Tolomatic RSA Actuator

The Tolomatic RSA line of electric rod actuators offers high performance, high force, dependability and mounting flexbility.  The RSA actuator provides a cost-effective solution for a multitude of motion control applications.  The RSA actuator is available in two versions - the RSA-ST for forces up to 4,040 lbf and the RSA-HT that is for forces up to 13,000 lbf.

The Tolomatic RSA-ST electric linear rod actuator combines excellent accuracy with a low-to-medium thrust capacity.  RSA-ST electric linear rod actuators feature accurate, medium force performance making RSA-ST actuators ideal for replacing pneumatic cylinders.  High thrust bearings and internal bumpers deliver heavy duty performance.  A rigid, strong aluminum housing allows for easy mounting of switches and sensors.  These electric linear rod actuators are suitable for pneumatic replacement, general motion control applications and many more.

Tolomatic RSA ActuatorTolomatic RSA-ST Specifications:

  • Available in 6 body sizes with built-to-order stroke lengths of 12 to 60 inches (305 to 1,524mm)
  • Stroke lengths up to 60 inches (1,524mm)
  • Forces of up to 4,038 lbf (40,257N)
  • Ball, solid and bronze screw choices
  • Low-backlash ball screw option
  • Flexible mounting options
  • Fast Delivery options

The Tolomatic RSA-HT heavy duty electric rod actuator is ideal for applications requiring high force performance in tough environments.  The RSA-HT heavy duty electric rod actuator accomodates larger motors and delivers high force with excellent accuracy.  These high force electric linear actuators feature ball or roller screw selections, an enhanced high thrust bearing and heavy duty internal bumbers.  The standard grease zerk extends screw life by making relubrication easy and convenient without disassembly.  RSA-HT actuators are suitable for valve actuation, punch press, injection molding applications and more.

Tolomatic RSA-HT Specifications

  • Available in 4 body sizes with upgraded force/torque transmission components (bearings, couplers, belts, pulleys)
  • Roller and ball screw choices
  • Forces up to 13,039 lbf (58,001N)
  • Stroke lengths up to 60 inches (1,524mm)
  • IP67 option to protect against dust and water ingress
  • Low-backlash ball screw option
  • Flexible mounting options

What are the Tolomatic RSA and the GSA Actuators?

The RSA is a flexible electric screw driven rod-style actuator.  The standard RSA-ST model is availble in six sizes.  The guided RSA (GSA) adds guidance and load support to the the design and is available in four smaller sizes.  The high force RSA-HT model is available in four larger sizes and incorporates stronger torque transmission components (couplers, pulleys, belts) and higher capacity bearings.

The Tolomatic RSA rod screw actuator is ideal for medium to high thrust applications of guided loads.  The actuators compact design and cylinder style operation make this solution ideal for applications that were historically solved with pneumatic or hydraulic power.  The RSA-ST has multiple mounting options allowing for the actuator to be installed in numerouse applications.  

Tolomatic RSA-ST Actuators Highlights

  • Multiple Screw Technologies.  1) Solid nuts of bronze or engineered resins offer quite performance at the lowest cost; anti-backlash available 2)  Ball nuts offer efficiency at a cost effective price; low-backlash available.
  • Thrust Tube.  1)  Steel thrust tube supports extremely high force capabilities.  2)  Salt bath nitride treatment provides excellent corrostion resistance, surface hardness and is very resistant to adherence of potential contaminants.
  • Internal Bumbers.  Bumpers protect the screw and nut assembly from damage at both ends of the stroke.
  • Screw Support Bearing.  Engineered resin bearings provides continuous support of screw.
  • Threaded Rod End.  Provides a common interface to multiple rod end options.
  • Rod Wiper.  Prevents contaminants from entering the housing for extended life of the actuator.
  • Nose Bearing.  1)  Suppore the thrust tube and nut assembly through entire stroke length.  2)  Unique nose bearing material allows for smooth operation and support of the thrust rod.
  • Internal Nut Bearing.  1)  Engineered resin guide bearings provide anti-rotation of the thrust rod.  2)  Support the thrust tube and nut assembly through entire stroke length.
  • Lightweight Aluminum Design.  1)  Black anodized extrustion design is optomized for rigidity and strength.  2)  External switch channels on all sides allow for easy placement of position indicating switches.
  • Breather/Purge Ports.  1) Standard feature on RSA 32, 50, 64 size actuators.  2)  Located on both the bottom and the opposite side of the actuator.  3)  Use as Breather port:  allows air flow into the interior of the actuator.  Prevents additional load on the motor caused by air buildup due to fast cycling of the RSA.  4)  Use as a Purge Port:  positive pressure with air lines and filters insure contaminants do not enger the interior of the actuator.
  • High Thrust Bearing.  Unique high thrust bearing assembly design eliminates run-out and isolates the linear forces for the drive shaft.
  • Motor Orientation.  1)  Inline option directly couples the driving shaft and is typically a one-piece housing construction for optimum alignment and support of the motor.  2) Reverse-parallel option minimizes the overall length, coupling motor and driving shaft via a belt with a 1:1 or 2:1 reduction ratio.

