Rollon presents an updated and comprehensive range of linear motion products

Rollon by Timken

Rollon is a global manufacturer specialising in the design, development and manufacture of linear guides and telescopic slides, linear actuators and axis modules for applications ranging from machine tools and automotive to industrial machinery, medical and aerospace.

Over the last three years, Rollon's key figures have grown by 70%, with offices in ten countries, 600 employees and an annual turnover of around €150 million in 2023. 

The Rollon Group is headquartered in Italy, with subsidiaries in Germany, USA, France, India, China and Japan.

Rollon's history began in 1975 with the invention of the first linear guide, which marked the company's entry into the linear motion market. Today, Rollon is a trendsetter in linear motion technology.

Rollon was one of the first to develop niche markets for linear technology, such as railways, aerospace and medical. The company developed a specific product range for the aerospace industry. Today, Rollon offers a wide range of individually optimised telescopic linear guides for aircraft interiors. These products feature lightweight construction and increased mechanical rigidity, and Rollon linear guides have been tested to withstand alternating accelerations of up to 12g. 

These are critical parameters for the most demanding applications. The company applies a similar approach and the latest technology to other industries. Using its expertise and experience, the company designs and manufactures the most advanced and future-proof components and systems for specific applications.

Rollon's success is undoubtedly due to the excellent mechanics of its products. In particular, hardened raceways and heavy duty telescopic slides are what the company is proud of today. The company's portfolio of solutions enables it to efficiently solve almost any linear motion task. The company's specialists can accurately predict the required product life and offer several solution options from which the customer can choose the most suitable option in terms of automation and cost.

Over the last ten years, Rollon has acquired five linear technology manufacturers in Germany and Italy (El.More, Tecno Centre, Hegra, TMT, TRace), providing the company with new products and markets. The Rollon Group's acquisitions have always been aimed at broadening the range of products offered and, thanks to the new opportunities, it has become active in offering its solutions for industrial automation, packaging of finished products and assembly of various machines.

In October 2015, Rollon announced the completion of the acquisition of Hegra, a German company specialising in the manufacture of telescopic and linear guides. Hegra's products strengthened the company's position in the telescopic linear guides segment, with extra-long extensions with a stroke of up to 200% of the folded length, as well as aluminium and stainless steel versions.

Based in Limburg, near Düsseldorf, Germany, Hegra is recognised as a niche market leader for its ability to provide customised solutions to customers worldwide. The acquisition is designed to strengthen Rollon's range of linear motion solutions, adding additional products to the current range and increasing Rollon's presence in the medium and heavy duty guide market. 

The acquisition of Hegra will enable Rollon to offer not only slides with new profiles and materials, but also fully customised and high performance solutions, thus moving towards a more sophisticated offering that can meet customer needs. The transaction is in line with Rollon's clear growth strategy, which is based on acquiring manufacturing companies with which it can integrate perfectly at a commercial level and with which it performs complementary functions at an industrial level. The acquisition also facilitates Rollon's entry into new markets and expands Rollon's offering in the German, European and US markets.

In December 2016, Rollon announced the completion of the acquisition of TMT, an Italian company with offices in Milan and a factory in Castel San Giovanni (Piacenza). TMT manufactures linear slides and systems. 

Rollon's solution portfolio has been enriched with successful solutions such as TMT's Speedy Rail product line. The Speedy Rail range is a range of aluminium alloy guideways that are highly wear resistant and capable of operating in extremely adverse conditions. With these self-supporting aluminium alloy rails, the company aims to strengthen its position in the general engineering sector and in applications such as packaging machinery, automotive, glass and ceramics, metallurgy and metalworking.

TRace was famous for its MonoRace roller guide system and Tecno Center for its gantry systems with dimensions of up to 40 metres and a unique rigid mechanical connection between the axis modules. 

Universal solutions for virtually any linear movement

If you look at the financial reports of the companies, Rollon is a medium-sized company, but if you look at its product lines, it is one of the world leaders in linear technology. The first thing to note is that the company has become a supplier of universal solutions for almost any linear motion. The Rollon Group has ambitious goals and objectives, both financial and technological. For example, about 8 years ago, the company created the Actuator System Line product group, which focuses on complex solutions. The result was the unique Seventh Axis solution for moving a heavy anthropomorphic robot. The Seventh Axis product group is a solution for moving heavy robots with theoretically unlimited stroke lengths. Thanks to the clear presentation of the robot range, you can quickly find the right linear axis for your application.

