Scanning for Ideas: Pneumatic actuator handles linear and swiveling motion

Engineers at Festo Corp., Hauppauge, N.Y., combined the company’s standard DNC cylinder with its DSM-B semirotary actuator to create a pneumatic swivel/linear drive unit, the DSL-B. The ready-to-install unit is available in sizes from 16 to 40 mm with strokes up to 200 mm, and both swivel and linear motion can be controlled individually or simultaneously.

The unit’s sturdy ball-bearing guide lets it absorb relatively high levels of torque. The swivel angle can be set anywhere from 0 to 270°. Mechanical gearing between the braking element and swivel module prevents movement of the brake under load. And a recirculating ball-bearing guide contributes to precision, backlash-free swiveling, and helps resist torque loads during linear motion.

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