Linear stage
Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage
Mechanical-bearing linear stage with a precision-ground ball screw and BM130 brushless servomotor, in travels of 100 to 400 mm with calibrated metrology options.
Key specifications
| Stroke (max) | 400 mm |
|---|---|
| Screw type | precision-ground ball screw |
| Feedback | 2,500-line TTL or 1,000-line 1 Vpp motor encoder |
| Resolution | 0.5 um down to sub-nm electrical resolution |
Summarised in our own words from Aerotech, Inc.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Speed, load and accuracy are in the data sheet, not on the product page read; omitted.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.. Aerotech and PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Alternatives that meet or exceed these figures
Engineers often come to us with an Aerotech part number and leave with an alternative that is easier to source, quicker to deliver or a better fit for the machine. These 3 series from our supply network are the closest match on published figures.
Screw-driven rodless stage on twin profile rails with a wide, flat carrier, built for heavy, high-moment loads in machine tools, gantries and XYZ systems.
| Published maximum | PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage | TRS Twin Profile Rail Stage |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 12,590 N |
| Stroke | 400 mm | 2,200 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 1,270 mm/s |
Twin profile-rail screw stage listed in the Tolomatic overview brochure; appears to be the predecessor of the TRS family.
| Published maximum | PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage | TKS Dual Profile Rail Bearing |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 14,501 N |
| Stroke | 400 mm | 2,438 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 1,016 mm/s |
Economical stainless-tube electric rod actuator in sizes 10, 15 and 20, aimed at replacing pneumatic cylinders for gating, sorting and diverting; SS1/SS2 options give an all-stainless, IP69K washdown build.
| Published maximum | PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage | ERD (incl. ERD-SS1 / ERD-SS2 stainless… |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 2,224 N |
| Stroke | 400 mm | 610 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 1,016 mm/s |
Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What a linear stage is
A linear stage is a precision positioning axis in which a carriage or table moves along precision guides, driven by a ball screw, lead screw, belt or linear motor. Compared with a general rodless actuator, a stage emphasises straightness, flatness, accuracy and repeatability, with careful control of pitch, yaw and roll. Stages commonly integrate limit sensors, home sensors and linear or rotary encoders, and they can be stacked into XY, XYZ or gantry systems.
When engineers choose a linear stage
Choose a linear stage when the application depends on positioning accuracy and smooth guided motion, such as inspection, metrology, laser processing, semiconductor and laboratory automation. The trade-offs are cost and payload: precision guides and feedback add cost, and stage precision depends on mounting surface flatness. For general automation where a tenth of a millimetre is enough, a standard rodless actuator is usually more economical.
How to specify the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage variant or an equivalent:
- Travel (mm)
- Accuracy, repeatability and resolution (µm)
- Straightness and flatness of travel (µm)
- Payload and moment loads (kg, Nm)
- Speed and settling time (mm/s, ms)
- Drive type: screw, belt or linear motor
- Encoder type, mounting surface and environment (cleanroom, vacuum)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mounting a precision stage on a surface that is less flat than the stage
- Confusing repeatability with accuracy
- Ignoring thermal effects from the motor in precision work
- Stacking axes without considering the combined error
Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage: frequently asked questions
What is the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage?
Mechanical-bearing linear stage with a precision-ground ball screw and BM130 brushless servomotor, in travels of 100 to 400 mm with calibrated metrology options. Published series figures include stroke 400 mm. It is made by Aerotech, Inc.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage?
The Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage is made by Aerotech (Aerotech, Inc.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the stroke of the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage?
The published series maximum stroke is 400 mm. Individual models and sizes in the PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage?
Yes. On published figures, Tolomatic TRS Twin Profile Rail Stage and Tolomatic TKS Dual Profile Rail Bearing are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the difference between accuracy and repeatability on a linear stage?
Repeatability is how closely the stage returns to the same position, while accuracy is how close it moves to the commanded position. A stage can be very repeatable but not accurate if the screw has lead error. Accuracy can be improved with linear encoders or error mapping.
When should a linear stage use a linear motor instead of a screw?
Linear motors suit high speed, high acceleration and smooth motion with no backlash or wear, especially on long strokes. Screw-driven stages suit higher static force, vertical axes and lower cost. Linear motor stages need a linear encoder and careful thermal design, so they are typically more expensive.
Further reading: How to select a linear stage · How to select a linear motor · Linear actuators
Other linear stage series
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