The Rollon Group has been working with Klueber on lubricants for many years and the relationship has proved so fruitful that Rollon continues to work with Klueber and other lubricant manufacturers. Lubrication is an essential part of any solution, ensuring that the guides operate at both extremely low and high temperatures from -50⁰C to +300⁰C. Some applications also require food grade grease, which must be completely safe for human consumption, odourless and tasteless.

One of today's global trends is the growing popularity of linear axis solutions, and specialists in mechanical linear motion systems are seeing increased demand worldwide for industrial mechatronic modules with sensors and motors. The manufacturing and engineering industries, not only in Europe but also worldwide, are also developing intensively, which is a very pleasing trend. The economic statistics of many countries in the world show an increase in the number of requests for the automation of technological lines, for the solution of tasks related to the calculation of two- and three-axis coordinate systems. 

Today, Rollon's specialists focus on almost all segments of European industry, and Rollon concentrates on its greatest strengths, offering linear technology for manufacturers of industrial machinery and medical equipment, specialised machinery, as well as solutions for production automation with complete selection and calculation of systems by its own specialists.

Rollon's product range 

Rollon is a unique supplier of the most comprehensive range of linear motion products. In recent years, the Rollon Group has developed a highly efficient new product development process, resulting in highly sophisticated solutions for industrial automation and embedded mechanical systems. Rollon is constantly expanding its product range to include new, highly engineered products that are both high performance and versatile - suitable for use in a wide range of industries, be it white goods, automotive, aerospace or mechanical engineering.

Rollon's manufacturing programme consists of four main product categories: 

The Linear Line

- is Rollon's range of specialised slides for linear motion. The product range includes linear ball bearing caged and recirculating ball bearing slides with various profiles and carriage types. Rollon's linear ball bearing and roller bearing straight and curved slides with hardened raceways, high load capacity, self-levelling and dirty environments are used in a wide range of industrial applications including railways, aerospace, medical, logistics, special vehicles and industrial machinery. 

The majority of Rollon's linear guidance systems are designed according to one basic principle: a C-shaped rail with internal raceways on which different carriages run, depending on the application. This principle is very important because it gives Rollon linear guidance systems an advantage over other linear guidance systems due to the well-protected inner raceways and the very compact design.

The Telescopic Line

 - includes Rollon full and partial extension telescopic slides. Telescopic Line slides have hardened tracks and rails with different profiles and central components to meet a variety of load capacity, rigidity and smooth running requirements, even when fully extended. Telescopic slides also have excellent self-levelling properties. They are suitable for opening industrial boxes and compartments, sliding safety doors and seats used in the transport industry, to name but a few. They are used in a wide range of industries including rail, aerospace, medical, logistics, special vehicles, industrial machinery, construction and the most demanding domestic and industrial environments.

The Actuator Line - 

is a family of compact and robust actuator modules designed for linear motion applications. Rollon's extruded aluminium linear units are available in a variety of designs and configurations with belt, rack and pinion and ball screw drives. The functions, high performance, load capacity and precision of the Actuator Line linear units allow Rollon actuators to be used in a wide range of automation applications, particularly in industrial machinery: assembly and packaging, production lines and assembly operations. 

The Actuator System Line -

is an evolution of the Rollon Actuator Line family of linear modules, offering high functionality and superior performance, suitable for a wide range of applications in both industrial automation and mechanical engineering. For example, to create solutions for handling and stacking objects in packaging lines, automating process line processing equipment, and assembling and installation processes in a wide range of industries including automotive, semiconductor, packaging and food processing.

Rollon's quality policy

Rollon's customers can count on a high quality, reliable and durable product. Rollon's success is based on at least two factors: on the one hand, its ability to develop increasingly specific and diversified applications for each market, up to and including tailor-made products, in some cases in collaboration with the customer; and on the other hand, its worldwide network of technical support centres. Any manufacturer or exporter of Rollon products can benefit from specialised support from the company's team of engineers. They can also locate Rollon products in their own country, avoiding long waiting times, and receive technical assistance when needed, providing truly comprehensive technical support, as is the case in Europe. 

Rollon's entire manufacturing process is constantly being improved to ensure high quality at every stage, from design to finished product. The quality of Rollon products is reflected in their reliability, ensuring high levels of end user satisfaction. With a wealth of technical expertise based on research and innovation, Rollon is the most effective partner for improving the productivity of industrial plants.

