Multi-motion Actuators by Rotomation

You’ll find Multi-motion actuators in manufacturing and packaging operations to electronics and pharmaceuticals. These versatile devices provide the precise and controlled movements needed for efficient material handling. This article delves into the capabilities and benefits of these actuators, highlighting their adaptability for diverse applications.

Understanding Multi-Motion Actuators

Multi-motion actuators are engineered to perform both linear and rotary motion, making them perfect for tasks that require lifting, rotating, and placing objects. The term multi-motion actuators reflects their ability to execute two motions controlled simultaneously or independently. This versatility stems from their unique construction, which combines a rotary section with a linear cylinder. This allows for a single actuator to perform pick and place motion for general applications where reliability and durability are important.

Multi-motion actuators are also uniquely capable of providing torque and thrust to the same part at the same time. This can be used for applications where a part must be twisted and pushed at the same time, such as installing a screw-on cap.

Why Choose Multi-motion Actuators?

Pneumatic multi-motion actuators offer several advantages that make them a preferred choice for automation:

• High Speed and Force: Pneumatic systems are known for their rapid response times for applications demanding quick, powerful movements in pick and place operations.
• Simplicity and Reliability: With fewer components than electromechanical counterparts, pneumatic actuators offer increased reliability and reduced maintenance, ensuring consistent pick and place accuracy.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Pneumatic systems generally have a lower initial cost and their robust construction minimizes maintenance, contributing to long haul cost savings for pick and place systems.
• Compact Size: Multi-motion actuators are designed for compact spaces, minimizing the overall footprint of the automation system, a crucial factor in many pick and place applications.

Types of Pneumatic Multi-motion Actuators

Rotomation offers two primary types of pneumatic multi-motion actuators:

• Pick and Place Multi-motion Actuators : These actuators utilize a standard tie rod rotary actuator as their rotary section, known for their  durability and configurability. They are fully rebuildable, making them a sustainable and cost-effective solution for general pick and place applications where reliability is paramount. Dual rack versions of the pick and place actuators provide double the torque and  reduce  backlash at the ends of rotation without increasing the actuator’s footprint. This enhanced performance makes them suitable for demanding pick and place applications that require high precision and repeatability.

Dual rack actuators also open up the possibility of providing multiple rotary positions. Rotomation can produce dual rack multi-motion actuators with two, three, four, or five rotary positions. One use for this feature is in sorting applications; pick parts up from one location, deposit them in any one of multiple bins depending on the status of the part.

• Indexing Multi-Motion Actuators: A truly unique product, Rotomation’s Nitpicker Multi-motion Actuator combines linear motion with indexing rotary motion. You can select index steps between 12 and 360 degrees, with no accumulated error. A single indexing multi-motion actuator can pick up parts from multiple stations in a circular array and deposit them in the next stations simultaneously.

Customization Options for Enhanced Versatility

Rotomation’s multi-motion actuators can be customized with various options to meet specific application requirements. Like all Rotomation Actuators, our Pick and place actuators are fully configurable with options including mag sensors, various strokes, and rotations.  

• Rod Ends: Choose from different rod types to suit the load and environmental conditions of your pick and place tasks.
• Auxiliary Shafts: Add an auxiliary (rotary-only) shaft for signaling  or additional functionality.
• Adjustable Rotation: Fine-tune the rotary motion for precise positioning during pick and place cycles.

Conclusion

Pneumatic multi-motion actuators are a versatile and reliable solution for a wide range of automation tasks. Their ability to provide both linear and rotary motion, combined with their compact size and customization options, makes them an ideal choice for industries seeking to improve efficiency and productivity. Whether you need to move small components in an electronics assembly line or handle larger objects in a packaging facility, multi-motion actuators offer the performance and adaptability you need.

Why Choose Rotomation for Multi-motion Actuators?

At Rotomation, we pride ourselves as a leader in designing pneumatic rotary actuators. We specialize in sectors requiring reliable, low-maintenance components. Rotomation provides highly configurable actuators tailored for custom applications. 

Our commitment to customer service, including tech support and custom designs, gives us an edge in delivering specialized solutions for tough environments. Additionally, our ability to offer multi-motion and indexing actuators sets us apart as a go-to provider for companies needing precision and reliability.

Contact us to learn how our actuator solutions can be specifically designed to minimize downtime and boost your production workflow. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for updates on actuator innovations and see how our team at Rotomation can help you.