Stepping Actuators

Rotary Actuators with Incremental One-way Motion

Need incremental rotation without hard stops? Stepping actuators offer a unique solution. They deliver unidirectional rotation in discrete steps, similar to indexing actuators, but without the defined stopping positions. These actuators also incorporate a built-in mechanism to prevent back rotation. A stepping actuator is a rotary actuator with uni-directional clutches ensuring motion only occurs in the desired direction. Unlike our indexing actuators, they do not have a ratchet and pawl mechanism to prevent accumulated error, so they are not suitable for precise indexing applications unless an external indexing mechanism is employed. The load will coast to a stop. For loads with high friction and low inertia and speed, the error will be small.

Stepping actuators excel in applications such as incremental conveyors, feeders, or crowders. Unlike indexing actuators, they can be equipped with adjustable rotation and can be configured to produce multiple, different rotations under program control. Unlike other solutions that have add-on clutch housings, Rotomation stepping actuators integrate the clutch-bearing assembly directly into the design. This provides robust support for your load and enhances overall performance without increasing the envelope. Our actuators feature durable, black-anodized aluminum bodies, precision-ground carbon steel shafts, smooth-operating ball bearings, and corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware.

Customizable Options for Every Need

We understand that every application is different. That’s why we offer a wide range of customization options for our stepping actuators, including:

• Various shaft types to match your specific requirements
• Two rotation directions for design flexibility
• Bumpers for impact absorption
• Integrated flow controls or cushions for smooth operation
• Magnetic switches for reliable actuator state feedback
• High-temperature and/or oil-service seals for challenging environments
• Mount plates for easy installation
• Various port locations for convenient connection

Single Rack Stepping Actuators: Reliable and Rebuildable

Our single rack stepping actuators utilize tie rod construction for maximum configurability and durability. They are fully rebuildable, ensuring a long service life. These actuators are ideal for general applications where reliability and durability are paramount. Rotary actuators with uni-directional clutches are unique products that deliver consistent and reliable rotation in one direction.

Dual Rack Stepping Actuators: Double the Torque Need more power?

Our dual rack stepping actuators offer the same features and benefits as our single rack counterparts, but with double the torque output for any given input pressure. This increased power comes without increasing the actuators’ footprint, making them a space-saving solution for demanding applications. Integrating one of our dual rack rotary actuators with a uni-directional clutch in one of our wide range of sizes may be the perfect fit for your application. Contact us for more information on dual rack actuators.

Rotomation in Action: A Custom Bottling Solution

A custom packaging machinery builder recently approached us with a challenging project: designing a machine to fill and cap bottles of a leading toilet bowl cleaner. They needed a tailored solution and chose Rotomation for our expertise in custom pneumatic rotary actuators. Their specific challenge involved filling bottles with uniquely shaped necks, complicated further by the highly caustic cleaning material. We worked closely with customers to understand their precise needs. We then designed and built a custom rotary actuator with an integrated gripper unit, constructed entirely from 316 stainless steel for maximum corrosion resistance. This innovative solution grips the bottles, rotates them to the precise filling angle, and then rotates back to release them. This project demonstrates Rotomation’s ability to create tailored solutions for complex challenges. Get the full case study here!

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