Electric Cylinders and Actuators
About Electric Cylinders and Actuators
Joyce Electric Cylinder Actuators lift and precisely position up to 20 tons, achieve travel speeds up to 546 inches per minute, and raise loads up to 100 inches. Requiring only electric power, Joyce Electric Actuators are well suited for industrial environments where protection of the lifting screw mechanism and dependable operation are critical.
- Low Maintenance actuator solution.
- Designed to operate at charted capacities in tension and compression.
- Parallel Motor mounts with additional gear reduction help you achieve target speeds.
- Direct Motor mounts increase travel speeds for faster output.
- Choose catalog models or customize to meet your requirements.
- Replace hydraulic actuators with this clean alternative.
- A quieter solution than pneumatic actuators.
How to Size an Electric Cylinder Actuator
Electric Cylinders are sized based on their static thrust capacity, but selection of the best model and configuration of electric cylinder for specific applications requires further consideration.
Joyce’s complementary JAX® Online software makes it easy to size a single unit of a complete system. Contact one of our Application Engineers today.
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First consider the mounting orientation and static load. Vertical mounting and operation permit a longer maximum rise (stroke) than horizontal mounting and operation of electric cylinders. For a given thrust capacity, maximum rise values may differ based on the screw type and diameter. Be sure to check Quick Reference pages.
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Consider the DYNAMIC load. The speed at which the load will be moved is a limiting factor. Quick reference pages for are arranged from slowest to fastest operation of acme screw (ECA) cylinders and then ballscrew (ECB) cylinders. Scan down the list to the travel speed you need and then check the horsepower requirements to for the load you will be moving.
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How frequently will the Electric Cylinder need to move the load? Electric Cylinders with Acme screws (ECA) have a calculated allowable continuous travel that limits duty cycle. Use JAX® to determine this value.
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How long will the Electric Cylinder be in service? Electric Cylinders with ballscrews (ECB) have a calculated ball nut life, expressed in inches of travel, which can be used to estimate the life of the unit. Use JAX® to determine this value.
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Joyce/Dayton offers motor controlsranging from simpleMotor Startersto complexpositioning systemsandCustom controls.Every system that is powered by an electric motor requires a control system. At Joyce, we know that choosing the best option can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why our Engineers are available to help you through the process.
Product Media
![jack](/sites/default/files/images/product-cards/electirc-cylinders.jpg)
Available Models
Items to consider when selecting motors and mounting configurations:
Use Quick Reference Charts determine the motor horsepower and gear reduction required to reach your target speed. For example, slow travel of just a few inches per minute will require a high ratio electric cylinder paired with a 10:1 ratio external gear reducer. While fast travel up to 546 inches per minute will require a low ratio electric cylinder paired with a direct drive motor.
- Standard model Electric Cylinders are purchased without a motor or external gear reducer.
- Direct Drive models have the motor mounted directly to the input shaft of the Electric Cylinder. The motor extends at a 90 degree angle from eh electric cylinder.
- ComDRIVE models have mounted external gear reducers and motors. The combination of internal and external gear reduction is specified and it accounts for output speed of the specific electric cylinder.
NOTE: Brake motors must be specified for all ballscrews Electric Cylinders (ECB).and for any acme Screw Electric Cylinder (ECA) with an efficiency ratio greater than or equal to 30%.
Smaller Capacity Linear Actuators are available from Joyce:
- Multipurpose Actuators - 1600 lb max. capacity, both AC and DC available, speeds to 96 in./min.
- Integrated Actuators - 2000 lb. max. Capacity, AC, speeds to 345 in./min.
Customization and Special Finishes:
Joyce can customize your Electric Cylinders to meet your requirements.
- Premium external finishes
- Proprietary Outdoor paint process resists corrosive elements and works well in harsh environments.
