Low Torque Rotary Joint

Series MQR
Metal Seal Type
RoHS
KQ2
KQB2
KS
KX
Long service life
KM
1 billion rotations Fixed
KF
MQR1 : 1 billion rotations Flexible Coupling
M
MQR2 : 0.5 billion rotations H/DL
L/LL

MQR4 : 0.3 billion rotations

Fixed (Body)
KC

MQR8 : 0.2 billion rotations Rotary Joint

KK

MQR12: 0.1 billion rotations Turntable

KK130
DM
MQR16: 0.1 billion rotations KDM
∗ Under SMC's life test conditions.
KB
Low rotational torque
0.003 to 0.50 N.m or less KR
KA
Allowable RPM
KQG2
200 to 3000 min -1
(r.p.m)
KG
KFG2
Drive (Adapter plate)
MS
Drive motor KKA
KP
Application of adapter plate drive LQ
∗ Not suitable for transmission of drive
MQR
T

397
 Low Torque Metal Seal Type
Rotary Joint

Series MQR

Ball bearing

Spool
(Metal seal)
Rotational torque unaffected by supply pressure and Sleeve
temperature fluctuations (Metal seal)

Use of metal seals prevents the spool from sticking to the Body

rotating surface even after a long period of non-operation.

Operating pressure –100 kPa to 1 MPa

Adapter plate

Piping ports are aligned in a spiral line for easy piping

Applications: Air supply to rotary/pivot shafts of turntables and robot arms

Drive motor Drive motor

Flexible coupling
Fixed
Flexible coupling
Refer to page 403.
Turntable Refer to page 403.
Drive body

Piping support
Fixed (Body) Rotary joint

Direction of rotation
Rotary joint
Fixed (Adapter plate)
Rotary joint (1 circuit)
Flange
Drive adapter plate

Drive motor
* This series cannot be used for drive transmission.
(Refer to page 403.)

Example of 1 circuit Example of adapter plate drive Example of body drive

Made to Order
Contact SMC if you wish to use rotary joints at temperatures outside the
range of –10°C to 80°C or to have joints made with 20 circuits or more or
a through hole specification.
398
 Low Torque Rotary Joint

Metal Seal
Type
Series MQR RoHS
1 circuit, 2 circuits, 4 circuits, 8 circuits, 12 circuits
circuits, 16 circuits

KQ2
How to Order KQB2
KS
MQR F 4 M5 KX

KM
Connection diameter
Low torque KF
M5 M5 x 0.8
rotary joint
(Metal seal type) Number of circuits M
1 1 circuit H/DL
2 2 circuits L/LL
Options 4 4 circuits
Nil Standard 8 8 circuits KC
F Note) Flange 12 12 circuits
Note: No flange type in 1 16 16 circuits
KK
circuit system
KK130
Options/Mounting Bracket
DM
Number of circuits Flange part number
2 circuits MQR2-F KDM
4 circuits MQR4-F
8 circuits MQR8-F
KB
12 circuits MQR12-F
16 circuits MQR16-F
KR
KA
Specifications
KQG2
Model MQR1-M5 MQR2-M5 MQR4-M5 MQR8-M5 MQR12-M5 MQR16-M5
Number of circuits (Number of ports) 1 2 4 8 12 16
KG
Fluid Air / Inert gas
Seal structure Metal seal
KFG2
Guide structure Bearing supported Bearing supported at both ends
Male R 1/8
MS
Port size M5 x 0.8
Female M5 x 0.8
C 0.50 [dm3/(s .bar)]
KKA
Flow rate
b 0.40
characteristics
Cv 0.17
KP
Lubrication Not required
Min. operating pressure –100 kPa
LQ
Max. operating pressure 1.0 MPa
Ambient temperature MQR
and operating fluid –10 to 80°C
temperature Note 1) T
Maximum start-up rotation torque Note 2) 0.003 N·m or less 0.03 N·m or less 0.05 N·m or less 0.10 N·m or less 0.20 N·m or less 0.50 N·m or less
Allowable rotation number 3000 min-1 (r.p.m.) or less Note 3) 2000 min-1 (r.p.m.) or less 1500 min-1 (r.p.m.) or less 900 min-1 (r.p.m.) or less 600 min-1 (r.p.m.) or less 200 min-1 (r.p.m.) or less
Allowable radial load
(allowable coupling axis
reaction) Note 4) 1N or less 15N or less 30N or less 40N or less 50N or less 50N or less
Allowable axial load
Weight 0.025 kg 0.16 kg 0.39 kg 0.76 kg 1.26 kg 2.80 kg
Note 1) The temperature 80°C includes temperature rise during rotation.
Note 2) The start-up torque does not change with the supply pressure or with non-use (remains within the maximum start-up rotation torque), but it does change with
the rotation number. (Refer to page 400).
Note 3) If using at a speed above 600 min-1 (r.p.m.), ensure rotation is in the direction in which the joint is fastened.
Note 4) Rubber / resin couplings are recommended due to their excellent absorption of off center, shocks, and vibrations.

