Rod actuator
SMC LEY rod actuator
SMC's electric rod actuator in sizes 16 to 100 with 24 V DC step or servo motors or AC servo motors; series maximum 12,000 N pushing force (LEY100), 1,200 mm/s and 1,000 mm stroke, repeatability +/-0.02 mm.
Key specifications
| Ingress protection | IP65 (AC servo type IP65 equivalent) |
|---|---|
| Force (max) | 12,000 N |
| Stroke (max) | 1,000 mm |
| Linear speed (max) | 1,200 mm/s |
| Screw lead | 2 to 20 |
| Repeatability | 0.02 mm |
| Sizes | 16, 25, 32, 40, 63, 100 |
| Motor | 24 V DC step motor, 24 V DC servo motor, AC servo 100-750 W with absolute encoder, or motorless |
Summarised in our own words from SMC Corporation's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Pushing force by model: LEY40 step 1,058 N; LEY63 AC servo 3,343 N; LEY100 12,000 N. Up to 64 positioning points.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with SMC Corporation. SMC and LEY 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 SMC 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.
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 | LEY | RSA-ST (standard thrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 12,000 N | 17,917 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 1,000 mm | 1,524 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 1,200 mm/s | 3,124 mm/s meets or exceeds |
Ball-screw servo electric cylinder in seven frame sizes from 32 to 150, with inline or reverse-parallel motor mounting and optional force sensing, aimed at hydraulic and pneumatic replacement.
| Published maximum | LEY | SRB Linear Servo Actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 12,000 N | 49,033 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 1,000 mm | 1,000 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 1,200 mm/s | 1,250 mm/s meets or exceeds |
Heavy-duty version of the RSA rod actuator with roller-screw options, matched angular-contact bearings and larger motor mounts, reaching 58 kN on size 64.
| Published maximum | LEY | RSA-HT (high thrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 12,000 N | 58,000 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 1,000 mm | 1,524 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 1,200 mm/s | 3,124 mm/s meets or exceeds |
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 SMC LEY
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right LEY 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
SMC LEY: frequently asked questions
What is the SMC LEY?
SMC's electric rod actuator in sizes 16 to 100 with 24 V DC step or servo motors or AC servo motors; series maximum 12,000 N pushing force (LEY100), 1,200 mm/s and 1,000 mm stroke, repeatability +/-0.02 mm. Published series figures include force 12,000 N, stroke 1,000 mm, linear speed 1,200 mm/s, repeatability 0.02 mm. It is made by SMC Corporation; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the SMC LEY?
The SMC LEY is made by SMC (SMC Corporation) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with SMC Corporation; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the force of the SMC LEY?
The published series maximum force is 12,000 N. Individual models and sizes in the LEY 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 SMC LEY?
Yes. On published figures, Tolomatic RSA-ST (standard thrust) and SRB Linear Servo Actuator 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
Other rod actuator series
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