![jack](/sites/default/files/com-drives.jpg)
ComDRIVE Options
- Special reducer ratios available
- Special mounting positions available
- Special motor adapters available
- Mount limit switch to gear reducers
![jack](/sites/default/files/encoders.jpg)
Encoders
- Standard 200 or 1024 PPR
- Quadrature wave form
- Stainless steel encoder
- Absolute encoder
- Encoders
![jack](/sites/default/files/optfinishes.jpg)
Finishes
- Enamel finish (standard)
- Epoxy finish
- STEEL IT® epoxy
- Outdoor paint process
- Custom finishes available
- Anodized (250-lb to 1-ton)
- Nickel, Xylan®, Armoloy®
- Finishes
![jack](/sites/default/files/optinputshaft.jpg)
Input Shaft (worm)
- Square or hex to fit tool
- Special lengths
- 17-4 stainless steel available
- Metric diameters available
- One side can be cut off
- Other modifications available
- Input shaft cover available
![jack](/sites/default/files/optlimitswitches.jpg)
Limit Switches
- Rotary cam (2-4 switches)
- SPDT standard
- DPDT available
- Explosion proof available
- Limit Switches
![jack](/sites/default/files/optlubrication.jpg)
Lubrication
- Standard grease temperature range (40°F to 220°F)
- Low temperature option
- High temperature option
- Food grade option
![jack](/sites/default/files/optmotormounts.jpg)
Motor Mounts
- NEMA mounts available on 2-ton to 20-ton wormgear jacks and electric cylinders
- NEMA mounts included on integrated actuators
- Servo motor mounts available on 2-ton to 10-ton jacks and electric cylinders, special mounts available
- Custom mounts available
- Motor Mounts and Stock Motors
![jack](/sites/default/files/oversizedballbearings.jpg)
Oversized Ball Bearings
- Available for ball screw jacks
- Limits screw backlash to 0.003"
![jack](/sites/default/files/potentiometers.jpg)
Potentiometers
- 0-10V (POTA)
- 4-20mA (POTB)
- 0-10V with limit switches (POTC)
- 4-20mA with limit switches(POTD)
- IP65
- Potentiometers
Sample Part Number:
Click on the part number to reveal additional informaton about jack designs and shaft codes.
Model Number
2.5-Ton ACME Screw |
2.5-Ton Ball Screw |
3-Ton ACME Screw |
3-Ton Ball Screw |
5-Ton ACME Screw |
5-Ton Ball Screw |
10-Ton ACME Screw |
10-Ton Ball Screw |
20-Ton ACME Screw |
20-Ton Ball Screw |
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ECAL242.5
ECAH62.5 |
ECBL62.5 ECBL122.5 ECBL242.5 ECBM62.5 ECBH62.5 |
ECAL63 ECAL123 ECAL243 |
ECBL63 ECBL123 ECBL243 ECBH63 |
ECAL65 ECAL245 ECAM65 ECAH65 |
ECBL65 ECBL125 ECBL245 ECBM65 ECBH65 |
ECAL810 ECAL2410 ECAM810 ECAH810 |
ECBL810 ECBL2410 ECBM810 ECBH810 |
ECAL820 ECAL2420 ECAM820 ECAH820 |
ECBL820 ECBL2420 |
Important Note: Electric Cylinders that are ≥ 30% efficient may lower under load. Brake motors or external locking systems are required.
Tube End Conditions
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Base Designs
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Cylinder Rise
Rise is travel expressed in inches and not the actual tube length. The allowable travel for each unit is listed in the Quick Reference section. Allowable lengths differ for vertical and horizontal mounting.
Left Side Shaft Code |
Right Side Shaft Code |
XXXX=Remove |
XXXX=Remove |
Optional Shaft Codes
Screw Stops and Boots
Screw stops are optional on machine screw jacks. When specified, the closed height of the jack and/or the protection tube length may be increased. When boots are added to machine screw jacks, the closed height of the jack may be increased.
Mechanical Counters
CNT0=0.001" Increments
Note: Contact Joyce/Dayton for availability and options.
Hand Wheels
HW04=4" dia
HW06=6" dia
HW08=8" dia
HW10=10" dia
HW12=12" dia
Not recommended for cylinders that are ≥ 30% efficient.