The Tolomatic RSA-HT Actuator Option

The HT (High Trust) option is a higher thrust option for the 24, 32, 50 and 64 sizes of the Tolomatic RSA family.   RSA actuators with roller nuts are always HT option actuators.  Use Tolomatic's online sizing software to determine if the HT Option is right for your application. 

WHY CHOOSE THE HT OPTION?

  • Higher strength components transfer torque from the gearhead/motor through the actuator
  • Grease zerk allows convenient relubrication for extended screw service life
  • Accomodates mounting large motors with up to 165 mm bolt circle pattern

Tolomatic RSA HT ActuatorTolomatic RSA-HT Actuators Highlights

  • Redesigned LMI & RP Housing.  Specially designed to accommodate larger motors & gearboxes with higher torques and larger bolt circles (up to 6.5", 165mm).
  • Durable Belt Material.  High torque polyurethane timing belt with carbon tensile cords resists stretching.
  • IP67 Option.  Resist water ingress 1m deep for up to 30 min.
  • Enhanced High Thrust Bearing.  RSA HT actuators come with high thrust angular contact ball bearing in matched pair assembly design which eliminates run-out and isolates run-out and isolates the linear forces from the drive shaft.
  • Multiple Screw Technologies.  1) Bronze solid nuts offer quiet performance at the lowest cost; anti-backlash available.  2) Ball nuts offer efficiency at a cost effective price; low-backlash available 3) Roller nuts provide the highest thrust and life ratings available (HT option)
  • Heavy Duty Internal Bumpers.  Bumpers protect the screw and nut assembly from damage at both ends of stroke.
  • Threaded Rod End.  Provides a common interface to multiple rod end options.
  • Grease Zerk.  1) This relubrication system provides extended screw service life.  2)  Convenient lubrication without disassembly.  3) Standard with all HT option RSA actuators.
  • Your Motor Here.  You Can Choose: 1)  Specify the device to be installed and actuator ships with proper mounting hardware.  2)  Specify and ship your device to Tolomatic for factory installation  3)  Motor or gearbox supplied and installed by Tolomatic.

Tolomatic RSA Actuator Options

  • METRIC OPTION.  Provides metric tapped holes for mounting of load to rod end and of actuator to mating surface
  • SWITCHES.  Choose from:  Reed, Solid State PNP or NPN, all available normally open or normally closed
  • IP67.  Static: special gaskets for basic protection against water and dust ingress.  32, 50, 64 sizes only:  HT actuator (LMI and RP); ST actuator (RP motor mount only)

Rod End Options

  • MET: External Male Threads
  • CLV:  Clevis Rod End for pivoting mount
  • SRE: Spherical Rod End for pivoting mount
  • ALC:  Alignment Coupler Rod End to compensate for mounting alignment
  • XR: Rod Extension to separate load from the actuator

Mounting Options

  • MP2:  Mounting Plates for surface mounting
  • FFG:  Front Flange for mounting near rod end
  • TRR:  Trunnon Mount for pivoting mount
  • BFG:  Rear Flange for mounting opposite for the rod end (RP Motor Mount Only)
  • PCD: Clevis (RP Motor Mount Only)
  • PCS:  Eye Mount for pivoting mount (RP Motor Mount Only)

Tolomatic GSA Guided Rod-Style Actuator Option

The Tolomatic GSA guided screw actuator is ideal for medium thrust applications.  The self-contained guided rod design and cylinder slide style operation make this solution ideal for applications requiring guidance and support of the load.  A robust, wide tooling plate allows easy mounting of the required end effectors for many applications.  Built-to-order in stroke lengths up to 36 inches (914mm) with your choice of screw technology.

Tolomatic GSA Actuator Highlights

  • Multiple Screw Technologies. You Can Choose:  1) Solid nuts of bronze or engineered resins offer quiet performance at the lowest cost; anti-backlash available.  2)  Ball nuts offer efficiency at a cost effective price; low-backlash available.
  • Rod Wiper.  Prevents contaminants from entering the housing for extended life of the actuator.
  • Lightweight Aluminum Design.  1) Black anodized bearing block provides solid structural support and multiple mounting options.  2)  Black anodized tube extrustion design is optimized for rigidity and strength.  3)  External switch channels on all sides allow easy placment of position indicating switches.
  • Anodized Aluminum Thrust Tube.  1) Lightweight design diredtly provides thrust with minimal additional inertia.  2)  Corrosion resistant plating provides excellent protection from many chemicals.
  • Integral Guide Rods and Bearings.  1)  Hardened steel guide rods provide high rigidity and low deflection.  2) Four composite or linear ball bearings support the load for smooth, consistent motion.  3)  Lubrication wick supplies lube for life of actuator.  4)  Oversized rods available for higher load capacity  4)  Stainless steel shafting option available for corrosion resistance.
  • Precision Machined Surfaces.  1)  Extruded bearing housing is precision machined on two surfaces for true and easily aligned linear motion.  2) Tooling plate is aligned and assembled to provide a precise mounting surface.
  • Screw Support Bearings.  1) Unique high thrust bearing assembly design eliminates runout and isolates the linear forces for the drive shaft.  2) Engineered resin bearings provides continous support of screw.
  • Motor Orientation.  You Can Choose.  1) Inline option directly couples the driving shaft and is typically a one-piece housing construction for optimum alignment and support of the motor.  2)  Reverse-parallel option minimizes the overall length, coupling motor and driving shaft via a belt with a 1:1 or 2:1 reduction ratio.
  • Your Motor Here.  You Can Choose. 1) Specify the device to be installed and actuator ships with proper mounting hardware.  2)  Specify and ship your device to Tolomatic for factory installation.  3)  Motor supplied and installed by Tolomatic.