The company's product quality standards are very high. The company's product quality management system has been certified to DIN ISO 9001 since 1995. The company's environmental management system is also certified to DIN ISO 14001. The company's energy management system complies with DIN ISO 45001.

Rollon precision mechanics for all sectors

Today, Rollon's specialists have virtually all the skills needed for a specific industry. Each Rollon product is designed to meet the specific requirements of the end application. Lightness, load capacity, self-centering, corrosion resistance, speed and accuracy: each industry has its own specific requirements, which are carefully analysed by Rollon's R&D department to provide tailor-made solutions.

Specialised solutions for industrial machinery

Efficiency in any production process is a key concept for industrial machinery used in manufacturing processes. Workstations, cutting machines, colouring machines, wood or marble processing machines have to work properly for long periods of time, often with high cycle rates and under difficult conditions. They deal with liquids, dust, process chips, contaminants and corrosives. 

For cost-effective and functional linear process systems, Rollon offers complete modular systems including a variety of telescopic slides, linear guides, linear axes, linear systems and accessories. The company's specialists can modify all components to suit individual requirements or develop completely new customised solutions.

Specialised solutions for internal logistics

When it comes to optimising warehouse processes, even a second can make a difference. Rollon specialises in improving the efficiency of warehouse automation by developing industry-specific mechanical systems combined with customised components. With a wide range of products and industry expertise, Rollon offers customised solutions that provide reliability and speed while optimising space utilisation. This combination is the key to efficient warehouse automation.

Special solutions for the railway industry

In the rail industry, transport efficiency and passenger safety are paramount. Every part of the rolling stock (be it train, metro or tram) must be designed for maximum reliability, taking into account various factors such as harsh environments, corrosive chemicals, constant vibration and daily wear and tear. 

Rollon's offering is designed to meet the stringent requirements of rolling stock manufacturers. The company develops robust components that meet performance and maintenance specifications, ensuring long life, low maintenance and high reliability.

Specialist solutions for packaging applications

In the packaging industry, efficiency is measured in terms of productivity, reliability, performance and safety. Rollon ensures stable and efficient material flow, offering cost-effective solutions, modular automation systems and customised implementations. Rollon's linear components are suitable for all applications requiring dynamic processes, long travel times or rapid handling of heavy loads. 

Rollon's simple, fast and cost-effective gantry systems and Cartesian gripping and handling systems enable precise positioning of large forces and moments. Even in abrasive dust and continuous operation, linear systems have a long service life.

Specialised solutions for the aerospace industry

The aerospace industry is constantly demanding the latest technologies, services, materials and specialised solutions. Aircraft interiors must combine light weight, high load capacity, small size, robustness and ease of installation with high performance, good ergonomics and long life. 

Reducing the weight of aircraft components means reducing fuel costs. Installing a maintenance-free product means less aircraft downtime for maintenance. Aerospace component manufacturers must therefore focus on strength, high load capacity, compact size and, above all, weight. 

Rollon has worked for many years with leading manufacturers of aircraft cabin interiors to develop bespoke special projects, giving it extensive expertise in this area. The company also supplies components to manufacturers of specialist vehicles and airport equipment.

Dedicated solutions for electronics applications

Speed, accuracy, reliability and process continuity are key requirements in the electronics and semiconductor industries. Rollon meets all these requirements with a wide range of linear guides and actuators that help companies optimise processes from the delicate wafer material preparation stage through to test machine automation, assembly and packaging. Rollon products are the ideal solution for any application in the electronics industry.

Specialist solutions for building and interiors

Sometimes architects and interior designers need to take their projects to the next level. To achieve this, functionality, aesthetics and reliability must go hand in hand. Rollon's linear and telescopic slides are designed to provide maximum freedom and productivity when designing retail stores, luxury brand boutiques, yachts, hotels, museums and theatres. 

Rollon linear and telescopic slides can also be used in a variety of applications in the construction industry. Their high performance makes them ideal for moving very heavy loads or ensuring precise handling in harsh environments. Rollon linear and telescopic slides are used in a wide range of interior and construction applications.

The uniqueness of Rollon's products and the company's ability to offer bespoke solutions make its products ideal for technically challenging or ambitious projects.

