# What is the maximum load capacity of the RLA Series actuators?

> This question highlights an important distinction that causes confusion: load weight is not the same as thrust force. The RLA-200 moves about 33,333 lb on rolling bearings at μ 0.06 (20,000 lb at μ 0.1); see the RLA load table. That is the weight sitting on the bearings — the roll, the chuck, the…

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

**Source:** https://r2r.tech/resources/faq/what-maximum-load-capacity-rla-series-actuators

---

## Question

What is the maximum load capacity of the RLA Series actuators?

## Short Answer

The RLA-200 moves about 33,333 lb on rolling bearings at μ 0.06 (20,000 lb at μ 0.1); see the RLA load table. Nominal thrust ranges from 500 to 2,000 lbf depending on the model; rated maximum thrust is 4,500 to 10,200 N (1,012 to 2,293 lbf).

## Detailed Answer

This question highlights an important distinction that causes confusion: **load weight is not the same as thrust force**.

The RLA-200 moves about 33,333 lb on rolling bearings at μ 0.06 (20,000 lb at μ 0.1); see the [RLA load table](https://r2r.tech/products/actuators/rla). That is the weight sitting on the bearings — the roll, the chuck, the shifting stand structure. The actuator does not lift this weight. It pushes the carriage *sideways* along the bearings, overcoming friction and other resistance forces.

The actual thrust force required to move a 30,000 lb load is typically **120 to 600 lbf** (μ 0.004–0.02), depending on bearing type, rail condition, and secondary forces like web tension and umbilical drag. The RLA Series provides thrust across three models:

- RLA-050 — 500 lbf nominal thrust (rated maximum 4,500 N)
- RLA-100 — 1,000 lbf nominal thrust (rated maximum 8,600 N)
- RLA-200 — 2,000 lbf nominal thrust (rated maximum 10,200 N)

To illustrate with rough numbers: a 20,000 lb load on profiled linear rails with a friction coefficient of 0.005 (installed, not catalog) produces approximately 100 lbf of friction force. Add inertia, web tension lateral component, umbilical drag, and a factor of safety — and the required thrust might be 250 to 400 lbf. An RLA-050 handles that with margin.

The key takeaway: **do not select an actuator based on load weight alone.** Run the force calculation to determine actual thrust demand. Our [actuator sizing calculator](https://r2r.tech/resources/actuator-sizing-calculator) does exactly this.

Roll-2-Roll Technologies RLA models guide loads from a few thousand pounds up to 33,333 lb on rolling bearings at μ 0.06 (20,000 lb at μ 0.1); see the [RLA load table](https://r2r.tech/products/actuators/rla).

**Category:** Technical

---

## 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