Electric Cylinders and Linear Units
Solutions for controlled linear motion in industrial automation
Fluid System offers Camozzi, SMC and RK Rose+Krieger electric cylinders and linear units for building precise, repeatable and readily integrated electric handling systems. The offering includes electromechanical cylinders, electromechanical axes, electric rod and rodless actuators, slide units and configurable linear units for controlled linear positioning.
Thanks to its experience in the distribution of industrial components and specialist technical support, Fluid System assists machine builders, system integrators and technical departments in selecting the most suitable solution, assessing load, stroke, speed, precision, duty cycle, footprint and integration with PLCs, controllers and automation systems.
Types
of Electric Cylinders
and Linear Units
LINEAR UNITS
Handling and positioning along one or more axes.
Handling and positioning systems used when controlled transfers, configurable strokes, precision and repeatability are required. They may be based on different transmission technologies, such as toothed belt, screw or rack-and-pinion, or on configurations for single axes and more complex handling systems.
ELECTRIC CYLINDERS AND ELECTROMECHANICAL CYLINDERS
Pushing, pulling and lifting with motion control.
Solutions for pushing, pulling, lifting and controlled linear handling. They are a viable alternative to pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders when position control, speed adjustment, force management, energy efficiency and integration with automation systems are required.
ELECTRIC ROD ACTUATORS
Compact linear motion for pushing, pulling and transfer.
Linear actuators designed for pushing, pulling, transfer or controlled load-stopping operations. They are suitable for compact applications, repeatable movements, automatic adjustments and functions where stroke, speed and force must be controlled through stepper motors, servo motors or dedicated controllers.
RODLESS ELECTRIC LINEAR ACTUATORS
Long strokes and fast transfers with a compact footprint.
Solutions with a guided moving slider, suitable for long strokes, fast transfers, horizontal movements, pick & place and repeatable positioning. They can be configured with belt or screw drive, stepper motors, AC servo motors, integrated controller or motorless version.
ELECTROMECHANICAL AXES AND SLIDE UNITS
Guided handling and compact positioning.
Compact systems for guided movements, controlled transfers and high-precision linear positioning. They are used in automation applications requiring rigidity, repeatability, compact footprint and simple integration with controllers, drivers and machine architectures.
Comparison between
the main Electric Linear Solutions
| Category | Main function | Typical applications | Operational benefits | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Linear units | Handling and positioning along one or more axes | Pick & place, format adjustment, automated lines, robotic cells | Precision, modularity, configurable strokes, integration on existing systems | Camozzi, SMC, RK Rose+Krieger |
| Electric cylinders and electromechanical cylinders | Pushing, pulling, lifting and controlled positioning | Assembly, controlled handling, automatic adjustments, replacement of pneumatic cylinders | Position, speed and force control; energy efficiency; reduced maintenance | Camozzi, SMC, RK Rose+Krieger |
| Electric rod actuators | Compact linear motion with rod for pushing and pulling | Pushing, load stopping, transfer, positioning in confined spaces | Compactness, precise control, configurability, integration with dedicated controllers | SMC |
| Rodless electric linear actuators | Linear transfer with guided moving slider | Long strokes, conveying, pick & place, inspection, material handling | Reduced footprint, high speed, clean and repeatable motion | SMC |
| Electromechanical axes and slide units | Guided handling and compact positioning | Compact automation, handling, short transfers, assembly systems | Rigidity, precision, repeatability, simplified integration | Camozzi, SMC |
When and what to choose
Choose linear units if...
- You need to create movements on one or more axes.
- Configurable strokes and high repeatability are required.
- The application involves pick & place, format adjustments or linear transfers.
Choose electric cylinders or electromechanical cylinders if...
- You need to manage controlled pushing, pulling or lifting.
- You want to replace a pneumatic cylinder with a more adjustable solution.
- Position, speed and force control are required.
Choose electric rod actuators if...
- The application requires pushing or pulling in confined spaces.
- Stopping, transfer or compact positioning functions are required.
- You want a solution that can be integrated with dedicated controllers.
Choose rodless electric actuators if...
- Long strokes with reduced footprint are required.
- You need to move components along the line.
- The application requires fast, repeatable transfers.
Choose electromechanical axes or slide units if...
- Compact guided handling is required.
- Precision, rigidity and repeatability are required.
- The application involves assembly, handling or compact automation systems.
Explore the available solutions
Fluid System offers electric cylinders and linear units from leading manufacturers specialised in electric actuation and linear handling. Access the solution of interest to explore technical features, available types and application benefits.
Request technical consultancy
Every automation application has specific requirements. Contact Fluid System for support in selecting electric cylinders, linear units, electromechanical axes and electric actuators according to load, stroke, speed, precision, duty cycle and system integration.
FAQ — electric cylinders and linear units
Electric cylinders are mainly used for pushing, pulling, lifting and controlled positioning. Linear units are handling systems along one or more axes, often used for transfers, pick & place and format adjustments.
When precise position control, speed adjustment, force management, greater energy efficiency and more advanced integration with PLCs or control systems are required.
Yes. Linear units can be used as the basis for Cartesian and multi-axis systems, combining several axes according to the movement required by the application.
It is useful to assess load, stroke, speed, precision, mounting orientation, duty cycle, operating environment and integration method with the automation system.
Yes. Fluid System supports customers in selecting electric cylinders, linear units and electric actuators, assessing application requirements, system integration and compatibility with control systems.