Dedicated solutions for the machine tool industry

The machine tool industry is a key element of modern manufacturing, producing countless products across a wide range of industries. At the heart of every machine tool are complex mechanisms that perform a variety of functions, operations and motions. Linear motion products serve as fundamental components to ensure that all operations are smooth and accurate. Rollon's linear motion solutions guarantee high accuracy, minimising backlash and ensuring constant motion control; high rigidity and stability to withstand variable loads and continuous operation even under highly dynamic conditions. 

In its wide range of reliable and customisable solutions, Rollon supplies linear guides based on bearings, rollers and rotary ball elements, telescopic guides, linear actuators, ball screws and pivots. Whatever the number of axes, Rollon's specialists have the expertise and experience to meet the demand for versatile linear solutions that can combine different machine configurations and operational requirements.

Special solutions for special vehicles

Many applications in commercial vehicles would not be possible without linear technology, whether it is adjusting seats in excavators and road rollers, facilitating the movement of stretchers and trolleys in ambulances or providing firefighters with quick access to their equipment. 

When developing customised solutions for highly specialised vehicles, all mechanical components must be carefully selected. This includes moving parts such as telescopic slides and linear rails. For example, highly dirt-resistant linear guides are used in construction machines for seat adjustment, sliding doors or movable control panels. The extremely robust telescopic guides ensure smooth operation even under maximum load. 

Rollon linear technology is characterised by high load capacity, precision and durability. Even in harsh environments, the compact handling systems work reliably and accurately, ensuring mobility in the tightest of spaces.

Dedicated solutions for medical applications

In an industry inextricably linked to healthcare, the technology used must be capable of high performance and ensure the safety of patients and medical staff. Depending on the operating conditions, linear systems must be able to adapt to specific requirements and operate under strictly controlled conditions. This is where Rollon solutions can play a vital role. Rollon has developed a range of products that provide accurate and stable linear motion and contribute to a safe healthcare environment. Rollon solutions can withstand heavy loads while maintaining compact dimensions for use in confined spaces.

In recent years, the production of packaging machinery has developed rapidly in many economies and Rollon already has some very interesting solutions in this sector. A very interesting new direction for Rollon is the automation of the packaging of bulk materials, in particular cement. The operation of this equipment generates a large number of small solid particles and dust. This is a difficult working environment for the guides, as the abrasive particles cause rapid wear. Rollon offers interesting technical solutions, such as the ELM series of linear modules. Compressed air is injected into the linear module housing, creating an overpressure that prevents the ingress of particles and therefore wear on the module components. 

As mentioned above, Rollon is a medium-sized company, which allows it to respond flexibly to customer requirements and offer non-standard and customised solutions in the shortest possible time. When it comes to one-off and small batch production, the company has no minimum order concept. This is exactly what many manufacturers of non-standard equipment require. The company has about a third of such solutions, which is a very high indicator of the company's customer focus.

The German division of Rollon GmbH was originally set up as a regional sales office, but now also deals with customer-specific projects and conceptual developments. Over time, this division has developed into an engineering company that provides solutions for many other regions.

Significant events in the growth and expansion of Rollon

Timken entered the linear motion market in 2018 with the acquisition of Rollon, a European leader in the design and manufacture of specialised linear motion products, including linear guides, telescopic rails and linear actuators and systems used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. 

It was a very opportune time for Timken to make a bold move into robotics and automation, and the Rollon Group was a perfect fit. Headquartered in Italy, with major operations in Germany, the US and China, the company has a 49-year history of unrivalled engineering expertise and custom linear motion solutions. Since 2010, Rollon has rapidly expanded its global operations. 

At that time, Rollon was already unique in the field of linear motion. Its solutions were unrivalled both technically and in terms of value proposition. This model fit perfectly with Timken's strategy to become a global solutions provider and technical expert in power transmission.

In August 2021, Timken, a global industrial leader in bearings and power transmission products, acquired iMS (Intelligent Machine Solutions), a manufacturer of industrial robotics and automation solutions. The addition of iMS expands and complements Rollon by Timken's linear motion product line with larger, heavier-duty solutions such as seventh-axis robotic transport units (RTUs) and gantry systems. 

Founded in 2008, iMS is based in Norton Shores, Michigan, USA. The company designs and manufactures floor-mounted, pendant, rotary and extreme seven-axis RTUs and gantry systems used by manufacturers in a variety of industries to automate specific manufacturing processes. iMS has strengthened Rollon's leadership in robotics and automation and in new and growing end-market sectors such as packaging and marine, as well as aerospace and automotive manufacturing facilities. In addition, the acquisition of iMS has strengthened Rollon's operational presence in the US. 

