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Rodless belt actuator

igus drylin ZLW rodless belt actuator

Lubrication-free toothed belt linear axis with iglidur plain-bearing carriage, sizes 0630 to 20200; series maximum 5 m/s and 3,000 mm stroke (longer on request), up to 3,000 N radial load on the largest size.

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Key specifications

Stroke (max)3,000 mm
Linear speed (max)5,000 mm/s
Linear speed (max)5 m/s
Accuracymax. position deviation +/-0.2 to +/-0.35 mm (load-dependent)
Radial load (max)3,000 N
SizesZLW-0630, 1040, 1080, 1660, 20120/20160/20200
Lubricationmaintenance-free, lubrication-free iglidur bearings

Summarised in our own words from igus SE & Co. KG's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-30. Source 1 · Source 2

Notes on this data

5 m/s quoted at 60% duty. igus quotes position deviation rather than repeatability.

Specify Motion is not affiliated with igus SE & Co. KG. igus and drylin ZLW are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.

igus drylin ZLW replacement and alternative options

Use these supply-network options as a starting point for an engineering check. We can also help source the original igus part. Published series figures do not establish an exact-model or drop-in replacement: confirm ratings, fit, interfaces and approvals for your application.

2 published figures compared; engineering check required

Wide steel-cord urethane belt version of the B3 rodless actuator for long, fast strokes up to 14.6 m and 5 m/s with integral bearing guidance.

Published maximumdrylin ZLWB3W Belt-Drive Rodless
Force—1,446 N
Stroke3,000 mm14,579 mm meets or exceeds
Speed5,000 mm/s5,080 mm/s meets or exceeds
2 published figures compared; engineering check required

Belt-driven rodless actuator in six sizes for long, fast strokes, offered unguided (U), with self-cleaning solid bearings for dusty sites (S), or on profiled rail for heavy loads (P).

Published maximumdrylin ZLWMXB Belt-Drive Rodless (MXB-U / MXB-S …
Force—1,859 N
Stroke3,000 mm10,516 mm meets or exceeds
Speed5,000 mm/s5,080 mm/s meets or exceeds
Limited published data: 1 figure compared

Economical rodless screw actuator derived from the BC2 band cylinder, with solid-bearing rods and a stainless band seal for light to moderate loads.

Published maximumdrylin ZLWBCS Rodless Screw (BCS/MCS)
Force—11,700 N
Stroke3,000 mm3,048 mm meets or exceeds
Speed5,000 mm/s—

Figures are the highest published for each series and are not always measured the same way. A higher figure is not automatically a better choice: mounting, duty cycle, feedback, connectors and approvals matter too. An engineer will check the fit against your application before recommending anything.

Typical applications

Format adjustmentLight handling and pick and placeLaboratory automationFood and packaging

What a rodless belt actuator is

A rodless belt actuator moves a carriage along an aluminium profile using a toothed belt driven by a pulley at one end. The load mounts on the carriage, which runs on internal bearings or profile rails, so the unit carries and guides the load. Because the belt does not whip like a long screw, stroke can be long, typically several metres, and speeds are high. Belt drives are less stiff than screws, so they suit fast transfer more than high-force pushing.

When engineers choose a rodless belt actuator

Choose a belt actuator for long strokes, high speed and lighter thrust loads, such as transfer axes, gantries and pick-and-place over distance. The trade-offs are stiffness, thrust and accuracy: belt stretch reduces stiffness and repeatability compared with screw drives, and vertical axes need a brake and careful sizing. For high thrust or tight positioning at short stroke, a screw rodless actuator is usually a better fit.

How to specify the igus drylin ZLW

Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right drylin ZLW variant or an equivalent:

  • Payload mass and moment loads (kg, Nm)
  • Stroke (mm or m)
  • Speed and acceleration (m/s, m/s²)
  • Positioning repeatability (mm)
  • Thrust force needed (N)
  • Orientation and any vertical axis requirements
  • Motor mounting, gearbox and environment

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Forgetting belt tension and stretch when tight repeatability is needed
  • Using a belt actuator for pressing or high thrust tasks
  • Ignoring reflected inertia and gearbox ratio on high-acceleration axes
  • Mounting the profile unsupported over long spans

igus drylin ZLW: frequently asked questions

Can you help replace igus drylin ZLW or source the original?

Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including Motion Control Products options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.

What is the igus drylin ZLW?

Lubrication-free toothed belt linear axis with iglidur plain-bearing carriage, sizes 0630 to 20200; series maximum 5 m/s and 3,000 mm stroke (longer on request), up to 3,000 N radial load on the largest size. Published series figures include stroke 3,000 mm, linear speed 5,000 mm/s, linear speed 5 m/s, radial load 3,000 N. It is made by igus SE & Co. KG; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.

Who makes the igus drylin ZLW?

The igus drylin ZLW is made by igus (igus SE & Co. KG) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with igus SE & Co. KG; brand names are used only to identify the product.

What is the stroke of the igus drylin ZLW?

The published series maximum stroke is 3,000 mm. Individual models and sizes in the drylin ZLW range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.

Is there an alternative to the igus drylin ZLW?

We can assess suitable replacement options. On published figures, Tolomatic B3W Belt-Drive Rodless and Tolomatic MXB Belt-Drive Rodless (MXB-U / MXB-S / MXB-P) are options to assess from our supply network. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.

How long can a belt-driven linear actuator be?

Belt actuators commonly reach several metres of stroke from one profile, and longer strokes are possible with joined profiles. The limits are profile stiffness, belt stretch, support spacing and the moment loads on the carriage. Long axes need regular supports along their length to avoid sag.

How accurate is a belt-driven actuator?

Repeatability on belt actuators is typically in the region of a tenth of a millimetre, depending on belt type, tension and load, which is coarser than screw drives. Accuracy is affected by belt stretch and pulley tolerances. For better accuracy, add linear encoder feedback or choose a screw drive.

Further reading: Rodless belt vs screw actuators · How to size a linear actuator · Linear actuators

Other rodless belt actuator series

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Tell us how you use the igus drylin ZLW: the load, speed, duty and environment. Our engineers will confirm whether it is still the right part, find it for you, or propose an alternative that fits better.

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