Tolomatic Electric Rod-Style Linear Actuators

Electric rod-style actuators provide precise, controlled linear motion for automated systems. Unlike hydraulic or pneumatic options, these actuators use electric power, which eliminates leaks and improves efficiency. Tolomatic offers a range of models designed for high-force applications, long service life, and smooth operation.

How They Work

These actuators use a screw-driven mechanism to convert rotary motion into linear movement. They operate using ball screws, roller screws, bronze nuts, or solid nuts, each with distinct benefits:

• Ball screws: Designed for high efficiency and low friction, ball screws provide smooth and precise motion. They are ideal for applications requiring quick acceleration and repeatable positioning. Their efficiency also reduces energy consumption, making them a cost-effective choice for automation.

• Roller screws: Built for high-force applications, roller screws handle heavier loads and last significantly longer than ball screws. They have more contact points, distributing force more evenly and reducing wear. This makes them the best choice for demanding, continuous-use applications where durability is critical.

• Bronze nuts: Suited for high-load applications operating at lower speeds, bronze nuts offer durability in tough environments. They provide a cost-effective alternative for applications where the slight increase in friction is not a concern. These are common in lifting and pressing operations.

• Solid nuts: These offer a simplified, lower-cost solution for moderate-force applications. While they do not provide the same efficiency as ball or roller screws, they work well in applications with shorter duty cycles or where budget constraints are a priority.

Key Features & Benefits

• Force Output: Up to 66,000 lbf for demanding applications.
• Stroke Lengths: Up to 60 inches for flexibility in automation.
• Sealing Options: IP67 and IP69K-rated models for harsh environments.
• Motor Compatibility: Use any motor with the “Your Motor Here” program.

Applications

Tolomatic’s rod-style actuators work in various industries, including:

• Automotive: Tolomatic electric rod-style actuators are essential for robotic welding, ensuring consistent, high-speed motion to produce strong and precise welds. In precision cutting applications, they provide controlled movement for cutting metals, plastics, and composite materials with minimal error. These actuators also improve efficiency in automated assembly lines by delivering repeatable motion for part placement, fastening, and material handling, reducing production time while increasing accuracy and reliability.

• Food & Beverage: Tolomatic electric rod-style actuators are designed for precision in bottling, packaging, and material transfer. They support hygienic operations in wash-down environments by providing corrosion-resistant and contamination-free motion control. These actuators improve efficiency in automated filling lines, ensuring accurate volume dispensing and reducing waste. In packaging systems, they enable precise sealing, labeling, and cutting processes, maintaining product integrity and consistency. For material transfer, they facilitate smooth and controlled movement of ingredients or finished goods, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations while optimizing production speeds.

• Medical Devices: Ensures precise and repeatable positioning for diagnostic machines, enabling accurate test results and sample analysis. Supports laboratory automation systems by providing smooth, controlled movement for robotic handling of specimens, reducing human error and improving efficiency. Enhances medical imaging equipment, such as CT scanners and X-ray machines, by delivering stable and controlled linear motion that improves image clarity and consistency.

• Material Handling: Tolomatic electric rod-style actuators provide reliable performance in conveyor systems, allowing precise speed and force control for smooth material transport. They enhance robotic pick-and-place applications by ensuring accurate, repeatable motion for handling various product sizes and weights. In automated sorting lines, these actuators improve efficiency by delivering consistent, high-speed linear motion that seamlessly integrates with sensors and vision systems to optimize sorting accuracy.

Product Models

Tolomatic offers several electric rod-style actuators, including:

• RSH Series – Stainless steel models designed for wash-down applications, making them ideal for food and beverage processing or any environment requiring high levels of hygiene. These actuators are built with IP69K-rated protection, ensuring durability in harsh, wet conditions while maintaining smooth and precise operation.
• RSA-ST/RSA-HT – These high-force actuators are engineered for industrial settings that demand robust performance and longevity. The RSA-ST series is designed for standard applications, while the RSA-HT series provides enhanced thrust and durability for extreme conditions, ensuring reliable motion control in manufacturing and heavy-duty automation.
• RSX Series – Built for extreme force applications, the RSX series actuators deliver up to 50,000 lbf of thrust, making them suitable for pressing, forming, and other high-load operations. Their rugged construction and advanced roller screw technology ensure long service life, even in the most demanding environments.
• ERD Series – A cost-effective and versatile actuator line, the ERD series offers flexibility for a range of automation applications. These actuators are available in multiple force and stroke length configurations, with options for hygienic designs, making them a great fit for both general and specialized industries.
• GSA Series – Compact and efficient, the GSA series is designed for precise motion control in automation systems with space constraints. These actuators provide high force in a small package, making them perfect for robotics, packaging, and material handling applications that require reliable and repeatable performance.

Why Choose Electric Over Pneumatic or Hydraulic?

• Energy Efficiency: Electric actuators use power only when needed, reducing energy waste. Unlike pneumatic systems that continuously consume air, electric actuators activate only when required, lowering overall energy costs. Additionally, by eliminating the need for air compressors and related infrastructure, businesses can achieve significant savings in both maintenance and operational expenses. This efficiency translates to a reduced carbon footprint, making electric actuators a more sustainable choice for modern automation.

• No Fluid Leaks: No risk of hydraulic or pneumatic fluid spills. Hydraulic systems rely on pressurized fluids that can leak over time, leading to contamination, safety hazards, and costly downtime. Electric actuators eliminate these risks, ensuring a cleaner and safer working environment. This benefit is especially important in industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and electronics manufacturing, where contamination must be minimized to meet regulatory standards.

• Better Precision: Fine control over speed, force, and positioning. Electric actuators offer programmable accuracy, allowing for highly repeatable motion and seamless integration with automation systems. Unlike pneumatic actuators, which can suffer from inconsistencies due to air pressure fluctuations, electric actuators maintain precise control over movement, improving product quality and operational efficiency. Additionally, advanced control features such as feedback systems and force monitoring further enhance precision, enabling manufacturers to optimize production processes with minimal error margins.

Tolomatic Technical Resources

• CAD Models: Download 3D models for easy integration.
• Sizing Software: Select the right actuator for your project.
• Drive Compatibility Guides: Ensure smooth motor integration.

Contact Scott Equipment

Our team is ready to help you select and integrate Tolomatic electric rod-style actuators. Reach out today for expert support!