The acquisition of the Italian manufacturer TeleRace adds to the Rollon Group's portfolio, particularly in the area of roller systems, including telescopic systems with assembly error compensation.

Rollon and Nadella: Together for growth

The acquisition of Nadella, Durbal, Shuton-Ipiranga, Chiavette Unificate and Rosa Sistemi in 2023 represents a significant addition to Rollon's product portfolio. Rollon has thus taken the next step in extending its product range to cover a wide range of applications. The company is clearly aiming for further growth and continues to focus on tailor-made solutions. 

Both Rollon and Nadella specialise in the development and production of linear motion technology. The companies provide customised solutions for a wide range of applications and hold leading positions in many niche markets. Their product ranges, services and applications are 85% complementary, making them a perfect fit. However, the overlap between their product specifications and markets is more limited. 

Nadella is a fast-growing company with 450 employees in Europe, Asia and North America. Its commitment to solving very complex, highly specialised problems and working closely with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in their design processes has resulted in an impressive list of world-leading industrial innovations.

Nadella

- is strong in rolled ball screws and linear guides used in machine tools and in linear guides for packaging. Rollon is strong in linear motion actuators, system solutions and telescopic slides for rail transportation, factory automation, aerospace and logistics. 

Nadella also designs and manufactures drive mechanisms not traditionally offered by Timken and Rollon, such as high-precision ball screws. These high-performance mechanical devices convert rotary motion into linear motion in applications such as CNC and computer-controlled machine tools and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. Many Rollon customers use ball screws as the drive system for their linear actuators, and the company is now a single source for customers worldwide.

In addition to linear guides, Nadella's product range includes ball screws, spherical lugs and spherical plain bearings. The company focuses on the engineering, machine tool and packaging industries, as well as robotics and automation. The Nadella, Durbal, Chiavette Unificate, Shuton and Ipiranga Group brings together several innovative and traditional brands under one roof. These will be retained in the future.

Nadella's expertise in heavy duty linear motion systems is a valuable addition to Rollon's linear motion products. With over 90 years of experience in a variety of industries, Nadella is well established in solving a wide range of engineering challenges. Its commitment to customisation, engineering services and valuable technical support through its in-house Technology Centre will undoubtedly play a key role in the Rollon by Timken financial and technology system.

Durbal and Chiavette Unificate

- each with more than 70 years of experience, are Rollon by Timken experts in the design and manufacture of rod ends and spherical plain bearings. They serve global industries such as industrial machinery and packaging with a diverse product portfolio.

Shuton-Ipiranga

- has more than 50 years of specialisation and valuable experience in high performance ball screws. Its technological heritage in industries such as machine tools and industrial automation, combined with its customer-focused approach, research and innovation, promises an exciting future in applications requiring precise positioning, high loads and superior linear motion.

Rosa Sistemi

- with more than four decades of experience, Rosa Sistemi specialises in the design and manufacture of prismatic linear rails, rollers and custom linear motion systems, providing advanced solutions for industries such as machine tools, aerospace and medical. 

Over the past five years, Nadella has strategically strengthened its manufacturing leadership, engineering capabilities and geographic footprint, making it an excellent candidate to join Rollon as part of Timken's larger Industrial Motion Group. Nadella's strategic focus on organic and inorganic growth made it a much more attractive acquisition for Rollon and Timken. 

Rollon's expanded product portfolio now includes linear guides, curved and telescopic guides, linear actuators, multi-axis systems, robotic gearboxes and circular systems; ball screws, spherical plain bearings, slewing bearings and needle roller bearings.

The combined linear motion product portfolio and market presence of Timken, Rollon and Nadella is now unrivalled. The companies are part of the global sales and distribution network of a giant like Timken, with access to customers in every corner of the world. 

A journalist covering the company once wrote that Rollon products can now be found in the windows of the Louvre in France, in the San Paolo metro in Brazil and in the seats of Boeing 787 Dreamliners around the world. Today, Rollon specialists can recall a number of interesting and highly demanding projects in many industries that have passed through their hands. These include packaging and feeding uranium fuel for nuclear reactors, automating the labelling of large diameter pipes and moving the roof of a telescope. All of these applications demonstrate the success of many of the world's knowledge-intensive solution providers, and Rollon is now well placed to offer worthy products and systems in these sectors.