Linear axes with toothed belt drive

drylin linear axes with toothed belt drive are suitable for many positioning and adjustment tasks. The lubrication-free drylin W profile guide acts as a linear guide, and a toothed belt acts as a drive. The stroke is individually selectable. Thanks to the lightweight design that uses polymer and aluminium, igus linear axes with toothed belt drive have low inertia, making them highly efficient.

Both in confined spaces and in applications requiring high torque support, the series of linear units with toothed belt drive offers the right solution, both as a single system and in gantry designs. All drylin® toothed belt axes can be ordered configured ready for connection with drylin® e-step and DC motors. On this page you will find various versions of our toothed belt axles. If you can't find the right one, our experts will be happy to advise you.

What you will find on this page:

▶ Our timing belt axles at a glance
▶ Advantages of toothed belt axles
▶ Structure of a toothed belt axis

▶ Free configurator
▶ Application examples with toothed belt axles
▶ Free sample and white paper

Our toothed belt axes at a glance

Here you will find an overview of our product portfolio of linear axes with toothed belts. Whether with reverse, compact or as a modular system - you will find the right linear unit here.

Compact design

Undertakes many positioning tasks
Motor connection possible
Low-profile installation heights

More about compact type

Reverse positioning

Fast right/left adjustment
Compact with a low-profile drylin W double rail
With angle flange

More about the reverse linear axes

Industry-specific range

Industry-specific toothed belt axes from igus

For applications up to -30°C (LT)
For underwater use (UW)
For splash water contact (SW)

More about the industry-specific series

Open modular system

Variable shaft span of 120/160/200mm
Lightweight with aluminium version
Corrosion-free stainless steel version

More about our modular axes

Cantilever axis

Permanently installed drive unit
Max. axial load: 50N
Lightweight

Buy cantilever axis ZAW-1040

Toothed belt axis with motor

Defined stroke lengths (300/500/1000mm)
Maintenance-free operation without external lubrication
Fast assembly

Buy electrical toothed belt axis

Low-profile linear axis ZLN-40

Low-profile design, 27mm height
Vertical load from 30N
With NEMA stepper motors and EC/BLDC direct current motors

Buy flat linear axis ZLN-40

ZLWT tandem toothed belt axis

Compact tandem toothed belt axis with two toothed belts in one unit
Ready for connection with motor and control system
drylin® W exchange bearings

Buy tandem-toothed belt axis

Econ toothed belt axis

Quiet operation and low profile design
Toothed belts with spring pre-load
Torsion-resistant anodised aluminium profile
Loads up to 20N

buy econ toothed belt axis

Advantages of toothed belt axles

If you are looking for an axis for high speeds and dynamic movements, toothed belt axes are often the first choice. Here you can see the advantages of the linear drive with the aid of a toothed belt compared to other systems:

100% lubrication-free

Quiet operation

Slim design

Underwater use

Specifically for continuous operation

Cost-effective

Structure of a toothed belt axis

A toothed belt axis is a versatile system that is used in various applications.Here you will find all the key elements that make up the structure of a toothed belt axis.

Toothed belt axis from igus in cross section

1. End supports with ball bearing
The deflection is a crucial component of the toothed belt axis. It enables the toothed belt to change direction and ensures low-friction movement. Deep groove ball bearings offer low rolling resistance and high load capacity.

2. Lubrication-free linear guide with polymer plain bearings
The linear guide is responsible for the precise guidance of the carriage along the axis. Lubrication-free polymer plain bearings are used here. These bearings are maintenance-free, quiet and resistant to contamination. They ensure low-friction movement and high positioning accuracy.

3. sledge
The carriage is the moving element of the toothed belt axis. It slides along the linear guide and carries the load. Depending on the application, carriages can be selected in different sizes and designs.

4. Polyurethane (PU) or neoprene toothed belt
The toothed belt transmits the movement from the motor to the carriage. Polyurethane (PU) and neoprene toothed belts are particularly suitable materials for this purpose. PU toothed belts offer high tensile strength, low elongation and are resistant to oil and chemicals. Neoprene toothed belts are temperature-resistant and are suitable for applications in the medium temperature range.

5. Aluminium rail
The aluminium rail forms the basic structure of the toothed belt axis. It is based on our proven drylin® W rail linear technology. Thanks to the material, the rail is light, rigid and corrosion-free.

drive technology configurator

Customised toothed belt axes according to your wishes

With the online configurator for drive technology, you can enter your requirements and receive linear drives with spindle, toothed belt or rack and pinion drive, which you can configure according to your needs. Motors, motor controls and other accessories for your linear drives can also be ordered directly.

Quick and easy configuration
Optional accessories
Detailed parts list
Fast delivery*

To the drive technology configurator*You can also find pre-configured linear actuators in our online shop.

Application examples with toothed belt axles

drive technology Remotion application example

Offshore robots - Inspection, cleaning & repair

Remotion is a Norwegian company that manufactures robots for the offshore oil and gas industry. The robots use magnetic technology to perform dangerous operations such as inspections, cleaning and repairs of structures both below and above the waterline. Our lubrication-free bearing, linear and drive technology solutions work perfectly together to provide a lightweight, robust solution for use in splash and underwater environments.

Go to application

3D printer for concrete l Lubrication-free solution for dusty environment

The use of cement creates a high level of dust load in the 3D concrete printer, which the products have to withstand. Furthermore, the longest possible service life and fast maintenance are required. Our bearing solutions and lubrication-free linear drives ensure a long service life despite dirt and contamination.

Go to application

Drive technology in an order picking unit

Electric drive technology in an automated positioning system

Unlike traditional recirculating ball bearing systems, drylin® linear plain bearings operate on sliding elements. This application overview shows you the most diverse areas of application for maintenance-free linear drives from the drylin® product range.

Go to application

More application examples

Here you will find many more application examples from our customers from all industries. Discover the applications in which the linear units from igus® have already been used.

To the application examples

Free sample & white paper

Miniature lead screw sample

Order your free drylin® miniature linear module in a practical glasses case now and see our products for yourself.

Request sample

White paper download

Linear axis with lead screw drive or toothed belt? Find out which drive elements are worthwhile and when.

Download whitepaper

Further information on toothed belt axles

Is there a possibility for easy and quick maintenance?

Replace liner easily and save time
The innovative drylin W WJ200UMA pillow block makes it even easier to replace the plain bearing liner – no major disassembly effort for your linear system with toothed belt drive. With the supplied tool, the plain bearing liner can be replaced within seconds. This saves valuable time and reduces costs!

Direct and clever maintenance on the rail
Wear-resistant sliding element made of iglidur J200

Buy pillow block WJ200UMA

What technical data is there for linear units with toothed belt drive?

Technical data: linear axes with toothed belt drive

Timing belt material?
max. stroke length?
Weight without stroke?
Here you will find answers to important technical questions and an overview of all data

To the technical data

Which motors can I connect to the toothed belt axes?

Automation with stepper motors, direct current motors and EC/BLDC motors
igus offers an extensive range of electric motors for linear axes and general industrial handling. They use hybrid stepper motors or direct-current motors in lead screw, toothed belt, and rack and pinion drives. The electric motors complete the igus automation technology range. Entire handling systems can thus be configured in combination with linear axes with toothed belt drive.

More about electric motors: