Rodless screw actuator
Rollon TH rodless screw actuator
Compact ball-screw linear table in sizes 70 to 200 with strokes up to 4,175 mm (TH200), screw leads from 2.5 to 32 mm and 5 µm repeatability in ISO 5 accuracy class.
Key specifications
| Stroke (max) | 4,175 mm |
|---|---|
| Screw lead | 2.5 to 32 |
| Screw type | Ball screw, 8x2.5 to 32x32 mm (dia x lead) |
| Repeatability | 0.005 mm |
| Sizes | 70, 90, 110, 145, 200 |
| Accuracy | 0.023 mm/300 mm (ISO 5); 0.05 mm/300 mm (ISO 7) |
Summarised in our own words from The Timken Company's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2 · Source 3
Notes on this data
Max speed limited by screw critical speed and nut speed; no single figure. Static axial capacity up to about 66 kN (TH200) per data sheet, not transcribed as a spec.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with The Timken Company. Rollon and TH 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 a Rollon 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 actuator with recirculating ball-bearing guidance integral to the extrusion, so it carries loads up to 35.6 kN (with carrier options) without external guides.
| Published maximum | TH | B3S Screw-Drive Rodless |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 12,010 N |
| Stroke | 4,175 mm | 4,547 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 1,524 mm/s |
Wide steel-cord urethane belt version of the B3 rodless actuator for long, fast strokes up to 14.6 m and 5 m/s with integral bearing guidance.
| Published maximum | TH | B3W Belt-Drive Rodless |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 1,446 N |
| Stroke | 4,175 mm | 14,579 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 5,080 mm/s |
Belt-driven rodless actuator in six sizes for long, fast strokes, offered unguided (U), with self-cleaning solid bearings for dusty sites (S), or on profiled rail for heavy loads (P).
| Published maximum | TH | MXB Belt-Drive Rodless (MXB-U / MXB-S … |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 1,859 N |
| Stroke | 4,175 mm | 10,516 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | — | 5,080 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 rodless screw actuator is
A rodless screw actuator moves a carriage along the actuator body using a ball or lead screw inside a profile. The load mounts directly on the carriage, which runs on guides, either internal bearings or profile rails, so the actuator carries and guides the load as well as moving it. A sealing band typically closes the slot along the body. The motor mounts at one end, inline or folded, and stroke is set by the body length.
When engineers choose a rodless screw actuator
Choose a rodless screw actuator when the load needs carrying along a guided path with good positioning accuracy and stiffness, such as in pick-and-place, gantries and positioning axes. Screw drive gives high thrust and precision. The trade-offs are speed and length: long screws hit critical speed limits, so long strokes run slower. For long, fast strokes with lighter loads, a belt-driven rodless actuator is usually better.
How to specify the Rollon TH
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right TH variant or an equivalent:
- Payload mass and position offset (kg, mm)
- Moment loads on the carriage (Nm)
- Stroke (mm), speed (mm/s) and acceleration (m/s²)
- Thrust force needed (N)
- Repeatability (mm)
- Orientation: horizontal, vertical or wall-mounted
- Environment and sealing (IP code)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Ignoring moment loads from offset payloads
- Choosing a long stroke at high speed and exceeding screw critical speed
- Not adding a brake for vertical axes
- Assuming the sealing band keeps out fine dust or liquids
Rollon TH: frequently asked questions
What is the Rollon TH?
Compact ball-screw linear table in sizes 70 to 200 with strokes up to 4,175 mm (TH200), screw leads from 2.5 to 32 mm and 5 µm repeatability in ISO 5 accuracy class. Published series figures include stroke 4,175 mm, repeatability 0.005 mm. It is made by The Timken Company; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Rollon TH?
The Rollon TH is made by Rollon (The Timken Company) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with The Timken Company; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the stroke of the Rollon TH?
The published series maximum stroke is 4,175 mm. Individual models and sizes in the TH 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 Rollon TH?
Yes. On published figures, Tolomatic B3S Screw-Drive Rodless and Tolomatic B3W Belt-Drive Rodless are the closest match from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Is a belt or screw rodless actuator better?
A screw rodless actuator gives more thrust, stiffness and positioning accuracy, which suits pressing, vertical axes and precise positioning. A belt actuator is faster and handles longer strokes, which suits transfer and pick-and-place over distance. Many machines use both: belts for long horizontal moves and screws for shorter, precise or vertical axes.
What limits the speed of a screw-driven actuator?
Speed is limited by the screw's critical speed, the rotation at which it starts to whip. Critical speed falls sharply as unsupported length increases, so long strokes have lower maximum speeds. Screw supports, larger diameters or a coarser lead raise usable speed. Manufacturers publish speed against stroke curves that should be checked.
Further reading: Rodless belt vs screw actuators · How to size a linear actuator · Linear actuators
Other rodless screw actuator series
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