Articulating Pneumatic Joint

Hi there....

Thanks for the link! That was similar to what I had in mind. I could probably get some samples to see how to simply the design and also meet other requirements such as material (Prefer. copper, I need the joint to also conduct electricity across) So I need to evaluate the sample and see if there is a good conductive path in this design.

Thanks much...

Other readers pls forward any other alternatives, if any, to meet the requirements.

-Ashok

There is also https://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91086 (same company has a much cheaper one, also, but the picture doesn't show the joint). There are a lot of these rotating pneumatic joint reels out there. Companies that specialize in manufacturing the reels have some that carry air, water, welding gases (twin hoses), electricity . . . and some carry more than one on a single reel!

Wow!

Those are cool! The only concern I have is the life. The cycles these need to survive are pretty high in my industry. I still don't have the actual number of cycles for spec, but would be interesting to know what is the rating on these cool things.

Thanks much again....

-Ashok

If 1/4 copper tubing is what you are working with. The make a strain relief adaptor for hand held pneumatic tools. It allows the hose to pivot on the tool to reduce bending strain where coupled major cause of hose failure in production where pneumatic tools are used.

I've used Deublin rotary unions and found them very reliable. They tend to be a little stiff and the company can help you mess with the seals to get that about like you need. The problem you will likely find is that you can't get good electrical contact while having good seals. You may need to go to a simple slip-ring for that.

The problem you will likely find is that you can't get good electrical contact while having good seals.

That was my thought as well. If the application truly requires only 90 degree back and forth and not full 360 rotation, a bonding strap may be the solution.

Yes, I missed that. A good stranded strap should do nicely.

WWW.LEGRIS.COM This company is only one of many that are now available that rely on a wedged o ring to provide a seal on tubing. This design allows the tubing to be able to rotate while under pressure. Nylon is the common tubing used with them. But If your OD is the same as sae, or metric nylon tubing, you should find many useful items available. If the rotation speed,or the number of cycles is high, you may need to plan on some type of lubrication for it. If you need additional manufactures reply again, and I will search some catalogs at work. Good luck.

Depending on your available space you can look at rotary unions. There are several brands such as Deublin, Talco, Dynamic Sealing. If you don't have much space and your velocity is relatively low, you could potentially use any number of small rotary unions from SMC.

FMC has a swivel joint they call the Chicksan Swivel Joint. This comes in various materials and for various pressures. I have used them many times for air service. I am not sure if they have a ¼" joint, but they do have 3/4" for sure. Try the link below for more info. This will bring you to another site with a link to a PDF catalog you can look at. Good luck,

www.arm-tex.com/swivel_joints_chicksan.htm

Try FESTO PNEUMATICS in your city.

You could also use flexible stainless steel lines with AN fittings as well, instead of your hardlines or the flex lines mentioned above by CSM. S.S. lines will be more durable and can be used in a harsh environment as well depending on your application.

I would suggest contacting Triad Technologies or any Parker Fluid Power Representative with this type of question. They have a great outside sales force which can come to your location and look to see exactly what you need and make some suggestions.

Triad Technologies

614-274-6736

http://www.metalwork.it/eng/raccordifunzione.html

ramaraj@mpowerautomation.in