Rodless belt actuator
Rollon SAB rodless belt actuator
Self-supporting belt axis on polyamide-coated rollers in sizes 60 to 250, rated for speeds up to 15 m/s.
Key specifications
| Linear speed (max) | 15,000 mm/s |
|---|---|
| Linear speed (max) | 15 m/s |
| Sizes | 60, 120, 180, 250 |
| Drive | Toothed belt |
| Guide | Polyamide-coated rollers |
Summarised in our own words from The Timken Company's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2
Specify Motion is not affiliated with The Timken Company. Rollon and SAB are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Typical applications
Engineer support
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Our experienced engineers are on hand, ready to help with your project. Whether you need the Rollon SAB itself, help sourcing it, or a modified or custom design built around your load, speed and space, tell us what the machine has to do and we'll come back with the right option.
- Help sourcing SAB and spares for installed machines
- Modified and custom designs when a catalogue part doesn't fit
- Complete axis: motor, drive, gearing and feedback matched together
What a rodless belt actuator is
A rodless belt actuator moves a carriage along an aluminium profile using a toothed belt driven by a pulley at one end. The load mounts on the carriage, which runs on internal bearings or profile rails, so the unit carries and guides the load. Because the belt does not whip like a long screw, stroke can be long, typically several metres, and speeds are high. Belt drives are less stiff than screws, so they suit fast transfer more than high-force pushing.
When engineers choose a rodless belt actuator
Choose a belt actuator for long strokes, high speed and lighter thrust loads, such as transfer axes, gantries and pick-and-place over distance. The trade-offs are stiffness, thrust and accuracy: belt stretch reduces stiffness and repeatability compared with screw drives, and vertical axes need a brake and careful sizing. For high thrust or tight positioning at short stroke, a screw rodless actuator is usually a better fit.
How to specify the Rollon SAB
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right SAB variant or an equivalent:
- Payload mass and moment loads (kg, Nm)
- Stroke (mm or m)
- Speed and acceleration (m/s, m/s²)
- Positioning repeatability (mm)
- Thrust force needed (N)
- Orientation and any vertical axis requirements
- Motor mounting, gearbox and environment
Common mistakes to avoid
- Forgetting belt tension and stretch when tight repeatability is needed
- Using a belt actuator for pressing or high thrust tasks
- Ignoring reflected inertia and gearbox ratio on high-acceleration axes
- Mounting the profile unsupported over long spans
Rollon SAB: frequently asked questions
What is the Rollon SAB?
Self-supporting belt axis on polyamide-coated rollers in sizes 60 to 250, rated for speeds up to 15 m/s. Published series figures include linear speed 15,000 mm/s, linear speed 15 m/s. It is made by The Timken Company; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Rollon SAB?
The Rollon SAB is made by Rollon (The Timken Company) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with The Timken Company; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the linear speed of the Rollon SAB?
The published series maximum linear speed is 15,000 mm/s. Individual models and sizes in the SAB 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 Rollon SAB?
Yes. Our engineers can propose an equivalent built around your load, speed and environment. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
How long can a belt-driven linear actuator be?
Belt actuators commonly reach several metres of stroke from one profile, and longer strokes are possible with joined profiles. The limits are profile stiffness, belt stretch, support spacing and the moment loads on the carriage. Long axes need regular supports along their length to avoid sag.
How accurate is a belt-driven actuator?
Repeatability on belt actuators is typically in the region of a tenth of a millimetre, depending on belt type, tension and load, which is coarser than screw drives. Accuracy is affected by belt stretch and pulley tolerances. For better accuracy, add linear encoder feedback or choose a screw drive.
Further reading: Rodless belt vs screw actuators · How to size a linear actuator · Linear actuators
Other rodless belt actuator series
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Engineer support
Our engineers are ready to help with your project
Tell us about your project and how you use the Rollon SAB: the load, speed, duty and environment. An experienced engineer will review it and reply, normally within one working day.
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