Configuration Number of Poles 8
Resistance (L-L) (+/– 5% @ 25˚C) Ohms 0.65
Inductance (L-L)(+/– 15%) mH 4.9
Electrical Time Constant ms 7.6
Insulation Class 460 VAC Max, 180°C (Class H)

 

GTX100 WEIGHTS  
Description kg (lb)
GTX100-150 13.1 (28.8)
GTX100-300 16.0 (35.2)
Brake Adder 1.2 (2.7)
Front Flange (1) 2.2 (4.7)
Tapped Face (3) 1.1 (2.4)
Rear Clevis (5) 0.8 (1.8)
Imperial Flange (F) 1.9 (4.1)
Imperial Clevis (C) 1.1 (2.5)
Anti Rotate (150 mm stroke) 1.5 (3.2)
Anti Rotate (300 mm stroke) 2.0 (4.5)
Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (150 mm stroke) 2.0 (4.5)
Limit Switch Assembly w/Anti-Rotate (300 mm stroke) 2.8 (6.2)
GTX100 Data CurvesOpen arrow

                                                            GTX100 Force vs. Speed
                                                                 0.1" Lead (2.54 mm)

GTX100-0-1-in-lead-VAC-01.jpg
                                                             
                                                              GTX100 Force vs. Speed
                                                                  0.2" Lead (5.08 mm)
GTX100-0-2-in-lead-VAC-01.jpg

                                                           GTX100 Force vs. Speed
                                                                0.5" Lead (12.7 mm)
GTX100-0-5-in-lead-VAC-01.jpg

Product Literature

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Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
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This overview provides a brief summary of new standard products available from Exlar.
Industrial - Exlar, Brochures/Catalogs
Industrial - Exlar, Case Studies
Exlar offers several families of all electric, servo linear actuators designed to fit and mount in the same space as hydraulic cylinders.
Industrial - Exlar, Success Stories
Exlar’s GSX series actuators are very compact, which allowed Osgood to actually reduce the amount of space in the machine for the motion control solution.
Industrial - Exlar, Case Studies
The Exlar GSX60 all-electric actuator solution provided more flexibility, higher speed, faster response, less energy consumption, and longer life in a compact, easy to install package.
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Ever wonder about the benefits of changing your system from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuation. We have the information you need.
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Can you please provide a cost comparison between a ball screw and a roller screw actuator?Arrow
Cost comparison of a roller screw to a ball screw is really a difficult subject, mainly because we have to take into account the differences in the pieces that we are comparing. A roller screw is typically going to be competitive to a ball screw in regards to price because we can oftentimes use a roller screw that is smaller in size compared to its “equivalent” ball screw. This is because of the significant life advantage roller screws have. Therefore, if you are using a smaller frame size roller screw and comparing that to a larger size ball screw, with similar life expectancies, your pricing is going to be very similar. Now depending on what your needs are, if you are looking for something with much greater life, we’re not necessarily comparing an equal product. So you may have to buy two ball screws in comparison to one roller screw. If you look at that from a value standpoint, you may pay more for a similar frame size roller screw but you may have to buy two ball screws in the same period of time that you would have to buy that one roller screw.
How do you calculate the maximum duty cycle allowed vs the amount on current/force applied?Arrow

Below is the maximum-allowable duty cycle for your application given the percentage of input current over the continuous current rating:

For example: If your actuator has a continuous current rating of 10 A and a continuous force rating of 1000 lbf, this means it will take about 10 A to produce 1000 lbf of force, or 5 A to produce 500 lbf of force, and so on. What if you need to push more than 1000 lbf? In most cases, you would look at a stronger stator or a larger actuator. What if it’s only for a few seconds? Could you over-work the current actuator? Well the answer is yes, and calculating by how much isn’t too difficult.

Let’s say you need to push 1500 lbf. This would be equivalent to 1.5x the continuous current rating of 10 A. If you look below, the graph recommends no more than a 22% duty cycle in this case. This means you can run the actuator 22% of the time at 15 A without overheating. The other 78% of the time, it needs to be off/cooling.

How long can you run at peak current?

Not a simple question, nor a simple answer. In reality, so many things affect this (how the system is built and how well the actuator is able to dissipate heat, are there additional heat sinks, particles in the air, degree of vacuum, new starting temp each time? (i.e. doesn’t always start from cold, etc.). Therefore, accurate times and temperature are quite difficult to estimate.

For example: At peak current (2x Continuous), the allowable duty cycle is 4%. That doesn’t mean you can run for 4 hours straight as long as you have 96 hours of off time in between however. From experience, a good rule of thumb we’ve estimated is 30s to a minute of peak current run time. Try to keep it under that, and then of course allow it to cool for the other 96% of the time.

How does a roller screw compare to a hydraulic actuator of equal size and rate force?Arrow
That is going to depend on the application, but with equivalent specifications and characteristics, a roller screw actuator will typically be very similar in size to (sometimes slightly larger than) a comparable hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulics are always going to have their place in the market once you get beyond 100,000 lbs. of force, but anywhere an electromechanical roller screw actuator fits the bill, size will be very similar.
How long until my specific actuator/application needs to be serviced/re-greased?Arrow

We are asked about re-lubrication intervals a lot. The reality is that there is no generic interval to re-lube actuators. It depends on so many things and every application and situation is different, it is nearly impossible to accurately calculate a re-lube interval per application. So instead, we have a rough guideline table (shown below) to give users an idea on when to start checking for old contaminated grease that needs to be replaced. However, since ambient temperature, heat dissipation, speed variation, particles in the air, etc. can vary so much from application to application, this is only a guideline. The actuator should be checked more frequently around the period this table suggests and once it is noticed that the grease is ready to be replaced (Dirty, contaminated / very dark, filled with particles / debris) – a re-lube interval can be determined.

