Whether for highly dynamic electronic assembly, freely positionable rotary indexing tables for assembly applications or powerful rotary actuators for heavy loads – the world’s most extensive line of mechatronic modules from SCHUNK, with more than 300 standard components, offers the right mechatronic rotary module for every dimension. Particularly for assembly applications in the electronics, consumer goods and pharmaceutical industries, for example, SCHUNK developed the endlessly rotating SCHUNK ERD miniature module, the world's only torque motor with an integrated air feed-through and absolute position measuring system. The module features two integrated air feed-throughs as standard equipment. Available options include four electrical feed-throughs and the SIL2-certified absolute position measuring system.

The SCHUNK ERD, which is available in three sizes with nominal torques of 0.4 Nm, 0.8 Nm and 1.2 Nm, can be used to implement space-saving, high-torque and high-speed assembly systems that also fulfill the stringent requirements of the machine directives. The rotary module is driven by a brushless synchronous motor with permanent excitation. Its special geometry ensures high dynamics and acceleration. Also, due to the optimised air feed-throughs, pneumatic actuators connected to the module can be actuated more quickly. These two combined factors ensure short cycle times and high productivity. The absolute position measuring system eliminates the need for time-consuming reference runs during startup and after an emergency shut-down; also, the repeat accuracy is improved, with a specified value of 0.01 mm. A large number of pairs of poles ensures that the module generates a high rated torque of up to 1.2 Nm even at low speeds. The module can be controlled for example using Bosch-Rexroth IndraDrive CS drive controllers.

The versatile SCHUNK ERS rotary module was developed for rotary motions in the middle load range, which is most in demand. The most compact mechatronic rotary module currently available on the market has a height of only 66 mm in size 170. It achieves a rated torque of 5 Nm and a maximum torque of 17 Nm. This module enables the design of very versatile and compact systems. In assembly applications it can be used either as a rotary module or as a small rotary indexing table. The core component is a hollow shaft torque motor, which makes it possible to build a very lightweight and compact module that operates completely wear-free and therefore extremely efficiently. With its endless rotation at speeds of up to 250 rpm it can approach any intermediate positions at a repeat accuracy of 0.01°. As opposed to rotary modules with a conventional servomotor the ERS has no additional interfering contour. Elasticity from backlash and friction is also eliminated. Instead, the durable module features high acceleration, high turning speed and high precision.

At the upper end of the performance scale SCHUNK offers three compact and intelligent high-performance rotary modules, which are optimally designed for robust use in industrial applications: SCHUNK PR 2, PDU 2 and PSM 2. These modules feature fully integrated electronic control and power components. This eliminates the need for an external controller and minimises the number of cable connections, as well as fault susceptibility. The powerhouses are available in three standard sizes. They are controlled either via Profibus (up to 12 Mbit/s) or CAN-Bus (up to 1 Mbit/s). The modules are equipped with a USB device port for commissioning and parameterization via PC with the SCHUNK Motion Tool. Manual addressing is possible via a convenient rotary code switch.