Rod actuator
Ewellix CAR / CAT rod actuator
Industrial rod actuators with a wide range of motor voltages, from 12/24 V DC to 120/230 V AC and 3 x 400 V; family maximum 4 kN, 193 mm/s and 700 mm stroke.
Key specifications
| Force (max) | 4,000 N |
|---|---|
| Stroke (max) | 700 mm |
| Linear speed (max) | 193 mm/s |
| Supply | 12, 24 V DC; 120, 230 V AC; 3 x 400 V AC |
Summarised in our own words from Schaeffler AG's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Figures are the family maxima in Schaeffler catalogue LA 1; per-model data not transcribed.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Schaeffler AG. Ewellix and CAR / CAT 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 Ewellix 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 | CAR / CAT | RSA-ST (standard thrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 4,000 N | 17,917 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 700 mm | 1,524 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 193 mm/s | 3,124 mm/s meets or exceeds |
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 | CAR / CAT | GSA Guided Screw Actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 4,000 N | 4,226 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 700 mm | 914 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 193 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 | CAR / CAT | SRB Linear Servo Actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 4,000 N | 49,033 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 700 mm | 1,000 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 193 mm/s | 1,250 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 Ewellix CAR / CAT
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right CAR / CAT 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
Ewellix CAR / CAT: frequently asked questions
What is the Ewellix CAR / CAT?
Industrial rod actuators with a wide range of motor voltages, from 12/24 V DC to 120/230 V AC and 3 x 400 V; family maximum 4 kN, 193 mm/s and 700 mm stroke. Published series figures include force 4,000 N, stroke 700 mm, linear speed 193 mm/s. It is made by Schaeffler AG; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Ewellix CAR / CAT?
The Ewellix CAR / CAT is made by Ewellix (Schaeffler AG) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Schaeffler AG; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the force of the Ewellix CAR / CAT?
The published series maximum force is 4,000 N. Individual models and sizes in the CAR / CAT 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 Ewellix CAR / CAT?
Yes. On published figures, Tolomatic RSA-ST (standard thrust) and Tolomatic GSA Guided Screw 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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