Exlar Curtiss-Wright FTX Series Manual

Curtiss-Wright | FTX Series Rev. C PN71855 5/26/17
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FTX and FTP Series
Installation and Service Manual
Information furnished by Curtiss-Wright, Exlar Corporation, is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Curtiss-Wright for its use. Curtiss-Wright
reserves the right to change the design and operation of the equipment described herein
and any associated motion products that may appear in this document. Information in this
document pertaining to equipment not furnished by Curtiss-Wright should be confirmed by
that equipment manufacturer. Curtiss-Wright assumes no responsibility for changes to
information by other manufacturers or errors in that information or the description of that
information. Information in this document is subject to change without notice.
This document does not contain any export controlled technical data.

Curtiss-Wright | FTX Series Rev. C PN71855 5/26/17
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Warranty and Limitations of Liability................................................ 3
1.2 Safety Considerations ....................................................................4
1.3 FTX Series Linear Actuators Overview .........................................5
1.4 Basic Actuator Construction............................................................5
1.5 Actuator Drive Train Configurations................................................ 7
2.0 Installation
2.1 Mounting Configurations.................................................................9
2.2 Mounting Considerations ................................................................ 9
2.3 Motor Installation........................................................................... 10
2.4 Lubrication .................................................................................... 15
2.5 Anti-Rotate System ...................................................................... 23
3.0 Maintenance & Service
3.1 Seals............................................................................................. 24
3.2 Drive Train ................................................................................... 26
3.3 Belt Tensioning ............................................................................ 27
3.4 Roller Screw.................................................................................. 32
3.5 End of Stroke Cushions ................................................................ 32
3.6 Inspection and Lubrication Procedure........................................... 33
4.0 Optional Equipment
4.1 Mounting Options ......................................................................... 38
4.2 Standard Motor Mounting Configurations ..................................... 38
4.3 Limit Switches .............................................................................. 38
4.4 Rod Ends ..................................................................................... 40
4.5 Motors .......................................................................................... 40
4.6 Electronics ................................................................................... 40
5.0 Specifications
5.1 Life Calculations ........................................................................... 40
5.2 Load, Torque, and Linear Speed Calculations ............................. 40
5.3 Load and Speed Ratings .............................................................. 41
6.0 Troubleshooting
6.1 Mechanical Problems ................................................................... 42
6.2 Electrical Problems ...................................................................... 42
6.3 Returning a Product for Repair ..................................................... 43
7.0 Torque Spec
7.1 FTX095 Torque Specifications ..................................................... 44
7.1 FTX125 Torque Specifications ..................................................... 45
7.2 FTX215 Torque Specifications...................................................... 46
7.3 FTP215 Torque Specifications...................................................... 47
7.4 Motor Fastener Torque Specifications ......................................... 48

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Products are warranted for two years from date of manufacture as determined by the serial number
on the product label. Labels are generated and applied to the product at the time of shipment. The first
and second digits are the year and the third and fourth digits represent the manufacturing week.
Product repairs are warranted for 90 days from the date of the repair. The date of repair is recorded
within Exlar’s database tracked by individual product serial number.
Exlar Corporation warrants its product(s) to the original purchaser and in the case of original
equipment manufacturers, to their original customer to be free from defects in material and
workmanship and to be made only in accordance with Exlar’s standard published catalog specifications
for the product(s) as published at the time of purchase. Warranty or performance to any other
specifications is not covered by this warranty unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Exlar and
documented as part of any and all contracts, including but not limited to purchase orders, sales orders,
order confirmations, purchase contracts and purchase agreements. In no event shall Exlar be liable or
have any responsibility under such warranty if the product(s) has been improperly stored, installed,
used or maintained, or if Buyer has permitted any unauthorized modifications, adjustments and/or
repairs to such product(s). Seller's obligation hereunder is limited solely to repairing or replacing (at its
opinion), at the factory any product(s), or parts thereof, which prove to Seller's satisfaction to be
defective as a result of defective materials, or workmanship and within the period of time, in
accordance with the Seller's stated product warranty (see Terms and Conditions above), provided,
however, that written notice of claimed defects shall have been given to Exlar within thirty (30) days
from the date of any such defect is first discovered. The product(s) claimed to be defective must be
returned to Exlar, transportation prepaid by Buyer, with written specification of the claimed defect.
Evidence acceptable to Exlar must be furnished that the claimed defects were not caused by misuse,
abuse, or neglect by anyone other than Exlar.
Components such as seals, wipers, bearings, brakes, bushings, gears, splines, and roller screw
parts are considered wear parts and must be inspected and serviced on a regular basis. Any damage
caused by failure to properly lubricate Exlar products and/or to replace wear parts at appropriate times,
is not covered by this warranty. Any damage due to excessive loading is not covered by this warranty.
The use of products or components under load such that they reach the end of their expected life is
a normal characteristic of the application of mechanical products. Reaching the end of a product’s
expected life does not indicate any defect in material or workmanship and is not covered by this
warranty.
Costs for shipment of units returned to the factory for warranty repairs are the responsibility of the
owner of the product. Exlar will return ship all warranty repairs or replacements via UPS Ground at no
cost to the customer.
For international customers, Exlar will return ship warranty repairs or replacements via UPS
Expedited Service and cover the associated shipping costs. Any VAT or local country taxes are the
responsibility of the owner of the product.
The foregoing warranty is in lieu of all other warranties (except as Title), whether expressed or
implied, including without limitation, any warranty of merchantability, or of fitness for any particular
purpose, other than as expressly set forth and to the extent specified herein, and is in lieu of all other
obligations or liabilities on the part of Exlar.
Seller's maximum liability with respect to these terms and conditions and any resulting sale, arising
from any cause whatsoever, including without limitation, breach of contract or negligence, shall not
exceed the price specified herein of the product(s) giving rise to the claim, and in no event shall Exlar
be liable under this warranty otherwise for special, incidental or consequential damages, whether
similar or dissimilar, of any nature arising or resulting from the purchase, installation, removal, repair,
operation, use or breakdown of the product(s) or any other cause whatsoever, including negligence.
The foregoing warranty shall also apply to products or parts which have been repaired or replaced
pursuant to such warranty, and within the period of time, in accordance with Seller's stated warranty.
NO PERSON INCLUDING ANY AGENT OR REPRESENTATIVE OF EXLAR IS AUTHORIZED
TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY ON BEHALF OF EXLAR CONCERNING ANY
PRODUCTS MANUFACTURED BY EXLAR, EXCEPT TO REFER PURCHASERS TO THIS
WARRANTY.

