Rod actuator
Oriental Motor EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ) rod actuator
Ball-screw electric cylinders driven by AZ Series closed-loop steppers in 42 mm and 60 mm frames, strokes of 50 to 300 mm, push force up to 500 N and repeatability of +/-0.02 mm.
Key specifications
| Force (max) | 500 N |
|---|---|
| Stroke (max) | 300 mm |
| Screw lead | 6 or 12 |
| Screw type | ball screw |
| Repeatability | 0.02 mm |
| Frame sizes | 42 (EAC4), 60 (EAC6) |
| Thrust | ~70-400 N transport thrust; 100-500 N push force, by frame and lead |
Summarised in our own words from ORIENTAL MOTOR CO., LTD.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Max speed and IP not stated on the page read. Guided versions available.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with ORIENTAL MOTOR CO., LTD.. Oriental Motor and EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ) 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 Oriental Motor 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.
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 | EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ) | ERD (incl. ERD-SS1 / ERD-SS2 stainless… |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 500 N | 2,224 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 300 mm | 610 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 1,016 mm/s |
General-purpose electric rod actuator in six sizes with solid, bronze or ball screws and inline or reverse-parallel motor mounting; a broad pneumatic/hydraulic replacement workhorse.
| Published maximum | EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ) | RSA-ST (standard thrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 500 N | 17,917 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 300 mm | 1,524 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 3,124 mm/s |
RSA-based rod actuator with integral hardened guide rods, bearings and a tooling plate, so it can carry side and offset loads without external guidance.
| Published maximum | EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ) | GSA Guided Screw Actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 500 N | 4,226 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 300 mm | 914 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 3,124 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 rod actuator is
A rod actuator, sometimes called an electric cylinder, converts motor rotation into linear thrust through a screw and nut inside a tube, pushing a rod in and out like a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. The screw is usually a ball screw for efficiency, a roller screw for heavy loads or a lead screw for low cost. The rod is guided by bearings in the tube and an anti-rotation feature, and the motor is mounted inline or folded alongside through a belt or gear stage.
When engineers choose a rod actuator
Choose a rod actuator when the load is guided externally and needs pushing or pulling with controlled force, speed and position, typically to replace a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder. It brings programmable positions, force control and energy savings. The trade-offs are side load and cost: the rod is not meant to carry significant radial load, and peak force for its size is lower than hydraulics. If the load needs carrying and guiding along the stroke, a rodless actuator or stage is usually better.
How to specify the Oriental Motor EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ) variant or an equivalent:
- Force: peak and continuous or RMS (N)
- Stroke (mm) and retracted length limits
- Speed and acceleration (mm/s, m/s²)
- Duty cycle or full motion profile
- Positioning repeatability (mm)
- Side load and mounting arrangement: trunnion, clevis or flange
- Motor and feedback preference, and environment (IP code, °C)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Sizing on peak force alone instead of RMS force over the cycle
- Rigidly mounting both ends so misalignment puts side load on the rod
- Ignoring critical speed and column buckling on long strokes
- Forgetting that a ball screw back-drives, so vertical loads need a brake
Oriental Motor EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ): frequently asked questions
What is the Oriental Motor EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ)?
Ball-screw electric cylinders driven by AZ Series closed-loop steppers in 42 mm and 60 mm frames, strokes of 50 to 300 mm, push force up to 500 N and repeatability of +/-0.02 mm. Published series figures include force 500 N, stroke 300 mm, repeatability 0.02 mm. It is made by ORIENTAL MOTOR CO., LTD.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Oriental Motor EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ)?
The Oriental Motor EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ) is made by Oriental Motor (ORIENTAL MOTOR CO., LTD.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with ORIENTAL MOTOR CO., LTD.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the force of the Oriental Motor EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ)?
The published series maximum force is 500 N. Individual models and sizes in the EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ) 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 Oriental Motor EAC Series electric linear cylinders (AZ)?
Yes. On published figures, Tolomatic ERD (incl. ERD-SS1 / ERD-SS2 stainless options) and Tolomatic RSA-ST (standard thrust) are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
What is the difference between a rod actuator and a rodless actuator?
A rod actuator pushes and pulls a rod extending from its body, so it suits loads that are guided by the machine, much like a cylinder. A rodless actuator moves a carriage along the body and carries the load itself, which handles moment loads and long strokes within the actuator's own length. Pick rod for thrust and rodless for carrying.
Can an electric rod actuator replace a hydraulic cylinder?
Often, yes, especially where force needs are moderate and precise positioning, cleanliness or energy savings matter. Electric rod actuators with roller screws reach high forces, but extreme forces in a small envelope still favour hydraulics. Compare peak and continuous force, duty, shock loads and space, and check the motor and drive sizing as well as the screw.
Further reading: How to size a linear actuator · Hydraulic to electric actuator · Linear actuators
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