Rodless screw actuator
IAI ROBO Cylinder RCS4 rodless screw actuator
AC servo ROBO Cylinder with 60 to 400 W motors and battery-less absolute encoders; series maxima of 1,100 mm stroke, 2,200 mm/s (SA8C, 48 mm lead), 100 kg horizontal payload and ±0.005 mm repeatability on high-precision versions.
Key specifications
| Stroke (max) | 1,100 mm |
|---|---|
| Linear speed (max) | 2,200 mm/s |
| Repeatability | 0.005 mm |
| Power | 60–400 W |
| Feedback | Battery-less absolute encoder |
| Payload (max) | 100 kg |
| Variants | Slider (SA), wide slider (WSA), rod (RA), radial cylinder (RRA, WRA), table (TA); coupled or side-mounted motor; cleanroom RCS4CR |
Summarised in our own words from IAI Corporation's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1
Notes on this data
Standard repeatability ±0.01 mm; ±0.005 mm on selected high-precision models. Vertical payload maximum 72 kg (RA8/RRA8, 5 mm lead).
Specify Motion is not affiliated with IAI Corporation. IAI and ROBO Cylinder RCS4 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 IAI 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 rodless screw actuator derived from the BC2 band cylinder, with solid-bearing rods and a stainless band seal for light to moderate loads.
| Published maximum | ROBO Cylinder RCS4 | BCS Rodless Screw (BCS/MCS) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 11,700 N |
| Stroke | 1,100 mm | 3,048 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 2,200 mm/s | — |
Screw-driven rodless actuator in six sizes, with a solid-bearing (S) or profiled-rail (P) carrier for moderate to heavy guided loads.
| Published maximum | ROBO Cylinder RCS4 | MXE Screw-Drive Rodless (MXE-S / MXE-P) |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 19,127 N |
| Stroke | 1,100 mm | 3,411 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 2,200 mm/s | — |
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 | ROBO Cylinder RCS4 | B3S Screw-Drive Rodless |
|---|---|---|
| Force | — | 12,010 N |
| Stroke | 1,100 mm | 4,547 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 2,200 mm/s | 1,524 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 IAI ROBO Cylinder RCS4
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right ROBO Cylinder RCS4 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
IAI ROBO Cylinder RCS4: frequently asked questions
What is the IAI ROBO Cylinder RCS4?
AC servo ROBO Cylinder with 60 to 400 W motors and battery-less absolute encoders; series maxima of 1,100 mm stroke, 2,200 mm/s (SA8C, 48 mm lead), 100 kg horizontal payload and ±0.005 mm repeatability on high-precision versions. Published series figures include stroke 1,100 mm, linear speed 2,200 mm/s, repeatability 0.005 mm, power 60 W. It is made by IAI Corporation; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the IAI ROBO Cylinder RCS4?
The IAI ROBO Cylinder RCS4 is made by IAI (IAI Corporation) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with IAI Corporation; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the stroke of the IAI ROBO Cylinder RCS4?
The published series maximum stroke is 1,100 mm. Individual models and sizes in the ROBO Cylinder RCS4 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 IAI ROBO Cylinder RCS4?
Yes. On published figures, Tolomatic BCS Rodless Screw (BCS/MCS) and Tolomatic MXE Screw-Drive Rodless (MXE-S / MXE-P) 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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