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1.2 Safety Considerations
As with any electro-mechanical device, safety should be considered
during installation and operation of your FTX Series actuator. Throughout
this manual you will see paragraphs marked with WARNING or
CAUTION signs as shown below.
CAUTION WARNING
Pay particular attention to these paragraphs. They are intended to
provide you with helpful information to ensure a safe and trouble free
installation and operation.
Care should be taken not to exceed the physical travel
limits of FTX Series actuators. Doing so will cause the
actuator to end-crash internally. End crashes can physically
damage the roller screw and the internal components of the
actuator.
Care should be taken to avoid high speed impact with objects of
high rigidity that immediately stop the travel of the actuator with no
deceleration or energy absorption. An example would be a high
speed impact of two solid steel parts. The resulting impact will
create a very short effective deceleration time. Kinetic energy
contained in the rotating inertia of the actuator and motor can
possibly generate extremely high impact forces that exceed the
mechanical capacities of the actuator and cause physical damage
to the actuator. For applications requiring this type of impact,
contact Exlar application engineering to insure that the actuator is
properly sized or provisions are made to absorb the induced
energy.

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1.3 FTX Series Roller Screw Based Linear
Actuators Overview
Exlar FTX Series actuators utilize a satellite roller screw mechanism
that converts rotary motion to linear motion and is mounted within a
sealed tube assembly. The roller screw follower (nut) is attached to the
moveable output rod, which extends or retracts as the screw shaft is
rotated. The general operating principle is illustrated below.
Figure 1: Actuator Operating Principle
The FTX Series force tube design provides the contamination isolating
advantages of hydraulic cylinders without the limitations of load, life, and
speed which are inherent in ball screw and acme screw actuators. All
rotary to linear conversion components are mounted within a sealed
housing, preventing abrasive particles and other forms of contamination
to enter the actuator’s critical mechanisms. This assures trouble-free
operation in even the most severe environments.
1.4 Basic Actuator Construction
All FTX Series actuators are completely sealed from the outside
environment by the use of O-Rings on both ends of the extruded
aluminum case. The output rod runs through a wiper and seal, which are
captured within a gland insert.
Output Rod
Linear Motion
Screw Shaft
Internal Rollers
Roller Screw Nut
Rotational Motion

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The extruded aluminum case is epoxy coated (powder coated) on all
external surfaces. In cases where a motor is mounted in a parallel
configuration (see section 1.5) the pulley cover is also epoxy coated. All
other aluminum parts (faceplate, end plate, inline adapters etc.) are
anodized. All steel mounting parts (flange plates, trunnion components,
etc.) are finished with QPQ.
In applications where corrosive chemicals are to come in
contact with the actuator, it may be necessary to employ
non-standard coatings or materials. Contact Exlar for more details.
Unless otherwise specified, the output rod on a standard FTX Series
actuator is manufactured from case hardened and chrome plated carbon
steel. The case hardened chrome plated rod provides a very tough and
wear resistant surface for the rod seal to operate against.
If the surface of the output rod gets dinged or severally
scratched, the wiper and or rod seal may be compromised,
causing contamination of the internal components in the
actuator.
The base metal used in the standard output rod does not
resist corrosive environments. Custom materials or plating
may need to be used if the output rod is to come in contact
with a corrosively aggressive environment. Contact Exlar for more
details.
The standard tie rods on all FTX Series actuators are manufactured
out of 17-4 PH stainless steel and are corrosion resistant to most non-
chlorine based chemicals.

