Pneumatic Rotary Actuators
Rotary Actuators come in two types: Rack and Pinion and Vane style. Rack and Pinion rotary actuators are designed to turn heavy loads and provide high torque output. Vane style rotary actuators are ideal for applications that require less than one revolution. They can mount right at the equipment joint without taking up space with long stroke lengths, which would be required to do the same job with a linear cylinder. SMC's pneumatic rotary actuator units can achieve arc lengths of 90°, 180°, 190°, or even 270°, depending on the configuration. They are sought after in factory automation, automotive manufacturing, packaging, food and beverage, chemical processing, and wastewater management.
Rack and Pinion
Rack and pinion type rotary actuators convert the linear motion of compressed air into controlled, rotational motion. A linear bar is attached to a pneumatic piston, and as the piston moves, its teeth mesh with a circular gear, forcing the central shaft to rotate. The gear-driven design resists air pressure fluctuations, allowing for smooth, repeatable angular alignment without external mechanical links. They allow engineers to achieve exact rotational movements efficiently, stripping away the need for complex cam systems or secondary gearboxes in robotic joints, material handling mechanisms, and automated flow lines. They are designed for maximum torque in small housings, using a rail mount that makes it possible to add and adjust switches efficiently.
Vane Type Rotary Actuator
SMC's vane type rotary actuator generates rotational motion from compressed air without relying on internal gears or pistons. The vane type rotary actuators eliminate potential backlash. Vane actuators are smaller and lighter than rack and pinion models which makes them ideal for EOA tooling on robots or tightly packed automation cells. They operate smoothly even at very low speeds or pressures, and can be fine-timed to the stopping of the rotation angle without needing to modify the surrounding machinery. They are chosen for applications requiring lighter loads, rapid cycle times, and confined spaces, such as electronics manufacturing, semiconductor handling, and small parts assembly.
Combination Rotary Actuators
Combination rotary actuators integrate linear and rotary motion into one device using a single output shaft, and can be configured to execute the motions sequentially or simultaneously. By combining two actuators into one housing, engineers can design smaller and lighter robotic arms, pick-and-place heads, or assembly stations. The air ports and auto-switch mounting grooves are strategically placed to allow for clean, centralized piping and wiring, which prevents cable tangling during operation and simplifies installation.