Remember, grease needs to be cleaned out and replaced – don’t just insert more. (Except for FTX’s, those can handle 5-6 greasings before they need to be cleaned out)

RMS ROTATIONAL SPEED (RPM) RECOMMENDED GREASE RENEWAL PERIOD (HOURS)
250 10,000
500 10,000
1000 8000
1500 7000
2000 5800
2500 5000
3000 4000
What are the primary benefits of using an electric actuator system over hydraulics?Arrow
Electric actuators offer high speed and force, are flexible and easily programmable for a variety of load conditions, have high accuracy and repeatability, are efficient, simple to install, require little maintenance, and are environmentally friendly.

By not using a hydraulic system, the user can eliminate oil leaks, reduce pollution, and improve worker safety. Electric actuators are also a non-toxic solution, especially in the food industry
What is the accuracy of the actuator?Arrow

A very common question for us. For the actuator itself, that is easy. There is a mechanical lead accuracy of the screw, which is usually 0.001 in/ft, a typical specification for precision positioning screws of any type. This means that at any point over the cumulative length of the screw, the lead will vary by a maximum of 0.001 inches per foot of screw length. This is not the same as mechanical repeatability. The mechanical repeatability is a tolerance on how close to the same linear position the screw will return, if approaching from the same direction, and driven exactly the same number of turns. This value is approximately 0.0004 inches.

The electronic positioning resolution is a function of the feedback device and the servo amplifier. Let’s assume that we have Exlar’s standard encoder on a GSX30 with 0.2 inches per revolution lead on the roller screw. Exlar’s standard encoder has 2048 lines and 8192 electronic pulses per revolution that it outputs to the servo drive. So in a perfect world, the positioning resolution would be (0.2 in/rev)/ (8192 pulses/rev) or 0.0000244 inches. Anyone who has used servo drives knows that you can’t position to one encoder pulse. Let’s use 10 encoder pulses as a reasonable best positioning capability. This gives us a positioning resolution of 0.000244 inches.

More things to consider: When addressing repeatability and accuracy, several things must also be taken into account. One of these is the stiffness of the system. Stiffness is how much the system will stretch or compress under compressive or tensile forces. If the combination of the stiffness of the actuator and the stiffness of the mechanical system, including all couplings, mounting surface, etc. allows for more compression or stretch than the required positioning resolution of the system, obtaining acceptable positioning results will be nearly impossible. Another consideration is thermal expansion and contraction. Consider a GS actuator attached to a tool that is doing a precision grinding process. Assuming that the tool is steel and 12 inches long, a 5 degree rise in temperature will cause the tool to expand by 0.0006 inches. If the system is programmed to make 0.0002 inch moves, this expansion could cause serious positioning problems. The same applies to the components of the actuator itself. The actuator rod can change in temperature from a cold start up to running temperature. This change may need to be accounted for in very precise positioning applications.

What is the maintenance schedule life for a typical roller screw?Arrow
The maintenance schedule for any geared mechanical device, whether ball screw, roller screw, or gearhead, is going to be based on the amount of heat that is generated in the application, the amount of degradation of the grease, the type of grease being used, and the duty cycle. We provide some guidelines for our customers as starting points, but we recommend that for all new installations the lubrication be periodically inspected for presence and degradation as the best method for determining the right maintenance schedule for a given application. Having said that, we’ve seen repairs of units that have been in use for 15 years and when we’ve asked about grease renewal, they didn’t even realize that the unit could be serviced in the field. So we’ve had situations like that where they’ve gone for long periods of time with effectively no maintenance or no grease renewal. There are other applications that require grease renewal in very short intervals just due to the nature of the application.
What keeps the output shaft from rotating?Arrow
On a conventional roller screw design package, there typically is an anti-rotation groove designed into the housing, and a tab designed into the nut that rides in the housing groove as the actuator extends and retracts. In regards to the inverted roller screw design, part of the installation or the application requirement is going to be having that shaft solidly mounted a machine coupling or tooling on the machine otherwise providing some sort of external anti-rotation device on that output shaft. There are other ways of using splines and different types of non-circular output shafts that can allow for different types of spline nuts that will provide anti-rotation, but typically you’re going to see that mounted on the machine.
How do I estimate life of the actuator?Arrow
The L10 expected life of a roller screw linear actuator is expressed as the linear travel distance that 90% of properly maintained roller screws manufactured are expected to meet or exceed. This calculation should be used for estimation purposes only.

The underlying formula that defines this value is: Travel life in millions of inches, where:
Ca= Dynamic load rating (lbf)
Fcml= Cubic mean applied load (lbf)
ℓ = Roller screw lead (inches)

For additional details on calculating estimated service life, please refer www.cw-actuation.com.

L10=(Ca)3 x ℓ Fcm

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