# Can Roll-2-Roll actuators replace my existing hydraulic unwind guide system?

> 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…

**Last updated:** 2026-10-08

**Source:** https://r2r.tech/resources/faq/can-roll-2-roll-actuators-replace-my-existing-hydraulic-unwind-guide-system

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## Question

Can Roll-2-Roll actuators replace my existing hydraulic unwind guide system?

## Short 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.

## Detailed Answer

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.

**Category:** Technical, General

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## About Roll-2-Roll Technologies

Roll-2-Roll Technologies designs and manufactures patented fiber-optic web position sensors and advanced web guiding controllers — the precision measurement and control core of modern roll-to-roll manufacturing. Spun out of Oklahoma State University's Web Handling Research Center and trusted by Fortune 500 medical, battery, and nonwovens manufacturers, our patented sensors work without recalibration, with 0.0635 mm resolution and ±0.127 mm repeatability at line speeds up to 760 m/min — typical customer outcomes are 50%+ less downtime and payback under six months. Headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, our team of PhDs, controls engineers, and industry veterans extends the sensor + controller core into complete web guide systems including stepper-motor-based linear actuators (RLA, BLA, LHS).

- Website: https://r2r.tech
- Phone: +1 (888) 290-3215
- Email: sales@r2r.tech