S35 Roller Blind Tube: When Can It Be Motorised?

Acmeda S35 is an older compact roller blind tube that can still be motorised in the right application. The key phrase is 'in the right application': S35 is a small tube platform, so blind width, fabric load and tube condition matter more than they do with a newer S45 system.

How to identify an S35 tube

S35 variants are around 33–34mm outside diameter and have a recognisable Acmeda internal profile. Because several small tubes sit in this size range, do not decide from diameter alone. Remove the idler and compare the internal shape with a confirmed S35 profile.

Can S35 be motorised?

Yes. Suitable small S35 blinds can use compatible rechargeable tubular motors with the correct S35 crown and drive. The current confirmed motor choices are deliberately limited because the tube platform itself sets physical and structural constraints.

See the current S35 compatible motor options rather than assuming any small-diameter motor will suit the tube.

Why blind width matters on S35

For existing S35 blinds, we treat very small blinds differently from wide ones. As a practical retrofit rule, S35 is generally considered for blinds around 1.2 metres wide or less. Beyond that, upgrading to a stiffer modern tube such as S40 or S45 is usually the more reliable approach.

Why not just fit a stronger motor?

A stronger motor increases rotational force. It does not increase the rigidity of the aluminium tube. On a narrow S35 blind, that may not be a problem. On a wider blind, the tube itself can become the limiting part of the system, which is why a tube upgrade can produce a better long-term result than simply increasing torque.

Can you keep the fabric if S35 needs replacing?

Usually, yes. If the existing fabric is in good condition, it can often be transferred to a new motor-ready tube. This lets you modernise the mechanical system without paying to replace fabric you are already happy with.

Start by confirming the profile on our tube identification page. If it is S35, the blind width and condition will tell you whether to retrofit directly or move to a newer tube platform.