Pneumatic rotary actuators: what are they? They are key components in industrial automation systems where compressed air energy needs to be converted into controlled angular motion.
How pneumatic rotary actuators work
A pneumatic rotary actuator converts air pressure into torque via various mechanisms: rack and pinion, rotating vanes, or cam and lever systems. These configurations enable typical rotations of 90°, 180° or intermediate angles, with high repeatability.
Advantages of pneumatic rotary actuators
- - High speed and rapid cycles, ideal for high-productivity applications such as transfer lines and automation
- - Precision and repeatability essential for angular positioning operations in industrial systems
- - Compact design and ease of integration
- - Reliability in industrial environments; resistant to dust, vibrations and high cycle counts
Sizing a pneumatic rotary actuator
The correct sizing of pneumatic rotary actuators for industrial automation is essential to ensure performance and durability.
Key parameters to consider:
- - Required torque (Nm) to determine the impact speed with hydraulic decelerators
- - Rotation axis position, to assess imbalances that affect ME
- - Angle of rotation
- - Operating pressure (directly affects the torque delivered)
- - Bearing load capacity
- - Moment of inertia of the load
- - Required cycle time/j
Typical applications
Pneumatic rotary actuators are used in:
- - pick & place systems
- - part orientation in automated lines
- - machine tool automation
- - assembly
- - high-frequency industrial handling in general
OMIL’s offering in this segment: dual-torque solutions for greater translational rigidity, repeatability guaranteed by mechanical stops (without impact issues when switching hydraulic decelerators), variable absorption capacity of industrial decelerators to optimise rotation times, customised 2- and 3-position rotation angles, internal air distributor and customisation for signal couplings.
In brief
Pneumatic rotary actuators represent an efficient and reliable solution for controlling angular movement in automation systems. Correct sizing allows for the optimisation of performance, durability and operational safety. To choose the most suitable actuator, it is essential to carefully analyse the application.