Quick Answer:
Yes. Roll-2-Roll RLA and BLA models can replace a hydraulic cylinder with an electric stepper drive (nominal thrust up to 2,000 lbf). We size the actuator from your load and bearings and match it to the stand's mount type.
Roll-2-Roll Technologies actuators are specifically designed for hydraulic cylinder replacement in unwind and rewind guiding applications:
What You Eliminate:
- Hydraulic fluid and the risk of product contamination from leaks
- Filter changes and fluid maintenance (typically 2-4 times per year)
- Seal replacement and valve rebalancing
- Hydraulic power unit (HPU) maintenance and energy costs
What You Gain:
- Clean, dry operation—critical for food, pharmaceutical, and medical applications
- Full thrust at zero speed (hydraulics struggle with static positioning)
- Smooth response at variable speeds without the "stick-slip" behavior of hydraulics
- PLC integration through the SCU5 MC(x)D or SCU6x controller (EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, EtherCAT; Modbus TCP on SCU6x)
Retrofit Options:
- RLA Series: Rotary stepper with belt/pulley and ball screw, nominal thrust up to 2,000 lbf
- BLA Series: Inline stepper with external ball screw for terminal guide applications
Most hydraulic retrofits can be completed in a scheduled maintenance window without major mechanical modifications to the existing stand structure.