This SMC single-vane CRB1 pneumatic rotary actuator has a compact anodized aluminum body, basic-style through-hole mounting, and molded rubber bumpers on the vane to cushion impact and absorb kinetic energy. Air enters the rotary actuator’s cylindrical chamber through side air ports to push the vane in arcs to rotate the vane shaft and connected components until the vane contacts a stopper to reverse rotation. The single-vane design eliminates backlash (the momentary pause in motion before reversing direction) found with other styles of actuators. The rotary actuator’s anodized aluminum body resists corrosion and tarnishing, and its single vane and attached vane shaft are made of carbon steel for strength and durability. Roller bearings on the actuator help carry thrust and radial loads. This series of single-vane rotary actuators is available with vane rotational angles ranging from 90 to 280 degrees. The vane has rubber cushioning molded on it to soften impact with stoppers and absorb kinetic energy.
Nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) seals contain air and protect the actuator’s chamber, single vane, and shaft. The seals enable this actuator series to operate at pressure levels as low as 22 pounds per square inch (psi); this model has a maximum pressure of 145 psi and a temperature range of 41 to 140 degrees F. The pneumatic actuator has four through holes for basic-style mounting of the body directly to flat surfaces and other system components (hardware sold separately). This rotary actuator can be used for mixing slurries and other substances when the shaft is connected to a mixing paddle, or for repositioning pieces in conveyance, among other applications.
Pneumatic actuators fall into two classes: linear and rotary. Rotary actuators turn objects, or rotate them in varying directions, while linear actuators move objects in straight lines. Rotary actuators use pressurized air to produce continuous torque in both rotational directions and commonly have either a rack-and-pinion or vane design. Vane actuators are more compact and provide no backlash whereas rack-and-pinion actuators offer more torque and rotation. Rack-and-pinion rotary actuators come with single or double racks. Air enters through a port to push the piston linearly, which causes the connected rack's gear teeth to engage with the teeth of the circular pinion and rotate the pinion shaft up to 360 degrees. Vane rotary actuators come in single-vane type, which have up to a 280-degree rotational angle, or in double-vane type, which only have up to a 100-degree rotational angle, but offer twice as much torque. Air enters the cylindrical chamber through one port and pushes a vane in an arc to rotate the attached center shaft until the vane reaches the stopper, whereupon rotation is reversed. Both pneumatic rotary actuator types can come with cushioning for quieter operation, and several mounting styles are available for attaching to other pneumatic system components and installing on rigid surfaces. Rotary air actuators are used in industrialized automation and control tasks in automotive, packing, and robotics applications, among others.
SMC Corporation manufactures actuators, valves, airline equipment, connector fittings, electrical products, vacuum products, dryers, temperature control chillers, and accessories. SMC Corporation of America is headquartered in Noblesville, IN, and meets International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9000:2000 standards.