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Figure 2: FTX Actuator with Parallel Motor Mount
1.5 Actuator Drive Train Configurations
Exlar offers a base FTX Series actuator model for the greatest
flexibility in application. The base actuator includes: a high performance
satellite roller screw assembly, pre-loaded angular contact bearings, an
epoxy powder coated aluminum housing, stainless steel tie-rods, internal
anti-rotation mechanism, a sealed output rod, and a keyed input shaft
for attachment to a drive system. A typical base FTX Series actuator is
shown below.
Figure 3: Base FTX Actuator

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Exlar also offers an FTX Series actuator, which is the base actuator
along with one of a variety motor mounting configurations, combined in
one product package. Parallel and in-line mounting options are offered
as standard configurations. The parallel motor mounting configuration
utilizes a high performance synchronous belt drive system and the inline
motor mounting configuration uses a zero backlash coupling to transmit
power from the motor to the input shaft of the actuator.
Typically a drive ratio of 1:1 is used, but a 2:1 reduction ratio is also
available as standard on the parallel motor mounting configuration.
FTX series actuators will also mate up with a wide variety of standard
planetary gearboxes to attain higher input torque.
Figure 4: Motor-Mounting Configurations
Parallel Motor Mount
Inline Motor Mount

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2.0 Installation
2.1 Mounting Configurations
The actuators come with a variety of mounting configurations as well.
Refer to the Exlar catalog to review what options are available on the
desired frame size.
2.2 Mounting Considerations
As with any linear actuator product, misalignment of the FTX Series
actuator with respect to the load the actuator is being used to move is of
great concern. Any misalignment will decrease the life of the components
within the actuator and also may create problems within the application
associated with misalignment. Therefore, every effort should be made to
minimize misalignment as much as is possible.
Excessive side load on the output rod of the actuator will
dramatically reduce the life of the actuator and should be
avoided completely.

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2.3 Motor Installation
1. Remove parallel drive cover screws, washers, cover and gasket.
The screws are hand tightened from the factory for shipment.
2. Attach motor or gearbox to motor plate using supplied mounting
screws, washers and gasket.

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3. Attach bushing and pulley to motor or gearbox output shaft and
actuator input shaft. Refer to belt tensioning procedure for the
approximate distance between the pulley and motor plate.
Torque the Taper-Lock screws to specification. The Taper-Lock
bushings can be used with or without a key.
Figure 5: Motor and Pulley with Taper-Lock Bushing

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4. If the parallel drive assembly is supplied with a keyless style
bushing, a key cannot be used. The bushing may have to be
reversed to attain proper pulley distance. In some instances the
bushing and pulley may have to be installed before the motor is
attached to the motor plate to allow clearance for tightening the
bushing. Torque the bushing using the large hex and refer to the
torque specification for bushing torque.
Figure 6: Motor Pulley with keyless Style Bushing

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5. Refer to section 3.3 for belt installation, belt tension and cover
assembly.
6. For inline motor mounting, an elastomer jaw coupling is used.
The coupling must be fitted flush to the end of the motor shaft.
Figure 7: Inline Motor Mounting
Figure 8: Coupling Alignment

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7. Torque coupling mounting screw to specification
Figure 9: Coupling-Mounting Screw
8. Insert motor or gearbox as assembled into inline housing
assembly. This is a blind assembly and may require reposition of
motor coupling to match actuator coupling. Do not force
installation or use motor mount screws to join pieces. If any
resistance is felt, reposition motor coupling to aid alignment.
A light film of oil will aid in the assembly process.
Figure 10: Inline Mount Final Assembly