Geared Potentiometers
POTA=0-10V (IP65)
POTB=4-20MA (IP65)
POTC=0-10V w/2 switches*
POTD=4-20MA w/2 switches*
*Optional IP65 rating available
Encoders and Electronic Liit Switches
ENCX=Encoder
ELS2=2 Position Electronic Switch
ELS4=4 Position Electronic Switch
ELS6=6 Position Electronic Switch
ComDrive Reducers | |||||
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Ordering Example: P2 (Moutning Positions) A (Ratio) C (Motor code from chart below) | |||||
Mounting Positions | Ratio | ||||
Code | P1 | P2 | P3 | P4 |
5:1 7.5:1 10:1 |
Left Side Shaft Positions |
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Right Side Shaft Positions |
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Motors
Size | Code |
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1/4 HP | K |
1/3 HP | A |
1/2 HP | B |
3/4 HP | C |
1 HP | D |
1-1/2 HP | E |
2 HP | F |
3 HP | L |
5 HP | G |
Motor Mounts
Ordering Example:
MMA A (Motor code from chart above)
MMA=56C
MMB=140TC
MMC=180TC
MMD=210TC
Standard motor adapters are aluminum
All standard motors are 3-phase, 208-230/460 VAC or 230/460 VAC. Specify the appropriate motor size from the chart above. Refer to the "Additional Options" chart on the preceding page as needed. Brake motors are required for electric cylinders that are more than 30% efficient. Contact Joyce/Dayton options that are not listed.
Mechanical Limit Switches
Ordering Example:
LA (Models) 1(Number of DPDT Switches) 3(Available Positions)
Model | Code | Available Positions | ||||||||
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LS7-402 | LI |
Number of DPDT Switches NOTE: Will always be 0 for LS7 models |
1 | 3 | 5 | |||||
LS8-402 | LA | Left Side Shaft Options | ![]() |
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LS8-504 | LB | |||||||||
LS9-502 | LC | |||||||||
LS9-503 | LD | Right Side Shaft Options | ![]() |
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LS9-504 | LE | |||||||||
LS9-505 | LF | |||||||||
LS9-506 | LG |
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LS9-507 | LH |
To order additional options, use these part numbers
Female Clevis Bracket
FCB-30
FCB-100
FCB-200
Clevis Pin w/ retaining rings
CP-30
CP-100
CP-200
Female Rod Clevis
FRC-30
FRC-100
FRC-200
Additional Options
- X=Standard Jack, no additional options
- S=Additional Specification Required (comment as necessary)
Finishes
- F1=Do Not Paint
- F2=Epoxy Paint
- F3=Outdoor Paint Process
Motor Options
- M1=Less Motor
- M2=Brake Motor
- M3=Single Phase Motor (120VAC)
- M4=50Hz Motor
Grease/Seals
- H1=High Temperature Operation
- H2=Food Grade
- Specify as many options as needed
Model | Static Capacity | Screw Diameter | Thread Pitch/Lead | Worm Gear Ratio | Worm Shaft Turns for 1" Travel | Tare Torque (Inches Lbs.) | Starting Torque (Inches Lbs.) | Operating Torque (Inches Lbs.) | Translating Tube Torque (Inches Lbs.) | Base Weight | Weight per Inch Travel |
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ECAL242.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
24:1 | 96 | 6 | .018W* | .010W* @ 500 RPM |
.098W* | 24 | 1.5 |
ECAH62.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C |
6:1 | 12 | 8 | .056W* | .040W* @ 500 RPM |
.140W* | 24 | 1.5 |
ECAH122.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C |
12:1 | 24 | 7 | .035W* | .023W* @ 500 RPM |
.140W* | 24 | 1.5 |
ECAH242.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C |
24:1 | 48 | 6 | .025W* | .014W* @ 500 RPM |
.140W* | 24 | 1.5 |
ECBL62.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | 0.25 lead ball | 6:1 | 24 | 8 | .017W* | .013W* @ 500 RPM |
.045W* | 30 | 1.5 |
