--- title: Actuators url: "https://zimm.com/actuators/" datePublished: "2023-08-07T21:24:02+00:00" dateModified: "2026-10-08T08:58:28+00:00" author: ZIMM GmbH lang: en canonical: "https://zimm.com/actuators/" markdown: "https://zimm.com/ai/page/actuators.md" image: "https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/header-image-actuators.jpg" --- YOUR REQUIREMENTS – OUR SOLUTIONS # ZIMM actuators | Lifting forces from 25 to 200 kN for lifting, positioning and adjusting **Movement tasks:**Lifting · Lowering · Positioning · Adjusting · Supporting · Levelling · Erecting**Product group:**Electromechanical actuators · Electric cylinders**Lifting force ranges:**25 to 200 kN per actuator | ZA-Series, ZA-I-Series – 25 · 50 · 100 · 200 kN**Sizes:**4**Screw versions:**Trapezoidal screw drive · Ball screw drive**Areas of use:**Machinery and plant engineering · Automation · Cable, wire and tube industry · Automated guided vehicles · Steel hydraulic engineering · Ropeway systems · Wind energy · Maritime logistics · Stage technology · Inclined lifts · Aerospace · Urban security and protection technology · Timber industry · Architecture · Intralogistics · Rail technology · Defence**Quality management**:ISO 9001:2015 · Open to further standards, assessed project-specifically ZIMM actuators are self-contained linear drive axes with an internal screw. They lift, lower, position and adjust components or loads reproducibly – as a single drive axis or as several separately controlled axes. With ZA and ZA-I, ZIMM offers two actuator series for different drive concepts and installation situations: in the ZA the drive is arranged at a right angle, in the ZA-I coaxially. Both series are available in 4 sizes with lifting forces from 25 to 200 kN per actuator. Which product group, series, size and screw version is suitable results from the specific movement task and the conditions at the installation site. ZIMM assesses the movement task and installation conditions and provides support with selection and design. Within the ZIMM modular system, screw jacks and electromechanical actuators can be combined with matching screws, motors, connecting shafts, couplings and add-on parts to form complete lifting systems. The supporting structure, guidance, locking and the higher-level safety concept are defined within the respective overall system. ZIMM GmbH develops and manufactures screw jacks, bevel gearboxes, electromechanical actuators and matching add-on parts for industrial lifting, positioning and drive tasks at Millenniumpark 3, 6890 Lustenau, Austria. Spindle with trapezoidal or ball threadHigh performance gearingStandardised flanges and matching partsCorrosion protection ex worksIntegrated sliding swivel bearingsSealed gearLubrication without downtimesReady for all installation positions ### ZA-Series | Actuator The ZA series actuators from ZIMM are electromechanical linear drives for lifting, lowering, locking, tilting, positioning and adjusting loads. The motor is flange-mounted at the side; the ZA series operates without hydraulic fluid and is more energy-efficient and requires less maintenance than hydraulic solutions. Available in four sizes from 25 to 200 kN, optionally with trapezoidal screw drive or ball screw drive. The spindle located inside the housing and the sealed gear protect against dirt, dust and water; high IP protection classes are possible. Matching flanges, rod ends, bearings and limit switches come from the ZIMM modular system. ### ZA-Series | Actuator The ZA series actuators from ZIMM are electromechanical linear drives for lifting, lowering, locking, tilting, positioning and adjusting loads. The motor is flange-mounted at the side; the ZA series operates without hydraulic fluid and is more energy-efficient and requires less maintenance than hydraulic solutions. Available in four sizes from 25 to 200 kN, optionally with trapezoidal screw drive or ball screw drive. The spindle located inside the housing and the sealed gear protect against dirt, dust and water; high IP protection classes are possible. Matching flanges, rod ends, bearings and limit switches come from the ZIMM modular system. Spindle with trapezoidal or ball threadStandardised flanges and matching partsCorrosion protection ex worksIntegrated sliding swivel bearingsSealed gearLubrication without downtimesFlexible drive configuration ### ZA-I-Series | Actuator The ZA-I series actuators from ZIMM are coaxial electromechanical linear drives for locking, positioning and adjustment movements. Motor, gearbox and spindle are arranged on a common axis. This coaxial design keeps the drive slim and allows installation even where space is limited. Available in four sizes from 25 to 200 kN, optionally with single-stage or two-stage planetary gearbox or as direct drive, matched to the duty cycle and system design. The spindle located inside the housing is protected against dirt, dust and water. Matching flanges, rod ends, bearings and limit switches come from the ZIMM modular system. ## Electromechanics vs. Hydraulics In many applications, electromechanical actuators are an alternative to hydraulic solutions when accuracy, economy and controlled movement are the main focus: | Criterion | ZIMM Electromechanics | Hydraulics | | --- | --- | --- | | Energy Efficiency | High – energy only on demand | Continuously running pump | | Positioning Accuracy | Micron-precise, repeatable | Leakage affects precision | | Maintenance Effort | Minimal, no fluid management | High – oil, filters, seals | | Environmental Compatibility | No leakage damage, leak-free | Risk of oil contamination | | Installation Effort | Compact, easy integration | Complex piping & seals | | Operational Reliability | No fire hazard from oil | Fire hazard in case of leaks | | Synchronization | Multiple axes precisely synchronizable | Complex, vulnerable to pressure drops | | Operating Noise | Quiet, no hydraulic pump | Loud due to pump aggregates | | Controllability / Digitalization | Simple PLC integration, Industry 4.0 | More complex, analog character | | Cleanliness / Hygiene | Ideal for cleanrooms & food industry | Oil residues are problematic | ## Possible combinations | ZIMM modular system The ZIMM modular system connects electromechanical actuators with matching accessories for mechanical integration. Standardised interfaces, flanges and accessories make adaptation to different installation situations and system concepts easier. ![](https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/zimm-modular-system-actuators-za_lp.png) ![](https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/zimm-modular-system-actuators-za-i_lp.png) ## Areas