Rotary unions and hybrid joints
QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint
A rotary union that passes air, gases or fluids through rotating interfaces, optionally combined with electrical circuits in one unit. Size, ports and channel count are customised to the machine.
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Need Motion Control Products parts, a replacement or another suitable option? Send your part number or describe what the machine needs to do. We connect your requirement with experienced UK engineering and procurement support to help you get the right products, pricing and supply options. Your matched provider can take the enquiry through quotation and ordering to delivery and after-sales support.
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Configure QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint
Select the products and performance you need. Our UK engineering team can use your specification to help source the right components, pricing and supply options. See your summary before adding contact details.
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What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Circuits (max) | 24 |
|---|---|
| Current per circuit (max) | 10 A |
| Voltage (max) | 240 V |
| Speed (max) | 100 rpm |
| Ingress protection | IP51 (option) |
| Temperature | -20–60 °C |
| Pressure (max) | 1 MPa |
| Channels (max) | 20 |
| Vacuum | -100 |
| Tube | 4–12 |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Options
- custom connector size
- custom installation size
- 1-20 fluid/air channels
- G1/8" ports
- gap, mechanical or seal-part sealing
Typical applications
What a rotary unions and hybrid joint is
A rotary union, also called a rotary joint or swivel, transfers fluids such as compressed air, vacuum, hydraulic oil, water or coolant from a fixed supply into a rotating shaft or table. A rotating shaft runs inside a stationary housing, and each fluid passage is isolated by seals between grooves, so several media can pass through one unit. Many designs combine with an electrical slip ring into one assembly, providing both fluid and electrical paths through continuous rotation.
When engineers choose a rotary unions and hybrid joint
Choose a rotary union when pneumatic grippers, vacuum cups, hydraulic clamps or cooling circuits sit on a rotating part. The alternative of hoses limits rotation to a few turns. The trade-offs are seal friction, leakage and wear: seal choice sets pressure, speed and media compatibility, and dry running damages some seals. Mixing vacuum and pressure in one unit needs suitable seals. Combining the union with a slip ring saves space but makes the assembly larger and more application-specific.
How to specify the QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint variant:
- Number of passages and the medium in each
- Pressure and vacuum levels (bar)
- Flow rate or port size (l/min, mm or BSP)
- Fluid temperature (°C) and compatibility
- Speed (rpm)
- Permitted leakage and drain or vent provision
- Electrical circuits if combined with a slip ring
Common mistakes to avoid
- Running a union designed for lubricated media on dry air or without flow
- Not providing a leak drain between media and the electrical section of a combined unit
- Applying side load from rigid pipework instead of using flexible hoses and a torque arm
- Ignoring pressure spikes from valve switching when choosing seals
QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint?
A rotary union that passes air, gases or fluids through rotating interfaces, optionally combined with electrical circuits in one unit. Size, ports and channel count are customised to the machine. Published series figures include circuits 24, current per circuit 10 A, voltage 240 V, speed 100 rpm. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint?
The QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint is part of a range available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What is the circuits of the QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint?
The published series maximum circuits is 24. Individual models and sizes in the QR Series Pneumatic/Hydraulic Rotary Joint range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Can one rotary union pass air, vacuum and water at the same time?
Yes, multi-passage rotary unions isolate each medium in its own groove with seals between them. Each passage must be specified with its medium, pressure and flow, because seals that suit air may not suit water or vacuum. Leakage paths between passages and a drain for any seepage should be agreed with the supplier.
How is a rotary union combined with a slip ring?
A common layout puts the rotary union on the axis and the electrical slip ring around or beside it in a single assembly, so both fluids and electrical circuits pass through one rotating connection. The design must keep fluid away from the electrical rings, often with a drain chamber. Specify both parts together so the supplier can manage sealing, length and bearing loads.
Further reading: How to select a rotary union · How to select a slip ring · Slip rings
Often compared with
Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
Other rotary unions and hybrid joints series
Engineer support
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