ECBL122.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | 0.25 lead ball | 12:1 | 48 | 7 | .010W* | .008W* @ 500 RPM |
.045W* | 30 | 1.5 |
ECBL242.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | 0.25 lead ball | 24:1 | 96 | 6 | .008W* | .005W* @ 500 RPM |
.045W* | 30 | 1.5 |
ECBM62.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | 0.5 lead ball | 6:1 | 12 | 8 | .033W* | .026W* @ 500 RPM |
.089W* | 30 | 1.5 |
ECBH62.5 | 2.5 ton | 1 | 1 lead ball | 6:1 | 6 | 8 | .065W* | .051W* @ 500 RPM |
.177W* | 30 | 1.5 |
ECAL63 | 3 ton | 1 1/4 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
6:1 | 24 | 9 | .048W* | .033W* @ 500 RPM |
.114W* | 26 | 1.9 |
ECAL123 | 3 ton | 1 1/4 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
12:1 | 48 | 8 | .030W* | .018W* @ 500 RPM |
.114W* | 26 | 1.9 |
ECAL243 | 3 ton | 1 1/4 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
24:1 | 96 | 7 | .021W* | .011W* @ 500 RPM |
.114W* | 26 | 1.9 |
ECBL63 | 3 ton | 1 3/20 | .2 lead ball | 6:1 | 30 | 9 | .013W* | .011W* @ 500 RPM |
.036W* | 32 | 1.9 |
ECBL243 | 3 ton | 1 3/20 | .2 lead ball | 12:1 | 60 | 8 | .008W* | .006W* @ 500 RPM |
.036W* | 32 | 1.9 |
ECBH63 | 3 ton | 1 1/16 | .625 lead ball | 6:1 | 9.6 | 9 | .041W* | .032W* @ 500 RPM |
.111W* | 32 | 1.8 |
ECBH123 | 3 ton | 1 1/16 | .625 lead ball | 12:1 | 19.2 | 8 | .025W* | .018W* @ 500 RPM |
.111W* | 32 | 1.8 |
ECBH243 | 3 ton | 1 1/16 | .625 lead ball | 24:1 | 38.4 | 7 | .018W* | .011W* @ 500 RPM |
.111W* | 32 | 1.8 |
ECAL65 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
6:1 | 24 | 15 | .057W* | .039W* @ 300 RPM |
.130W* | 50 | 2.3 |
ECAL245 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
24:1 | 96 | 12 | .026W* | .014W* @ 300 RPM |
.130W* | 50 | 2.3 |
ECAM65 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .375 pitch STUB ACME | 6:1 | 16 | 15 | .065W* | .045W* @ 300 RPM |
.151W* | 50 | 2.3 |
ECAM125 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .375 pitch STUB ACME | 12:1 | 32 | 13 | .041W* | .025W* @ 300 RPM |
.151W* | 50 | 2.3 |
ECAM245 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .375 pitch STUB ACME | 24:1 | 64 | 12 | .030W* | .016W* @ 300 RPM |
.151W* | 50 | 2.3 |
ECAH65 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C | 6:1 | 12 | 15 | .073W* | .051W* @ 300 RPM |
.171W* | 50 | 2.3 |
ECAH125 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C | 12:1 | 24 | 13 | .046W* | .029W* @ 300 RPM |
.171W* | 50 | 2.3 |
ECAH245 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .25 pitch .5 lead ACME 2C | 24:1 | 48 | 12 | .033W* | .018W* @ 300 RPM |
.171W* | 50 | 2.3 |
ECBL65 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .474 lead ball | 6:1 | 12.66 | 15 | .032W* | .025W* @ 300 RPM |
.084W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECBL125 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .474 lead ball | 12:1 | 25.33 | 13 | .020W* | .014W* @ 300 RPM |
.084W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECBL245 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | .474 lead ball | 24:1 | 50.66 | 12 | .015W* | .009W* @ 300 RPM |
.084W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECBM65 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.0 lead ball | 6:1 | 6 | 15 | .067W* | .052W* @ 300 RPM |
.177W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECBM125 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.0 lead ball | 12:1 | 12 | 13 | .042W* | .030W* @ 300 RPM |
.177W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECBM245 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.0 lead ball | 24:1 | 24 | 12 | .031W* | .018W* @ 300 RPM |
.177W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECBH65 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.875 lead ball | 6:1 | 3.2 | 15 | .125W* | .098W* @ 300 RPM |
