Rotary Actuator

MSUB Series Vane Type Pneumatic Rotary Table

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CRB2 Series Pneumatic Vane Rotary Actuator

CRA1 Series Rack & Pinion Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

CRQ2 Series Compact Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

MSQ Series Pneumatic Rotary Actuator

Robust & Precise Rotary Actuators (Swing Cylinders)

Our rotary actuator series converts pneumatic energy into precise rotary or oscillating motion, providing reliable torque output and angle control for your automation systems. Whether for valve actuation, material diverting, or precision positioning, our diverse range of rotary actuators meets your needs.

Core Value of Choosing Rotary Actuators

Precise Angle Control

Offers accurate rotational angle control, with adjustable angles in some models, meeting various positioning and indexing requirements.

Compact Size, High Torque

Optimized design achieves high torque output within a compact size, saving installation space while providing robust power.

Smooth Operation, Long Life

Utilizes high-quality bearings and seals to ensure smooth rotational movement, excellent durability, and extended service life.

Explore Different Types of Rotary Actuators

Rack & Pinion Type Rotary Actuators

Linear motion of the cylinder piston drives a rack, which in turn rotates a pinion to achieve rotary output. Simple structure, capable of providing large torque and rotation angles (typically 90°, 180°, customizable).

Wide torque output range
Adjustable rotation angle (some models)
Dual piston design for higher torque

Vane Type Rotary Actuators

Air pressure drives a vane to rotate within the cylinder body. Very compact structure with no external moving parts. Typically used for smaller torque and specific angle oscillations.

Extremely compact, space-saving design
Smooth, shock-free operation
Swing angles up to 270° (some models)

Our Rotary Actuator Technical Advantages

High-Precision Gearing

For rack & pinion types, we use high-precision gear machining processes to ensure smooth engagement, minimal backlash, and high rotational accuracy.

Quality Bearings & Seals

Utilizing imported or high-quality bearings and wear-resistant seals to guarantee output shaft rigidity, actuator sealing performance, and extended service life.

Angle Adjustment Mechanism

Some models are equipped with convenient and reliable rotation angle adjustment screws or mechanisms, allowing users to precisely set the swing angle within a certain range.

Versatile Mounting Interfaces

Offering various standard mounting holes and output shaft connection methods for easy integration with different equipment and actuators.

Key Parameters for Selecting Rotary Actuators

Rotation Angle

E.g., 0-90°, 0-180°, 0-270°; some models offer adjustable angles.

Output Torque

Maximum torque the output shaft can deliver at a specific air pressure, usually in N·m.

Bore Size / Equivalent Bore

For rack & pinion type, refers to piston bore; vane type has equivalent parameters.

Operating Pressure

Allowable minimum and maximum operating air supply pressure.

Actuation Time/Frequency

Time to complete a specified rotation or maximum allowable operating frequency.

Cushioning Type

Air cushioning, rubber bumpers, or external hydraulic shock absorbers.

Allowable Load

Radial and axial load capacity of the output shaft.

Port Size

E.g., M5, G1/8, G1/4.

For detailed parameters, please refer to individual product manuals or consult our technical experts.

Typical Applications of Rotary Actuators

Valve Actuation & Control

Driving ball valves, butterfly valves, and other rotary valves for opening/closing in fluid control systems.

Material Diverting & Sorting

Changing workpiece orientation, sorting, or achieving 90°/180° flips on automated production lines.

Robotic Joint Actuation

Serving as joint actuators for small robots or manipulators to achieve flexible rotary movements.

Indexing Table & Turntable Positioning

Driving indexing tables or small rotary worktables for precise angular indexing and positioning.

Flap & Gate Control

Used for opening, closing, or adjusting the angle of various flaps, gates, and diverter plates.

Winding & Tension Control

Used in film, paper, and cable winding equipment for tension adjustment or dancer arm control.

Rotary Actuator Installation & Maintenance Tips

Installation Notes:

Ensure the actuator’s mounting base is flat, rigid, and capable of withstanding reaction torques during operation.
Align the output shaft with the driven component’s shaft as accurately as possible to avoid eccentric loads and wear.
Use appropriate coupling methods (e.g., keyway, couplings) to connect the load to the output shaft based on torque and load size.
Connect air tubes correctly, noting inlet/outlet ports, and ensure a clean, dry air supply.
If angle adjustment is available, adjust under no-load or light-load conditions and secure adjustment screws.

Routine Maintenance:

Periodically check the actuator body and mounting bolts for looseness.
Maintain a clean air supply; regularly inspect air treatment units (filter, regulator, lubricator).
Observe for smooth rotation, unusual noises, sticking, or angle deviations.
For rack & pinion types, some models may require periodic inspection and replenishment of grease. Vane types are often internally lubricated.
Avoid operating beyond rated torque, pressure, or temperature ranges.

