Also for underwater

Thomson, a brand of Regal Rexnord Corporation and a leading manufacturer of mechanical linear motion solutions, introduces a new version of its electro-hydraulic H-Track actuator. It has been further enhanced to make it even more resilient in harsh and humid environments.

It features 316 stainless steel components for improved corrosion resistance and a hermetically sealed motor housing that enables underwater operation, expanding the H-Track's application range to include equipment in the marine, agricultural, industrial, and mobile equipment segments. Likewise, a revised design and an optimized online selection tool improve both product availability and the actuator's integration options.

"In the industries we serve, the load capacity of the equipment is maximized, often in environments where moisture, salt, and dirt are unavoidable," explains Anders Karlsson, Senior Product Manager, Linear Actuators, Regal Rexnord's Linear Motion division. "The H-Track is a long-standing, proven solution for demanding applications. With our latest development, we're not just entering the marine sector, but setting new standards for durability in all harsh operating scenarios."

Designed to withstand harsh environments

The Thomson H-Track's highly robust, self-contained hydraulic system has always delivered hydraulic power without the need for hoses, external pumps, or regular maintenance. The latest improvements make the actuator even more reliable in applications where conventional models can lose performance over time. The latest enhancements include:

Corrosion-resistant construction – All exposed fasteners, adapters, and the piston rod are now constructed from 316 stainless steel, a material widely used in marine applications due to its high resistance to rust and oxidation. Unlike coated steel, which loses its durability over time due to scratched or worn coatings, this grade of stainless steel offers lasting durability in saltwater, high humidity, and generally highly corrosive conditions.
Certified for long-term durability – The H-Track has successfully completed a 2,000-hour salt spray test, significantly exceeding current industry standards.
IP68 dynamic protection rating for underwater operation – A newly encapsulated motor housing enables the H-Track to operate underwater, expanding its application range to include marine automation, offshore installations, and other submerged equipment.

Smarter design, shorter delivery times

Thomson has optimized the stroke length and load capacity configuration, making the H-Track even easier to specify and faster to deliver. While the design has been optimized for manufacturing, it is still fully customizable to specific application requirements.

The H-Track thus remains a powerful alternative to conventional hydraulic systems, integrating the pump, motor, and cylinder into a single maintenance-free unit. Its compact design eliminates the need for external hoses and reservoirs, resulting in high power density and shock load resistance, while significantly simplifying installation.

"Our focus wasn't solely on shipbuilding applications; we wanted to develop a more robust and durable actuator for all harsh operating environments," Karlsson continues. "With this upgrade, customers across all industry segments will benefit from increased reliability, reduced downtime, and a streamlined ordering process, ensuring straightforward integration into their systems."