What are the capabilities of rotary joints for air?
Rotary unions for air-based applications are mechanical components that make it possible to transfer compressed air or other gases from a stationary to a rotating unit. These are often used in machines where rotating parts need to be supplied with compressed air, e.g. in machine tools, conveyor systems, clamping cylinders or pressure rollers.
Use of Air as a Medium in Rotary Joints
Areas of applicationNote: The applications listed are only an excerpt and are for illustrative purposes. Due to the large number of possible areas of application, not all use cases can be shown here.
In mechanical engineering
CNC Machines: Supply of pneumatic clamping systems that secure workpieces during machining. Machining Centers: Control of tool changes or rotating grippers
Packaging Industry
Rotary conveyors: Feeding rotating components in packaging lines, such as bottle filling lines. Labeling machines: Operating rotating modules that use compressed air and vacuum for grippers or suction cups.
Automotive industry
Assembly robots: Supplying end effectors (e.g., grippers or screwdrivers) on rotating robot arms with compressed air. Tire mounting machines: Inspecting clamps or rotating holders.
Printing Industry
Printing presses: Delivery of compressed air or vacuum to rotating cylinders to hold, move, or stabilize sheets of paper.
Material Handling
Turntables and Carousel Systems: Supplying compressed air and/or vacuum to pneumatic actuators in rotating conveyor systems.
Energy Technology
Wind turbines: Use in systems that employ air to control blade pitch (pitch control).
Food industry
Rotary Filling Systems: Used in bottle filling lines where pneumatic components operate within rotating modules.
Advantages of rotating unions for use with air
Reliability and durability
Robust materials and precise construction ensure long-lasting operation, even under demanding conditions (high speeds, pressures or temperatures).
Flexibility in the application
Suitable for different speeds and pressure ranges. Can be adapted to the specific requirements of machines, e.g. number of air ducts (paths) or medium.
Low maintenance
High-quality rotating unions require minimal maintenance thanks to low-wear bearings and durable seals.
Space-saving design
Compact designs facilitate integration into machines with limited installation space. (can also be adapted to customer requirements)
Safe and clean
Compressed air is an environmentally friendly and safe medium compared to oil or water-based alternatives. This is particularly important in hygiene-critical sectors such as the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Versatility
Can be adapted for various applications, from simple compressed air supply to the control of complex pneumatic systems.
Adaptability for multi-channel systems
Rotating unions can be designed in such a way that several air flows (or media flows both liquid and gaseous) can be operated in parallel in different ducts (e.g. for control air and drive air).
Cost efficiency
Reduced energy loss and low maintenance costs lead to long-term cost savings.
Our rotating unions for the medium air
SeriesFour standard types—choose the right design for your application:
Frequently asked questions about rotating unions
Answers to frequently asked questions about our rotary unions.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us. You'll receive direct support from our engineering department.
Wofür werden Drehdurchführungen für Druckluft eingesetzt?
Sie übertragen Druckluft oder andere Gase von einer stationären zu einer rotierenden Einheit – zum Beispiel für pneumatische Spannsysteme in CNC-Maschinen, rotierende Elemente in Verpackungslinien, Greifer an rotierenden Roboterarmen oder die Blattverstellung (Pitch-Control) in Windkraftanlagen.
Können mehrere Luftströme parallel übertragen werden?
Ja. Drehdurchführungen können als Multikanalsysteme konstruiert werden, die mehrere Luft- oder Medienströme – flüssig wie gasförmig – parallel in getrennten Kanälen führen.
Welche Vorteile bietet Druckluft als Medium?
Druckluft ist ein sauberes, sicheres und umweltfreundliches Medium im Vergleich zu öl- oder wasserbasierten Alternativen – besonders wichtig in hygienekritischen Branchen wie der Lebensmittel- oder Pharmaindustrie.
Wie hoch ist der Wartungsaufwand bei Druckluft-Drehdurchführungen?
Hochwertige Drehdurchführungen benötigen dank verschleißarmer Lager und langlebiger Dichtungen nur minimalen Wartungsaufwand.
