# 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:** 2026-02-01

**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 electromechanical actuators directly replace hydraulic cylinders, eliminating fluid leaks, filter maintenance, and valve balancing while providing equal or greater thrust.

## 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
- Digital communication via EtherNet/IP, PROFINET, or EtherCAT for integration with modern PLCs

**Retrofit Options:**

- RLA Series: Rotary stepper with belt/pulley and ball screw, 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 at ±0.1mm accuracy up to 760 mpm — 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