Tolomatic GSA Actuator Options

  • Oversized Guide Rods.  Available for increased load capacity or decreased deflection.
  • Stop Collars.  Provide a positive stop mechanism when required.
  • Corrosion Resistance.  Includes 316 stainless steel guide rods and fasteners for better environment protection.
  • Metric Option.  Provides metric tapped holes for mounting of load to tooling plate and of actuator to mating surfaces.
  • Switches.  Choose from:  Reed, Solid State PNP or NPN, all available normally open or normally closed.

Tolomatic RSA ST Rod End/Mounting Options

Sperical Rod End (SRE) Allows for slight misalignment between the load and the actuator (radial and angular).  Uses an industry-standard bearing
Clevis Rod End (CLV) Used with the externally threaded rod end when the actuator has to compensate for misalignment or pivot about an axis.
Alignment Coupler (ALC) Used in combination with the externally threaded rod end to provide smooth motion and extends actuator life by preventing binding caused by angular or axial misalignment.  Not available for use with clevis or trunnion mounts, as they must rigidly mounted.
Externally Threaded Rod End (MET) An alternative to the standard internally threaded end.
Front Flange Mount (FFG) Used when a bottom-tapped mount is not an option or where bottom support mechanisms are not feasible. Flange can be mounted directly to framework or a bulkhead.
Mounting Plate (MP2) Used for mountings other than flush.
Trunnion Mount (TRR) Used where space is limited in the rear of the actuator and when pivoting about an axis is required.  *Not available with 12 or 16 LMI (inline) motor mounting.
Back Flange Mount (BFG) Used when a bottom-tapped mount is not an option or where bottom support mechanisms are not feasible.  Flange can be mounted directly to framework or a bulkhead.  *Not available with LMI (inline) motor mounting.
Eye Mount (PCS) Used when the actuator has to be compensate for misalignment or pivot about an axis when free movement is available in the back of the actuator.  *Not available with LMI (inline) motor mounting.
Clevis Mount (PCD) Used when the actuator has to compensate for misalignment or pivot about an axis when free movement is available in the back of the actuator.  *Not available with LMI (inline) motor mounting.

Tolomatic RSA-HT Actuator Re-Lubrication Recommendation

RSA-HT lubrication requirements for electric actuators depend on the motion cycle (velocity, force, duty cycle), type of application, ambient temperature, environmental surrounding and various otehr factors.  For many general purpose applications, Tolomatic ball screw actuators are typically considered lubricated for life unless otherwise specified, such as those actuator model outfitted with a re-lubrication feature.  For roller screw or ball screw actuators outfitted with a re-lubrication feature, Tolomatic recommends to re-lubricate the actuator at least once per year or every 1,000,000 cycles, whichever comes first, to maximize service life.  For more demanding applications such as pressing, high frequency or other highly stressed applications, the re-lubrication interval for these actuators will vary and will need to be more frequent.  In these demanding applications, it is recommended to execute at least 5 full stroke moves every 5,000 cycles of operation (or more frequent if possible) to re-distribute the grease within the actuator. 

Tolomatic RSA & GSA Electric Rod-Style Actuator Switches

Tolomatic RSA & GSA products offer a wide ranges of sensing choices.  There are 12 switch choices: reed, solid state PNP (sourcing) or solid state NPN (sinking); in normally open or normally closed; with flying leads or quick-disconnect.

Commonly used for end-of-stroke positioning, these switches allow installation anywhere along the entire actuator length.  The internal magnet is a standard feature.  Switches can be installed in the field at any time.

Switches are used to send digital signals to PLC (programmable logic controller), TTL, CMOS circuit or other controller device.  Switches contain reverse polarity protection.  Solid state QD cables are shielded; shield should be terminated at flying lead end. 

All switches are CE rated and are RoHS compliant.  Switches feature bright red or yellow LED signal indicators; solid state switches also have green LED power indicators.

Tolomatic RSA & GSA Electric Rod-Style Actuator Switche Installation

Place switch bracket into one of the four slots that run the length of the extruded tube.  Note that there is a cutout on the actuator head (RSA) or tube (GSA) to allow insertion of the bracket.  Insert the switch with the word "Tolomatic" facing up and slide it under the bracket.  Position the bracket with the switch to the exact lcoation desired, then lock them securely into place by tightening both set screws on the bracket.