Rod actuator
Ewellix EMA-80 rod actuator
24 V DC ball-screw electro-actuator with 31 kN dynamic load capacity, up to 160 mm/s and strokes up to 1,500 mm, sealed to IP67S with an absolute position sensor.
Key specifications
| Voltage (max) | 24 V |
|---|---|
| Ingress protection | IP67S |
| Force (max) | 31,000 N |
| Stroke (max) | 1,500 mm |
| Linear speed (max) | 160 mm/s |
| Screw type | ball screw, 32 mm diameter, 10 mm pitch |
| Supply | 24 V DC |
| Feedback | absolute position sensor |
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
31 kN is the published dynamic load capacity of the screw; confirm usable thrust with the datasheet's load curves.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Schaeffler AG. Ewellix and EMA-80 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 | EMA-80 | RSA-ST (standard thrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 31,000 N | 17,917 N |
| Stroke | 1,500 mm | 1,524 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 160 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 | EMA-80 | SRB Linear Servo Actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 31,000 N | 49,033 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 1,500 mm | 1,000 mm |
| Speed | 160 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 | EMA-80 | RSA-HT (high thrust) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 31,000 N | 58,000 N meets or exceeds |
| Stroke | 1,500 mm | 1,524 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 160 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 Ewellix EMA-80
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right EMA-80 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 EMA-80: frequently asked questions
What is the Ewellix EMA-80?
24 V DC ball-screw electro-actuator with 31 kN dynamic load capacity, up to 160 mm/s and strokes up to 1,500 mm, sealed to IP67S with an absolute position sensor. Published series figures include voltage 24 V, force 31,000 N, stroke 1,500 mm, linear speed 160 mm/s. It is made by Schaeffler AG; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Ewellix EMA-80?
The Ewellix EMA-80 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 voltage of the Ewellix EMA-80?
The published series maximum voltage is 24 V. Individual models and sizes in the EMA-80 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 EMA-80?
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
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of EMA-80
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 Ewellix EMA-80: 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.