Proper installation and adequate maintenance are key to the long-term reliable operation of rotary actuators.

Rotary Actuator FAQs

How do I select the right rotary actuator based on required torque?

Output torque is a critical parameter when selecting a rotary actuator. You need to:

Calculate Load Torque: Analyze the load inertia, frictional torque, and other external torques your application needs to overcome.
Determine Operating Pressure: Identify the stable air supply pressure available in your system.
Consult Product Catalogs: Our catalogs typically provide theoretical output torque values or torque curves for different bore sizes/models at various operating pressures.
Consider Safety Factor: Ensure the actuator’s rated output torque is greater than the calculated load torque, incorporating a safety factor (usually 1.5-2 times or higher) to handle dynamic changes and unexpected conditions.

If calculations are complex or you’re unsure, please contact our technical support with your load parameters and operating conditions for assistance.

What are the pros and cons of rack & pinion vs. vane type rotary actuators?

Rack & Pinion Type Rotary Actuators:

Pros: Relatively simple structure, easy to achieve larger rotation angles (e.g., 90°, 180°, even adjustable), wide torque output range, higher torque possible with dual piston designs, good rigidity.
Cons: May be slightly larger volumetrically than vane types, gear-rack engagement can produce some backlash and noise during operation.

Vane Type Rotary Actuators:

Pros: Very compact structure, small external dimensions, no external moving parts, smooth operation, no mechanical shock or noise.
Cons: Typically lower torque output, rotation angle limited by vane and body structure (though some models reach 270°), higher air purity requirements.

The choice depends on the specific application requirements for torque, angle, space, precision, noise, etc.

Can the rotation angle of a rotary actuator be precisely adjusted?

Some models of rotary actuators (especially rack & pinion types) are designed with an angle adjustment feature.

This is usually achieved by setting adjustment screws on the end caps or specific positions of the cylinder. By turning these screws in or out, the effective stroke of the piston is limited, thereby changing the rotation amount of the pinion and allowing adjustment of the output shaft’s rotation angle.
The adjustable range is typically within a few degrees to over ten degrees, depending on the product design.
For vane type rotary actuators, the rotation angle is usually fixed by the internal vane and chamber structure.

If highly precise or widely variable rotation angle control is needed, it might require an external sensor and control system (like a servo motor + gearbox) or a dedicated programmable rotary actuator. Please specify your angle control needs when selecting.

What are the coaxiality requirements when installing a rotary actuator?

Yes, rotary actuators have high coaxiality requirements during installation, especially between their output shaft and the shaft of the driven component.

Adverse Effects: Excessive misalignment can cause the output shaft and its bearings to experience additional radial forces or bending moments, accelerating wear on bearings and seals, generating vibration and noise, reducing transmission efficiency, and even leading to shaft breakage or equipment damage.
Assurance Measures: Use precision measuring tools (like dial indicators, alignment tools) during installation to check and adjust, ensuring coaxiality is within the product’s specified tolerance. Using flexible couplings can compensate for minor misalignments to some extent, but they cannot fully resolve significant coaxiality issues.

Precise installation is a crucial prerequisite for ensuring the performance and lifespan of rotary actuators.

Can rotary actuators be used for high-speed reciprocating oscillation?

Rotary actuators can be used for reciprocating oscillation, but their high-speed performance is limited by several factors:

Inertial Load: The larger the inertia of the driven component, the greater the inertial torque during high-speed oscillation, which challenges the actuator’s starting, stopping, and reversing capabilities.
Cushioning Capacity: Effective cushioning is needed at the end of high-speed swings to absorb energy and prevent strong impacts. The actuator’s built-in cushioning is limited; very high speeds or large inertias may require external shock absorbers.
Control Valve Response: The response speed of the directional control valve driving the rotary actuator directly affects its reciprocating frequency.
Actuator Structure: Vane type rotary actuators, due to their structural characteristics, may offer better high-speed response than some rack & pinion types.
Heat & Wear: High-frequency, high-speed operation accelerates wear and heat generation in moving parts.

For very high-speed reciprocating oscillation applications, a careful evaluation of load characteristics is necessary. Select an appropriate rotary actuator model and control scheme, and consider additional cushioning and heat dissipation measures. Please consult our engineers for professional advice.

Choose the Ideal Rotary Actuator for Your Rotational Applications

With precise angle control, reliable torque output, and diverse structural options, our rotary actuator series provides efficient rotary power for your automation equipment. Explore our products now, or contact our pneumatic expert team for professional selection advice and customized solutions.

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