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2.4 Lubrication
Grease Specification
FTX Series actuators are shipped from the factory fully
lubricated with high temperature grease. Exlar uses Mobilith SHC 220, a
high performance, extreme-pressure grease. The unique physical
properties of the synthetic base oil provide outstanding protection against
wear, rust, corrosion and high or low-temperature degradation. Mobilith
SHC allows for very low starting and running torque values. Its operating
range is -40 degrees C to 177 degrees C
(-40 degrees F to 350 degrees F).
Periodic inspection and renewal of the bearing and roller screw grease
is recommended. Re-greasing and maintenance schedules are largely
based upon customer applications. Contact the factory for general
recommendations on re-greasing schedules.
Follow the procedure in section 3.6 for renewing the lubrication.
Upon initial startup of your FTX Series actuator, cold
grease may cause increased motor torque to operate
actuator. Once grease has warmed up required motor torque should
decrease. Elevated operating temperatures may result in shorter
lubrication renewal periods.
Grease Zerk Access Plug

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Oil Specification
The FTX and FTP Series use Mobil SHC 626 for oil fill. The actuator is
shipped empty and only receives a light oil coating from the factory for
initial test. The actuator must be filled by the customer for their specific
application. The case features integrated sight glasses and sight tubing
to ensure a proper oil fill level depending upon the orientation of the
actuator. Slight foaming of the oil in operation is normal and is a result of
the initial coating of grease from the bearings.
Figure 11a: Horizontal Oil Fill Sight Glasses
Figure 11b: Vertical Oil Fill Sight Tube and Fill Ports
For lubrication of seals see section 3.1.
For inspection and lubrication procedure see section 3.6.

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Horizontal Oil Fill
If the actuator is to be used primarily in the horizontal orientation, the
side sight glass will indicate a proper oil fill level. Either port can be used
to fill the actuator depending upon the final orientation of the actuator.
The correct fill is achieved when the oil level covers the lower sight glass
completely. For reference, this table shows the approximate oil quantity
in correlation with stroke.
**Fill the Actuator with the Main Rod Retracted ONLY**
Approximate Horizontal Oil Fill Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX095-0150 0.36 0.38
FTX095-0300 0.57 0.60
FTX095-0600 1.00 1.05
FTX095-0900 1.42 1.50
FTX095 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm
of Stroke
0.035 0.037
Approximate Horizontal Oil Fill Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX125-0150 0.57 0.60
FTX125-0300 0.87 0.92
FTX125-0600 1.50 1.58
FTX125-0900 2.12 2.24
FTX125 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm
of Stroke
0.052 0.055
Approximate Horizontal Oil Fill Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX/P215-0150 2.63 2.78
FTX/P215-0300 3.69 3.90
FTX/P215-0600 5.81 6.14
FTX/P215-0900 7.93 8.38
FTX/P215 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm
of Stroke
0.177 0.187

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Horizontal Oil Fill
Vertical Oil Fill
If the actuator is to be used primarily in the vertical orientation, the
sight tube running the length of the actuator will be used to measure the
oil fill level. Two magnetic plug ports are provided for fill and drain.
Proper oil quantity will vary with the stroke of the actuator as well as the
motion profile. Correct fill level should be decided by where the most
work is done by the roller screw nut. The nut should be submerged in oil
or allowed to dip back into the standing oil in a cycle. The tables below
are an approximation for half oil fill. This should be used as a starting
point; final level is decided by end user application.

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**Fill the Actuator with the Main Rod Retracted ONLY**
Approximate Rod End Down Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX095-0150 0.25 0.26
FTX095-0300 0.80 0.84
FTX095-0600 1.90 2.00
FTX095-0900 2.99 3.16
FTX095 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm
of Stroke
0.091 0.096
Approximate Rod End Down Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX125-0150 0.57 0.60
FTX125-0300 1.44 1.52
FTX125-0600 3.17 3.35
FTX125-0900 4.90 5.18
FTX125 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm
of Stroke
0.144 0.153
Approximate Rod End Up Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX095-0150 0.12 0.12
FTX095-0300 0.67 0.70
FTX095-0600 1.77 1.86
FTX1095-0900 2.86 3.02
FTX095 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm
of Stroke
0.091 0.096
Approximate Rod End Up Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX125-0150 0.30 0.31
FTX125-0300 1.16 1.23
FTX125-0600 2.90 3.06
FTX125-0900 4.63 4.89
FTX125 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm
of Stroke
0.144 0.153

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Approximate Rod End Down Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX/P215-0150 2.11 2.23
FTX/P215-0300 4.68 4.95
FTX/P215-0600 9.83 10.39
FTX/P215-0900 14.98 15.83
FTX/P215 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm of
Stroke
0.429 0.453
Vertical Oil Fill Ports and Sight Tube
Approximate Rod End Up Level
Actuator
L qt.
FTX/P215-0150 1.75 1.84
FTX/P215-0300 4.32 4.56
FTX/P215-0600 9.47 10.00
FTX/P215-0900 14.62 15.44
FTX/P215 - Oil
Qty. Per 25mm
of Stroke
0.429 0.453
This manual suits for next models
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