Roller screw actuatorLegacy
Exlar FT Series roller screw actuator
Predecessor to the FTX: a motorless planetary roller-screw cylinder in four frames up to about 178 kN, now withdrawn with the FTX recommended instead.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Exlar lists this series as legacy. We can help with spares for installed machines, a migration to the replacement, or an alternative. Find a replacement.
Pricing and availability
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Need Exlar parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
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Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of FT Series
Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.
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- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Force (max) | 177,900 N |
|---|---|
| Stroke (max) | 1,219 mm |
| Linear speed (max) | 1,506 mm/s |
| Screw lead | 5, 10, 20 (FT35) / 5, 10 (FT45) / 6, 12, 30 (FT60, FT80) |
| Screw type | planetary roller screw |
| Sizes | FT35 (90 mm): 22.2 kN; strokes 6-48 in; up to 1,506 mm/s, FT45 (120 mm): 44.5 kN; strokes 6-48 in; up to 584 mm/s, FT60 (150 mm): 89.0 kN; strokes 12-48 in; up to 991 mm/s, FT80 (200 mm): 177.9 kN; strokes 12-48 in; up to 874 mm/s |
Summarised in our own words from Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1 · Source 2
Notes on this data
Strokes published in inches: 48 in x 25.4 = 1,219 mm (converted). Forces/speeds metric as printed. Page states legacy and no longer available; recommends FTX. FT35 and FT80 spec tables show 1,500 and 875 mm/s vs quick data 1,506 and 874 mm/s. IP rating and temperature not stated.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group. Exlar and FT Series are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Exlar FT Series replacement and alternative options
Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Exlar part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.
Compact C7 ballscrew linear module with built-in guide, matched to 100-400 W servo motors from the main Japanese and Taiwanese brands.
| Published maximum | FT Series | BLM Built-in Linear Module |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 177,900 N | — |
| Stroke | 1,219 mm | 1,250 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 1,506 mm/s | 1,600 mm/s meets or exceeds |
Steel-belt driven linear module with integral guide rail, intended as a long-stroke, high-speed replacement for pneumatic cylinders.
| Published maximum | FT Series | LB Belt-Drive Linear Actuator |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 177,900 N | — |
| Stroke | 1,219 mm | 3,050 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 1,506 mm/s | 2,000 mm/s meets or exceeds |
Fully sealed version of the LB belt module with added dust protection for cleanroom use.
| Published maximum | FT Series | LBC Belt-Drive Linear Actuator (cleanr… |
|---|---|---|
| Force | 177,900 N | — |
| Stroke | 1,219 mm | 3,050 mm meets or exceeds |
| Speed | 1,506 mm/s | 2,000 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.
Typical applications
What a roller screw actuator is
A roller screw actuator is a rod actuator driven by a planetary roller screw instead of a ball screw. Threaded rollers sit between the screw and nut, so the load is spread across many line contacts rather than a limited number of balls. This gives much higher load capacity, stiffness and shock resistance in the same envelope, and typically several times the life of a ball screw of similar size. Inverted designs place the rollers on the rod, allowing the motor rotor to drive the nut directly.
When engineers choose a roller screw actuator
Choose a roller screw actuator for high forces, long life, heavy duty cycles or shock loads, such as presses, welding guns, test rigs and hydraulic replacement. The trade-offs are cost, which is higher than an equivalent ball screw, and lower efficiency at very fine leads. For moderate loads and duty, a ball screw is usually more economical. Roller screws also tolerate higher accelerations and speeds at a given diameter, which helps compact high-force designs.
How to specify the Exlar FT Series
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right FT Series variant or an equivalent:
- Peak and continuous force (N or kN)
- Full motion profile with dwell times
- Required life (km or cycles)
- Stroke (mm) and speed (mm/s)
- Shock or impact loads
- Mounting and side-load conditions
- Lubrication method and environment
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing a roller screw when duty and load would let a ball screw do the job
- Neglecting lubrication interval, which strongly affects roller screw life
- Calculating life on peak force instead of the cubic mean load
- Forgetting that motor and drive must also handle the peak force
Exlar FT Series: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace Exlar FT Series or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the Exlar FT Series?
Predecessor to the FTX: a motorless planetary roller-screw cylinder in four frames up to about 178 kN, now withdrawn with the FTX recommended instead. Published series figures include force 177,900 N, stroke 1,219 mm, linear speed 1,506 mm/s. It is made by Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the Exlar FT Series?
The Exlar FT Series is made by Exlar (Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Curtiss-Wright Actuation Group; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the force of the Exlar FT Series?
The published series maximum force is 177,900 N. Individual models and sizes in the FT Series 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 the Exlar FT Series still available?
Exlar lists the FT Series as legacy. We can help with spares for installed machines, a migration, or an equivalent from our supply network that meets the same published figures.
Why are roller screws longer lasting than ball screws?
In a planetary roller screw, the load is carried across many line contacts on the threaded rollers, while a ball screw carries load through point contacts on a limited number of balls. Lower contact stress per point gives more load capacity and a longer fatigue life for the same size, typically several times longer at the same load.
When is a ball screw a better choice than a roller screw?
A ball screw is usually better value for moderate loads, normal duty and modest life targets, and it is more widely available in standard sizes and leads. Choose a roller screw when force, shock, stiffness or life requirements push a ball screw beyond a sensible size. Calculating life with the real cycle usually shows which applies.
Further reading: Ball screw vs roller screw · Hydraulic to electric actuator · Linear actuators
Other roller screw actuator series
Engineer support
Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you
Tell us how you use the Exlar FT Series: 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
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Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.