of use and applications ZIMM electromechanical actuators are used for precise lifting, lowering, positioning and adjustment of components or loads. They are suitable for applications where repeatable linear movement, robust mechanics and controlled integration into machines or systems are required. https://youtu.be/2nBx1zSoXF8?si=zTvF0KuDRujvrFYd https://youtu.be/rQ5uu3-A5XM?si=t6MfNlMnXKJxlCFY https://youtu.be/nYSZh6gvBiQ?si=KcStccoDegbyrzU7 ## Frequently asked questions about ZIMM actuators An electromechanical actuator is a self-contained linear drive axis with an internal screw. The input torque is transmitted to the screw. The screw extends out of the housing or retracts into it and thereby generates the linear lifting or positioning movement. The gear ratio and the screw lead turn a high input speed into a slow movement with a high lifting or positioning force. The stroke per input shaft revolution depends on the gear ratio and the screw drive. ZA and ZA-I differ in the arrangement of the drive and in the version of the gearbox. In the ZA series, the drive is arranged at a right angle, i.e. laterally to the lifting axis. A worm drive inside the gear housing transmits the torque to the screw; the worm shaft is made of steel, case-hardened and ground. The speed variants N (normal) and L (low speed) are available, with gear ratios matched to the respective size. The gearbox is lubricated with synthetic fluid grease. In the ZA-I series, the actuator and the drive unit are arranged coaxially on a common axis. There are three drive variants: the direct drive DA with a gear ratio of 1:1, the single-stage planetary gear P1 with a gear ratio of 6:1 and the two-stage planetary gear P2 with a gear ratio of 36:1. In the ZA-I , the gearbox is lubricated with synthetic gear oil and the thrust bearing with synthetic fluid grease. Both series have in common that they are available in sizes 25, 50, 100 and 200 kN, each with a trapezoidal or ball screw drive, and that both are integrated into the ZIMM modular system. The ZA actuator is connected to the design at two connection points: at the gear housing and at the screw end. It is designed for the full static nominal load in compression and tension, whereby the permissible load depends on the type of fastening. For a pivoting connection, swivel bushes are integrated into the gear housing as standard. They can be loaded in compression as well as in tension with the full nominal load and are located on the front and rear face at 25 kN and on the sides at 50, 100 and 200 kN. With fixed fastening, the full nominal load is also permissible in compression and in tension. In tension, the load acts on the fastening screws in the through holes of the housing (screws 8.8). Prepared holes support various types of installation, and installation upside down is possible with the full nominal load. Matched mounting, fastening and accessory solutions from the ZIMM modular system enable integration into different system concepts. Trapezoidal screw drives are economical, insensitive to shock loading and, depending on screw lead, friction, lubrication and version, can be statically self-locking. Their lower efficiency limits lifting speed and permissible duty cycle. Ball screw drives achieve a considerably higher efficiency and are therefore suitable for higher speeds, longer duty cycles and higher cycle numbers. They are not self-locking and, where loads have to be held, require a brake or an equivalent holding element. Where lifting tasks are safety-relevant, the possible self-locking of a trapezoidal screw drive does not replace the required holding, locking and safety concept of the overall system. The duty cycle (ED) describes the ratio of movement time to total cycle time and is stated as a percentage. At a duty cycle of 20 %, the actuator moves for 12 minutes within one hour and is at rest for 48 minutes. The duty cycle largely determines the heat generated in the screw drive. Alongside lifting force and stroke, it is the most important variable for selecting the size. The permissible duty cycle depends on the magnitude of the load, the lifting speed and the chosen screw drive (trapezoidal or ball screw drive). High loads and high speeds mean more friction and therefore more heating. With a high duty cycle combined with a long stroke, a size that initially appeared suitable must be reassessed. An ambient temperature of 20 °C to 25 °C is regarded as standard. Ambient temperatures below 10 °C and above 40 °C require particular attention; deviations from the standard range must be stated with the enquiry and the order, as they affect the design and the operating behaviour. In operation the components heat up to differing degrees – the screw can reach a considerably higher temperature than the gear housing. Degree of protection, corrosion protection, lubricant and sealing version are defined according to the actual operating and ambient conditions; separate versions are available for clean room, food industry and corrosion protection applications. The following information in particular is required for the technical design: - movement task - required lifting or positioning force - stroke and lifting speed - duty cycle, movement and pause time as well as number of cycles per hour - series (ZA or ZA-I), for the ZA-I the drive variant (DA, P1 or P2) - number of drive points - installation situation and ambient conditions including ambient temperature In addition, information on the required repeat accuracy, load distribution, control system, sensors and safety requirements is needed. A drawing or sketch of the installation situation supports the technical assessment. ![](https://zimm.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/industry-expertise.png) ## Our actuator range Depending on the area of use and application, 4 sizes with a lifting force of 25kN to 200kN are available. ## Submit your enquiry for your lifting or positioning task Are you planning a lifting, positioning, adjusting or supporting task with limited installation space and need a quotation or technical support for ZIMM actuators? Describe your application and attach a drawing, sketch or task description together with the intended installation situation. Our application engineers will support you in selecting the series, size, screw version and connection as well as the matching motor, connection and mounting technology from the ZIMM modular system, including project-specific special applications.