Curtiss-Wright Exlar Company Review: Roller-screw electric actuators and integrated servo-actuation systems
Exlar is an electric-actuation brand within Curtiss-Wright’s Actuation Division. Its roller-screw actuator technology and integrated motor or motor-drive packages are relevant to machine builders evaluating controlled linear force as an alternative to hydraulic, pneumatic or other electric mechanisms.
Engineering verdict
Exlar is a meaningful candidate when a machine needs controlled high-force linear motion with an electric drive architecture. The GTX and Tritex TTX families provide different integration levels. Selection depends on the actual force-speed-duty combination and mechanical installation; an integrated motor does not necessarily mean a drive and controller are included.
Company at a glance
Company detail | Verified scope |
Company | Curtiss-Wright Exlar |
Technical focus | Roller-screw electric actuators and integrated servo-actuation systems |
Role | Curtiss-Wright actuation brand and electromechanical actuator manufacturer |
Brand and system boundaries
Curtiss-Wright identifies Exlar within its actuation portfolio. The brand covers multiple actuator families and application arrangements, so corporate breadth should not be treated as one universal specification. Establish which entity supplies and supports the selected actuator in the operating region. Identify whether the delivered scope is actuator mechanics, an integrated motor-actuator or a more complete unit with local servo-drive and control functions.
GTX and Tritex TTX portfolio
ATC entries include GTX integrated roller-screw actuators and Tritex TTX integrated linear actuators. Manufacturer material describes TTX as combining a servo drive/controller, brushless servo motor and inverted roller-screw actuator. The integration level is the important distinction. Do not infer identical power, communication, feedback or environmental conditions across GTX and TTX configurations. Use the exact model and options to define the electrical and mechanical interfaces.
Force, speed and life assessment
A roller screw converts motor rotation into linear movement, with load transmitted through its defined mechanical arrangement. Required force, speed, acceleration and cycle frequency must be assessed together. Peak force is not a continuous-duty rating, and maximum family force and speed may belong to different models. Include expected loading, shock, lubrication and thermal conditions when assessing life. A technology-level life comparison does not guarantee service life in every application.
Mounting and off-axis loads
An actuator force rating does not automatically permit large side loads or an unsupported moving structure. Define the guides, pivots, mounting alignment and process reaction forces. Check compression loading and the installed stroke and geometry where buckling may matter. The real mechanism should carry unintended bending through appropriate supports rather than transmitting it into the actuator. Installation details can dominate reliability even when electrical sizing appears correct.
Control, holding and process validation
Specify how the actuator receives commands and how position, force-related information and fault states reach the machine controller. Available communications and feedback depend on the selected unit. For a vertical or suspended load, define holding and power-loss behavior separately from normal motion control. Pressing or clamping applications need validation at the process interface; motor current alone is not always an adequate calibrated measurement of delivered force.
Alternatives and lifecycle economics
Compare the complete Exlar proposal with a hydraulic cylinder, another screw actuator or a different electric architecture at the same process duty. Include power equipment, plumbing or cabling, controls, maintenance and installation work. Integrated electronics can reduce panel components while creating local thermal and replacement considerations. Request current support, service intervals and spare-unit terms, and preserve the exact configuration and parameter backups for production continuity.
Representative products in the ATC catalogue
These internal catalogue entries show the product families covered on All Things Cobots. Related variants or historical listings are not a count of unique current manufacturer SKUs.
Selection checklist
Decision | Evidence to request |
Integration level | Separate actuator, motor-actuator and drive/controller-inclusive units. |
Load cycle | Check force, speed, stroke, duty and thermal conditions together. |
Mechanical installation | Resolve alignment, guidance, side loads and compression geometry. |
Process acceptance | Validate delivered motion, holding and process-force requirements. |
Frequently asked questions
How is Exlar related to Curtiss-Wright?
Curtiss-Wright presents Exlar as a brand within its Actuation Division. The actual seller and service organization should be identified for the selected product.
What distinguishes TTX from a bare actuator?
The documented Tritex TTX arrangement integrates a servo drive/controller, brushless motor and roller-screw actuator. Confirm the exact variant and included functions.
Does integrated motor mean integrated controller?
Not necessarily. Different families offer different integration levels, so the quotation must explicitly identify the drive, controller and host interface.
Can family maximum force and speed be combined?
Not without a model-specific rating. Evaluate one configuration at the actual force-speed-duty cycle and thermal conditions.
Does the actuator replace external guidance?
Not automatically. Guides and mounting must prevent unintended bending and respect the selected actuator’s permissible mechanical loads.
Can a vertical actuator hold safely after power loss?
That requires a defined holding and fault-response design. Do not assume normal motor torque or screw behavior provides an independent safeguard.
How should actuator life be evaluated?
Use the real load spectrum, cycle frequency, shock, lubrication and environment with the manufacturer’s applicable life methodology.
What belongs in the total-cost comparison?
Include controls, supply hardware, installation, guidance, maintenance, commissioning, replacement access and service support as well as the actuator price.
