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Pneumatic Rotary Cylinder

Pneumatic rotary cylinder

Pneumatic rotary cylinder, also called pneumatic rotary actuator. It is an actuator of a device that converts energy into mechanical motion,which uses compressed air to push the rack and pinion inside, thereby turning linear motion into rotary motion.

Rotary pneumatic actuators are generally designed for use in many motion control systems to operate, for example, pick and place handlers or grippers, or to remotely control valves.

What is Pneumatic Rotary Cylinder?


Pneumatic rotary cylinder is a special type of pneumatic actuator. The kind of actuator equipment that uses compressed air to actuate load rotational motion instead of linear. 


The rotary cylinder actuator has a compact structure that saves space, consisting of components such as the cylinder body, rotary shaft, piston, seals, air inlet and outlet ports, bearings, and fixed mounting brackets.


Pneumatic rotary cylinders provide efficient motion conversion and can achieve reciprocating rotation at specific angles. This adjustable rotational output makes them widely used in automated system industries, such as material flipping, mechanical grippers, sorting arms, and rotary tables.


rotary actuator


Core Features of Pneumatic rotary cylinder


Pneumatic cylinder with rotational actuator has many features compared to ordinary pneumatic cylinders. Let's discuss the main features.


Angle Adjustable: One of the most critical features is that the rotational angle of the rotary actuator is adjustable to meet multi-angle output.


Built-in Magnetic Ring: Another key feature is the installation of a magnetic ring on the piston or shaft of the cylinder actuator, which allows the magnetic sensor to detect the current position and rotating angle.


Design Feature: The design is engineered for efficiency and easy of use, ensuring optimal performance and straightforward installation.


Aluminum Alloy Construction: The material of air rotary cylinder actuator is durable aluminum alloy, which makes rotating cylinder is resistant to corrosion, able to operate in both high and low temperature environments, and provides strong resistance to moisture and water ingress.


Large Output Force: Rotary actuator has a large rotating shaft which provides an effective working area, utilize lever mechanisms and rack-and-pinion designs, and are made of sturdy materials, enabling them to achieve high output force.



Rotary actuator can be fully integrated with external accessories, including mounting brackets, limiters, sensors, and other components, in order to meet specific requirements for installation, control, and functional implementation of this kind pneumatic actuator.


These features enable the rotary cylinder actuator to offer high precision, strong adaptability, durability, and powerful performance, meeting the reliability and efficiency requirements of modern automation equipment.




Functions of Pneumatic Rotary Cylinder


Rotary Motion:Rotary cylinder actuating rotary motion with adjustable rotation angles.A single-acting rotary cylinder can rotate 90°, while a double-acting one can be adjusted within 0°–180°.


Precise Positioning and Rotation:Capable of achieving precise angular positioning or repeated rotation in mechanical applications, such as robotic arm joints, fixture rotation, and valve actuation.


Alternative to Electric or Hydraulic Rotary Devices:The pneumatic rotaty cylinder is an Ideal for applications that require fast response, simple structure, and lower cost—serving as an efficient alternative to electric or hydraulic rotary actuators.


High Reliability and Durability:Provides consistent and stable rotating output even under harsh operating conditions.



Advantages Of Pneumatic rotary cylinder


As a special type of pneumatic cylinder that actuate rotational motion, the rotating pneumatic cylinder features a compact structural design as one of its key highlights. In addition, rotary cylinders offer several other advantages.


Simple Structure, Low Cost:Compared to electric servo motors or hydraulic systems, rotary air cylinders have a simpler structure, lower cost, and are easier to maintain.


Fast Response:Pneumatic systems respond quickly, making them ideal for automation scenarios requiring high-speed switching and rapid rotation.


Stable Torque Output:They can deliver a relatively high torque in a short time, meeting the needs of many light- to medium-load rotational applications.


Flexible Control:Precise control can be achieved through pneumatic valves or solenoid valves, and they can also be integrated with sensors for position feedback control.


Multiple Rotation Angles Available:


Fixed angles (90° / 180° / 270°)

Adjustable angles (e.g., 0°–190°)

Continuous rotation (in certain special models)


Compact Size, High Adaptability:Compact design makes them suitable for space-constrained environments and easy to integrate into various automation systems.



Pneumatic rotary cylinder working principle


The mechanism of pneumatic rotating actuator is to operate by using air pressure to move a piston or diaphragm within one or more air chambers, creating rotational motion.  In some designs, the rotary cylinder actuator initially generates linear motion, which is then converted internally into rotary motion.  This conversion typically occurs through mechanisms such as pivot arms or bearings.  The actuator's air pressure-driven motion is highly efficient, providing substantial force relative to its compact size.  


Air actuator cylinders are self-contained systems, meaning their internal components are protected from contaminants and harsh environments, resulting in reduced wear and longer service life.  

They are commonly used to drive rotary valves, but their design can also simplify systems that require torque generation, making them a reliable and low-maintenance solution for various industrial applications.



Pneumatic Rotary cylinder Applications


This kind pneumatic cylinder is widely used in industrial applications that require precise rotational angle and positioning, such as automation systems, fixture mechanisms, valve control, and workpiece flipping.

Industrial Automation: 

Used for rotating valves, gates, and dampers in manufacturing and processing systems.

Material Handling: 

Employed in automated systems for rotating or positioning components, such as conveyors and robotic arms.

Clamping and Locking Systems: 

Used in clamping devices for secure positioning in assembly and machining processes.

Packaging Machinery: 

Applied in the rotation of bottles, lids, labels, and other packaging tasks. 



Types of Pneumatic rotary cylinder


Common pneumatic rotary cylinders have  MSQCRQ2CRA1 series. According to the buffer type, it can be divided into adjustment screw fixed buffer and hydraulic buffer. The maximum buffer energy of hydraulic buffer is 3 to 5 times that of the adjustable screw fixed buffer, and the buffer effect is much better than adjustable screw buffer.

According to the rotating angle, it can be divided into 180 degree rotary actuator and 90 degree rotary actuator.



Cautions


 When use rotary cylinder in low temperature environments, you need to take antifreeze measures.


 Before using rotational actuators, please remove the debris inside.


 If a actuator is not used for a long time, it is necessary to pay attention to the anti-rust care of the surface, and apply anti-rust oil to the moving parts. Dust plugs should be added to the air inlet and outlet.



Parameter

The following influencing factors need to be considered when you using the rotary actuator:


 Working pressure: 0.10~0.70MPa

 Proof pressure: 1.50MPa

 Ambient temperature: 0~60℃

 Structure: Pinion and rack

 Applicable fluid medium: Filtered compressed air

 Rotating angle range: 0~190°

 Cushion types: Fixed screw cushion and Hydraulic buffer



Fokca(Fescolo)Pneumatic Rotary Cylinder


Fescolo supply pneumatic rotary cylinder types are with pinion and rack structure, actuating smoothly, and the interior is a double-cylinder structure, which can achieve double the output force. A rotary cylinder has high machining accuracy, convenient load installation and accurate positioning. There are installation holes in the middle of the worktable, which is convenient for installation and use.


For more air cylinder information, please feel free to Contact with us.


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