Abnormal noise in rotary actuators caused by poor installation concentricity must be resolved by recalibrating the mechanical installation. Please adjust according to the following steps:
1. Shut down and inspect
First stop the equipment to ensure the rotary actuator is safe. Check that all mounting bolts at both ends of the actuator (fixed end and load connection end) are securely tightened, and confirm that the mounting base plate or bracket is not deformed or loose.
2. Dial indicator measurement
This is the most critical step. Use a dial indicator (or a micrometer head) for inspection.
Mount the indicator base on a stable foundation, with the probe vertically contacting the smooth cylindrical surface of the actuator’s piston rod (push rod).
Manually move the load slowly to drive the piston rod through its full stroke, and observe the runout reading on the dial indicator during extension and retraction. This runout directly reflects the degree of misalignment.
3. Fine adjustment
Based on the direction and magnitude of the deviation shown on the dial indicator, slightly loosen the mounting bolts of the actuator’s rear mount or front flange (do not remove them completely).
Use a copper hammer or rubber mallet to gently tap the actuator housing for fine-tuning while watching the indicator needle. The goal is to minimize the radial runout of the piston rod over the full stroke (typically required to be less than 0.05 mm or better).
Once properly adjusted, tighten the mounting bolts gradually and evenly in a diagonal sequence, then recheck with the dial indicator to avoid new deformation during tightening.
4. Recheck load connection
After adjusting the actuator itself, also inspect the connection between the front end of the push rod and the load (such as joint bearings, rod ends, or floating joints) to ensure smooth movement with no clearance, and that the load motion path aligns with the actuator’s axis.
5. Test and verify
After completing the adjustment, run the rotary actuator at low speed and low load in no-load operation first, and listen for any remaining abnormal noise. Once confirmed quiet, gradually increase the load to the normal working condition.