Skip to content

Linear stage

Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage

Mechanical-bearing linear stage with a precision-ground ball screw and BM130 brushless servomotor, in travels of 100 to 400 mm with calibrated metrology options.

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.

Pricing and availability

Get pricing, sourcing and replacement support

Need Aerotech 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.

  • Original parts or a checked alternative
  • Pricing, lead time and delivery in one reply
  • Components, complete axes and ongoing support

No obligation. Add what you know and an engineer will help with the rest. Prefer to configure it? Build a specification.

Add quantity, timing or application notes (optional)

Spec builder

Specify what you need instead of PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage

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.

Already know the part number? Send it to us directly.

  1. 1Products
  2. 2Performance
  3. 3Environment
  4. 4Volumes
  5. 5Your spec
Step 1 of 5

What are you specifying?

Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.

1 selected: Linear actuator

Key specifications

Stroke (max)400 mm
Screw typeprecision-ground ball screw
Feedback2,500-line TTL or 1,000-line 1 Vpp motor encoder
Resolution0.5 um down to sub-nm electrical resolution

Summarised in our own words from Aerotech, Inc.'s published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1

Notes on this data

Speed, load and accuracy are in the data sheet, not on the product page read; omitted.

Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.. Aerotech and PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage replacement and alternative options

Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original Aerotech part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.

Limited published data: 1 figure compared

Twin profile-rail screw stage listed in the Tolomatic overview brochure; appears to be the predecessor of the TRS family.

Published maximumPRO165SL ball-screw linear stageTKS Dual Profile Rail Bearing
Force—14,501 N
Stroke400 mm2,438 mm meets or exceeds
Speed—1,016 mm/s
Limited published data: 1 figure compared

Screw-driven rodless stage on twin profile rails with a wide, flat carrier, built for heavy, high-moment loads in machine tools, gantries and XYZ systems.

Published maximumPRO165SL ball-screw linear stageTRS Twin Profile Rail Stage
Force—12,590 N
Stroke400 mm2,200 mm meets or exceeds
Speed—1,270 mm/s
Limited published data: 1 figure compared

Compact C7 ballscrew linear module with built-in guide, matched to 100-400 W servo motors from the main Japanese and Taiwanese brands.

Published maximumPRO165SL ball-screw linear stageBLM Built-in Linear Module
Stroke400 mm1,250 mm meets or exceeds
Speed—1,600 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.

Typical applications

General precision positioningAssembly and inspectionTest systems

What a linear stage is

A linear stage is a precision positioning axis in which a carriage or table moves along precision guides, driven by a ball screw, lead screw, belt or linear motor. Compared with a general rodless actuator, a stage emphasises straightness, flatness, accuracy and repeatability, with careful control of pitch, yaw and roll. Stages commonly integrate limit sensors, home sensors and linear or rotary encoders, and they can be stacked into XY, XYZ or gantry systems.

When engineers choose a linear stage

Choose a linear stage when the application depends on positioning accuracy and smooth guided motion, such as inspection, metrology, laser processing, semiconductor and laboratory automation. The trade-offs are cost and payload: precision guides and feedback add cost, and stage precision depends on mounting surface flatness. For general automation where a tenth of a millimetre is enough, a standard rodless actuator is usually more economical.

How to specify the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage variant or an equivalent:

  • Travel (mm)
  • Accuracy, repeatability and resolution (µm)
  • Straightness and flatness of travel (µm)
  • Payload and moment loads (kg, Nm)
  • Speed and settling time (mm/s, ms)
  • Drive type: screw, belt or linear motor
  • Encoder type, mounting surface and environment (cleanroom, vacuum)

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Mounting a precision stage on a surface that is less flat than the stage
  • Confusing repeatability with accuracy
  • Ignoring thermal effects from the motor in precision work
  • Stacking axes without considering the combined error

Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage 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 Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage?

Mechanical-bearing linear stage with a precision-ground ball screw and BM130 brushless servomotor, in travels of 100 to 400 mm with calibrated metrology options. Published series figures include stroke 400 mm. It is made by Aerotech, Inc.; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.

Who makes the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage?

The Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage is made by Aerotech (Aerotech, Inc.) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Aerotech, Inc.; brand names are used only to identify the product.

What is the stroke of the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage?

The published series maximum stroke is 400 mm. Individual models and sizes in the PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage 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 Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage?

We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Tolomatic TKS Dual Profile Rail Bearing and Tolomatic TRS Twin Profile Rail Stage are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.

What is the difference between accuracy and repeatability on a linear stage?

Repeatability is how closely the stage returns to the same position, while accuracy is how close it moves to the commanded position. A stage can be very repeatable but not accurate if the screw has lead error. Accuracy can be improved with linear encoders or error mapping.

When should a linear stage use a linear motor instead of a screw?

Linear motors suit high speed, high acceleration and smooth motion with no backlash or wear, especially on long strokes. Screw-driven stages suit higher static force, vertical axes and lower cost. Linear motor stages need a linear encoder and careful thermal design, so they are typically more expensive.

Further reading: How to select a linear stage · How to select a linear motor · Linear actuators

Other linear stage series

Engineer support

Let our experienced engineers do the hard work for you

Tell us how you use the Aerotech PRO165SL ball-screw linear stage: 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.

We use your details to answer this enquiry and share them only with the engineering and supply team handling it. Read our terms and privacy notice.

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.

  1. Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
  2. An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
  3. Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
  4. Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.