Compact actuator
THK ES (Economy slider) compact actuator
Economy ball-screw slider with stepper or 50 W servo motor and THK TSC/TLC controllers; series maximum 600 mm stroke, 600 mm/s and 10 kg horizontal payload at +/-0.02 mm repeatability.
Key specifications
| Force (max) | 266 N |
|---|---|
| Stroke (max) | 600 mm |
| Linear speed (max) | 600 mm/s |
| Repeatability | 0.02 mm |
| Payload (max) | 10 kg |
| Motor | stepper (28/35/42 mm) or 50 W servo |
| Controller | TSC (stepper), TLC (servo) |
Summarised in our own words from THK CO., LTD.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
266 N is the theoretical pressing thrust with 6 mm lead.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with THK CO., LTD.. THK and ES (Economy slider) 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 THK 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 | ES (Economy slider) | ERD (incl. ERD-SS1 / ERD-SS2 stainless… |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 266 N | 2,224 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 600 mm | 610 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 600 mm/s | 1,016 mm/s meets or exceeds |
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 | ES (Economy slider) | RSA-ST (standard thrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 266 N | 17,917 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 600 mm | 1,524 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 600 mm/s | 3,124 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 | ES (Economy slider) | RSA-HT (high thrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 266 N | 58,000 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 600 mm | 1,524 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 600 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 compact actuator is
A compact actuator is a self-contained electric linear actuator, typically with a low-voltage brushed DC motor, a gear stage and an acme or ball screw driving a rod. Most include built-in limit switches and can be powered by simply connecting 12 or 24 V DC, reversing polarity to change direction. Options often include position feedback by potentiometer, Hall sensors or encoders, and onboard control electronics. They are designed for simple, cost-effective movement rather than high-precision servo control.
When engineers choose a compact actuator
Choose a compact actuator for intermittent adjustments such as opening, lifting, tilting and positioning in mobility, medical furniture, agricultural and light industrial equipment. Installation is simple and cost is low. The trade-offs are duty cycle, speed and precision: many units are rated for intermittent duty, typically around 25% on time, and brushed motors wear. For continuous cycling or tight positioning, a servo-driven rod actuator is more appropriate.
How to specify the THK ES (Economy slider)
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right ES (Economy slider) variant or an equivalent:
- Supply voltage (V DC) and current limit (A)
- Force push and pull (N)
- Stroke (mm) and retracted length
- Speed under load (mm/s)
- Duty cycle (% on time)
- Feedback: limit switches, potentiometer, Hall or encoder
- Sealing (IP code) and temperature range (°C)
Common mistakes to avoid
- Running a 25% duty actuator continuously and overheating the motor
- Ignoring the drop in speed under load and voltage
- Not allowing for side loads in pivot mountings
- Assuming acme units always hold position under vibration
THK ES (Economy slider): frequently asked questions
What is the THK ES (Economy slider)?
Economy ball-screw slider with stepper or 50 W servo motor and THK TSC/TLC controllers; series maximum 600 mm stroke, 600 mm/s and 10 kg horizontal payload at +/-0.02 mm repeatability. Published series figures include force 266 N, stroke 600 mm, linear speed 600 mm/s, repeatability 0.02 mm. It is made by THK CO., LTD.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the THK ES (Economy slider)?
The THK ES (Economy slider) is made by THK (THK CO., LTD.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with THK CO., LTD.; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the force of the THK ES (Economy slider)?
The published series maximum force is 266 N. Individual models and sizes in the ES (Economy slider) 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 THK ES (Economy slider)?
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 does duty cycle mean for an electric actuator?
Duty cycle is the proportion of time the actuator can run without overheating, usually given as a percentage and a time window. A 25% rating means, for example, about two and a half minutes of running in every ten. Exceed it and the motor overheats. For continuous motion choose a unit rated for higher duty.
Do 12 V actuators hold their position when power is removed?
Many acme-screw compact actuators resist back-driving because of the screw and gear friction, and some add a brake. Ball screw versions are efficient and can back-drive under load. Vibration can still cause creep, so check the static holding force on the datasheet for the orientation and loads in your application.
Further reading: How to select a linear actuator · How to size a linear actuator · Linear actuators
Other compact actuator series
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of ES (Economy slider)
Select every part you need, answer the questions an applications engineer would ask, and see your summary before we ask for any details.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the THK ES (Economy slider): the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.