.332W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECBH125 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.875 lead ball | 12:1 | 6.4 | 13 | .079W* | .055W* @ 300 RPM |
.332W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECBH245 | 5 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.875 lead ball | 24:1 | 12.8 | 12 | .057W* | .034W* @ 300 RPM |
.332W* | 65 | 2.3 |
ECAL810 | 10 ton | 2 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
8:1 | 32 | 30 | .052W* | .036W* @ 200 RPM |
.162W* | 64 | 2.8 |
ECAL2410 | 10 ton | 2 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
24:1 | 96 | 25 | .026W* | .016W* @ 200 RPM |
.162W* | 64 | 2.8 |
ECAM810 | 10 ton | 2 | .5 pitch ACME 2C |
8:1 | 16 | 30 | .061W* | .044W* @ 200 RPM |
.195W* | 64 | 2.6 |
ECAM2410 | 10 ton | 2 | .5 pitch ACME 2C |
24:1 | 48 | 25 | .031W* | .019W* @ 200 RPM |
.195W* | 64 | 2.6 |
ECAH810 | 10 ton | 2 | .333 pitch .66 lead ACME 2C | 8:1 | 12 | 30 | .070W* | .051W* @ 200 RPM |
.228W* | 64 | 2.7 |
ECAH2410 | 10 ton | 2 | .333 pitch .66 lead ACME 2C | 24:1 | 36 | 25 | .035W* | .022W* @ 200 RPM |
.228W* | 64 | 2.7 |
ECBL810 | 10 ton | 2 | .474 lead ball | 8:1 | 16.88 | 30 | .023W* | .019W* @ 200 RPM |
.084W* | 81 | 2.3 |
ECBL2410 | 10 ton | 2 | .474 lead ball | 24:1 | 50.66 | 25 | .012W* | .008W* @ 200 RPM |
.084W* | 81 | 2.3 |
ECBM810 | 10 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.0 lead ball | 8:1 | 8 | 30 | .049W* | .040W* @ 200 RPM |
.172W* | 81 | 2.3 |
ECBM2410 | 10 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.0 lead ball | 24:1 | 24 | 25 | .024W* | .017W* @ 200 RPM |
.172W* | 81 | 2.3 |
ECBH810 | 10 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.875 lead ball | 8:1 | 4.27 | 30 | .091W* | .074W* @ 200 RPM |
.332W* | 81 | 2.3 |
ECBH2410 | 10 ton | 1 1/2 | 1.875 lead ball | 24:1 | 12.8 | 25 | .045W* | .031W* @ 200 RPM |
.332W* | 81 | 2.3 |
ECAL820 | 20 ton | 2 1/2 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
8:1 | 32 | 60 | .066W* | .044W* @ 200 RPM |
.194W* | 124 | 4.9 |
ECAL2420 | 20 ton | 2 1/2 | .25 pitch ACME 2C |
24:1 | 96 | 40 | .035W* | .019W* @ 200 RPM |
.194W* | 124 | 4.9 |
ECAM820 | 20 ton | 2 1/2 | .5 pitch ACME 2C |
8:1 | 16 | 60 | .075W* | .052W* @ 200 RPM |
.227W* | 124 | 4.7 |
ECAM2420 | 20 ton | 2 1/2 | .5 pitch ACME 2C |
24:1 | 48 | 40 | .039W* | .022W* @ 200 RPM |
.227W* | 124 | 4.7 |
ECAH820 | 20 ton | 2 1/2 | .375 pitch .75 lead ACME 2C |
8:1 | 10.67 | 60 | .088W* | .062W* @ 200 RPM |
.273W* | 124 | 4.8 |
ECAH2420 | 20 ton | 2 1/2 | .375 pitch .75 lead ACME 2C |
24:1 | 32 | 40 | .046W* | .027W* @ 200 RPM |
.273W* | 124 | 4.8 |
ECBL820 | 20 ton | 2 1/4 | .5 lead ball | 8:1 | 16 | 60 | .026W* | .020W* @ 200 RPM |
.089W* | 164 | 4.5 |
ECBL2420 | 20 ton | 2 1/4 | .5 lead ball | 24:1 | 48 | 40 | .014W* | .009W* @ 200 RPM |
.089W* | 164 | 4.5 |
Important Note: Electric cylinders that are >/= 30% are not self-locking. Brake motors or external locking systems are required.
*W: Load in pounds.
Tare Torque: Initial torque to overcome seal and normal assembly drag. This value must be added to starting torque or operating torque values.
Starting Torque: Torque value required to start moving a given load (dissipates to operating torque values once the load begins moving).
Operating Torque: Torque required to continuously raise a given load at the input RPM listed.
Translating Tube Torque: Torque required to resist tube rotation.
Lead: The distance traveled axially in one rotation of the lifting screw.
Pitch: The distance from a point on a screw thread to a corresponding point on the next thread, measured axially.