Roh'Lix® Linear Actuators

For more information on the Rohlix linear actuator or other power transmission products, check out our catalog, contact Zero-Max or find your local sales representative.

Roh'Lix Linear Actuator Designed For Horizontal & Vertical Applications

The Roh-Lix is intended for horizontal or vertical axial loading applications. Axial loading allows for even load distribution across all six of the device’s bearings. Sideloads and twisting loads should be avoided since they can lead to uneven bearing loading while shortening product lifespan. Whenever possible, the load weight on the Roh’Lix linear actuator should be supported by a separate linear bearing assembly. 

Learn More about the Roh’Lix Linear Actuator

Roh’Lix linear actuators provide a minimum of 90% mechanical efficiency. Springs preload the bearings against the driveshaft, reducing backlash to less than 0.001”. Operational temperature range is -10°F to 180°F. Designed for maintenance-free operation, with lubricated-for-life bearings requiring no additional lubrication.

The Rohlix features split-block construction for easy installation. The two-block halves can be assembled around the shaft, eliminating the need to remove pillow-block bearings, coupling, etc. This split-block design is also beneficial for the removal of the Roh-Lix linear actuator for servicing, such as bearing replacement.

Minimum life expectancy of Roh’Lix units is 2 million inches of linear travel. Over 100 million inches of linear travel may be achieved with proper application parameters. Occasional overloads are acceptable and are a design feature of the Roh’Lix; however, frequent overloads will lessen the working life due to resulting wear.

How the Roh’Lix Works

The Roh’Lix linear actuator converts rotary motion into linear motion using rolling-element ball bearings that trace a helix pattern along the drive shaft. This movement produces a rolling helix, or Roh’Lix for short. Works with electric motors that are generally connected to the linear actuator by flexible coupling or a belt. 

The Rohlix consists of six preloaded bearings that contact the shaft at varying angles. As the shaft rotates, the bearings trace out an imaginary screw thread pattern, moving the Roh-Lix linearly along the shaft and converting rotary motion into linear motion. The lead, or distance the Roh’Lix moves in one shaft revolution, can vary from 0.025” to 3 times the shaft diameter. Lead is determined by the angle of the bearings in the Roh’Lix block.

Thrust settings on Roh’Lix linear actuators are easily adjusted via coil springs and socket-head cap screws. Thrust settings can be optimized so that no extra force is applied to the bearings, maximizing performance, and extending working life. The coil springs maintain a constant tension against the adjustment screws, so thrust settings do not change once set.

To select the correct Rohlix model for a given application, one must first determine the thrust requirements and the desired lead. Thrust requirements can be determined using the following formulas: Then, select an inch or metric Roh’Lix model with a thrust rating equal to or greater than the thrust requirement calculated above and a lead close to the calculated lead requirement. Consult the factory for assistance.

Operating Characteristics of Roh'Lix Actuators

All Roh’Lix Linear Actuators provide the following operating characteristics:

High Efficiency

The rolling contact between the outer races of the six ball bearings and the driveshaft provides a smooth, quiet linear motion, resulting in a minimum of 90% efficiency.

Low Backlash

Roh’lix bearings are preloaded by the coil springs to reduce backlash to less than 0.001 inches, which helps maintain consistency throughout the life of the bearings.

Positioning Accuracy

The Roh’lix is a friction drive device and, as a result, will show an accumulated error that is, in general, up to 0.002 inches per shaft revolution. Where greater accuracy is required, linear encoders can be used to indicate position.

Overload Protection

The Roh’lix can slip if an obstruction is encountered in the system. This unique advantage over other linear actuators can prevent damage and costly downtime.

Lubrication

Roh-Lix bearings are factory-lubricated for life and are designed to run on a clean, non-lubricated driveshaft.

Shafting

Recommended driveshaft material is C-1060 hardened and ground shafting with a minimum hardness of HRC 58. Its hardness will provide optimum life expectancy, and its ground surface provides a uniform friction surface. Stainless steel shafting, although slightly softer, is adequate for many applications requiring corrosion protection.

Temperature

Acceptable temperature range is -10°F to +180°F. Special units are available for higher or lower temperatures.

Maintenance-Free

The unit is maintenance-free; however, the shafting may require occasional wiping to clean off accumulated foreign matter.

Backdriving

By applying a thrust load to the Rohlix unit, the shaft can be made to rotate. The thrust load will cause the Roh’lix and any device attached to it to travel along the shaft. Therefore, the Roh’lix should never be used as the sole device to hold the position.

Tandem Roh’lix

Two Roh’lix may be used on a standard shaft in series or parallel on separate shafts. However, the combined thrust rating must be derated by 20%. When installing the Roh-Lix units, be sure to tighten the thrust adjustment screws an equal number of turns so that they share the thrust load equally.

Features & Benefits of Roh'Lix Actuators

• For horizontal or vertical axial loading applications
• Designed to slip when overloaded, providing intermittent overload protection
• Easy to install
• Working lifetime expectancy of 2 million to over 100 million inches of linear travel, depending on application variables
• Easily adjustable thrust settings
• Five-inch sizes and five metric sizes are available, providing up to 200 lbs. of thrust capacity
• Two Roh-Lix linear actuator units can be used in tandem to increase thrust rating
• Special shaft diameters, leads, and block sizes are available
• Right-hand lead is standard, left-hand lead available upon request
• Maintenance-free bearings are lubricated for life and require no additional lubrication

Application of Zero-Max Roh’Lix Linear Actuators

With a lifespan between 2 million and 100 million inches of linear travel depending on the application and operation settings, Zero-Max Roh’Lix Linear Actuators provide ease of use in the following applications:

• Packaging
• Printing
• Converting
• Materials Handling
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Test Equipment
• Inspection Equipment
• Core Cutting Equipment
• Door Openers and Actuators
• Video Imaging Devices
• Adjustable Web Guides
• Optical Comparators
• Parts Feeders
• Gantry Robots
• Medical Equipment
• Transfer Cables
• Back Gauges
• X-Y Tables
• Many others

Learn More About Roh’Lix Linear Actuators from Zero-Max

We offer a wide selection of Roh’Lix linear actuators for high-performance applications. Contact us to discuss your application, request customization, or find your local sales representative.