399
Series MQR

Construction
MQR1-M5
Component Parts/(MQR1 - M5, 1 circuit)
No. Name Material Remarks
1 Body Stainless steel
2 Spool Special stainless steel
3 Sleeve Special stainless steel
4 Plate Aluminium
5 O-ring H-NBR
6 Retaining ring Carbon steel
7 Retaining ring Carbon steel
8 Radial bearing

MQR2 to 16-M5 Component Parts/(MQR2 to 16 - M5, 2 to 16 circuits)

No. Name Material Remarks
1 Body Aluminum
2 Adapter plate Aluminum
3 Spool Special stainless steel
4 Sleeve Special stainless steel
5 Gasket H-NBR
6 Bearing holder Stainless steel 16 circults only
7 Gasket H-NBR 16 circults only
8 Plate Aluminum 16 circults only
9 Flange Aluminum
10 Parallel pin Carbon steel Except for 2 circuits
11 O-ring H-NBR
12 Bolt Carbon steel 16 circults only
13 Bolt Carbon steel
14 Bolt Carbon steel
Leakage according to differential pressure 15 Radial bearing —
10000
9000
MQR16
Port-to-port leakage [cm3/min]

8000

7000

6000

5000
MQR12
4000
MQR8
3000
MQR4
2000 MQR2 e.g.: If adjacent ports are connected to vacuum pressure of -0.1 MPa
1000 MQR1 and positive pressure of 0.1 MPa in MQR16, then differential
( 800)
pressure is 0.2 MPa, and leakage is 800 (cm3/min).
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
Differential pressure [MPa]
Note) These values show reference values and are not guaranteed.
Temperature rise with rotation number Change in rotational torque with rotation number
30 0.6
MQR4 MQR16
MQR2
0.5
MQR1
Rotational torque [N.m]

20
MQR8
0.4
Temperature rise [°C]

MQR12 0.3 MQR12

MQR16 MQR8
10
MQR4 MQR2
0.2

0.1
MQR1
0 0
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000
Rotation number [min-1(r.p.m)] Rotation number [min-1(r.p.m)]
Note: Value when no pressure applied. Temperature rise is Note) These values show reference values and are not guaranteed.
reduced by supply of air.
Note: These values show reference values and are not guaranteed.
400
 Series MQR
Low Torque Rotary Joint
Metal Seal Type

Dimensions: Standard Type/Flange Type ∗ Symbol indicates flange dimensions

MQR1-M5 MQR2-M5

Width across
Width across
ø3+0.1
0 depth 10 ∗ 35 M4 x 0.7

flats: 14
∗ 29 thread length 8
flats: 7

KQ2
∗ Flange: MQR2-F
(for MQRF2-M5) KQB2

4.5 ±0.03
KS
∗ 4 x ø3.5 mounting hole
KX
(16.2) 2 x M3 x 0.5 thread length 6
M5 x 0.8 P.C.D.29
ø35h8 KM
ø14 (10 from end)
ø7.6
4 x M5 x 0.8
ø10 counter bore
ø15h8
KF

2
depth 1.5
M

8.2
5

(34)
1 2 H/DL
L/LL

50
26
KC
21

34

1 2

14
KK

2
6.5
3.5

∗5
(8)

ø15H8

R 1/8
(6) KK130
M5 x 0.8

DM
1 2
KDM

13
32 2 x M3 x 0.5 thread length 8
KB
P.C.D.29
KR
MQR4-M5 MQR8-M5 KA
M5 x 0.8 5.5 ±0.03 2 x M3 x 0.5
thread length 10 7±0.03 4 x M3 x 0.5
thread length 6 M6 x 1 thread length 10 thread length 6
P.C.D.38
ø4.1 ±0.05 depth 10 P.C.D.43 KQG2
∗ Flange: MQR4-F ∗ Flange: MQR8-F
KG
∗ 37
∗ 45

(for MQRF4-M5) (for MQRF8-M5)

∗
∗

KFG2
41

∗ 4 x ø4.5 mounting hole

50

0 depth 10
ø3+0.1 ∗ 4 x ø3.5 mounting hole
ø44h8 ø49h8 16 x M5 x 0.8
MS
(10 from end)
8.2 x 3 = 24.6

ø20h8 0 (10 from end) ø10 counter bore depth 1.5

ø25h8 –0.033
KKA
3
2
P = 8.2

1 KP
1 2
8.2 x 7 = 57.4

3
2
LQ
(55)

P = 8.2

4
3
70

105
(87)

5
4 6
7 MQR
8 x M5 x 0.8 8
27

ø10 counter bore

T
13

29

depth 1.5
15
6.5
3.5
2.5

(ø8)
(ø10)
∗5

3
4.5
7.5

ø20H8
∗5

ø25H8
1
1
P=

8
2
45º

2 x M4 x 0.7 2 7
thread length 8 4 3
22.5°

P.C.D.38
6
45º

4 2 x M4 x 0.7
5
3 46 thread length 8
41
P.C.D.43
401
Series MQR

Dimensions: Standard Type/Flange Type ∗ Symbol indicates flange dimensions

MQR12-M5 MQR16-M5
M8 x 1.25 thread length 10
±0.05
M6 x 1 4 x M3 x 0.5 ø5.1 depth 8
10 ±0.03 4 x M3 x 0.5
thread length 10 8 ±0.03
thread length 6 thread length 6
P.C.D.48 P.C.D.58

5
5
∗ 6
∗ Flange: MQR12-F
∗  55
∗  45

∗ 5
(for MQRF12-M5) 4 x ø8 counter bore 5.5
ø4.5 mounting hole
ø4.1+0.05 depth10 ∗ 4 x ø8 counter bore 5.5 ∗ Flange: MQR16-F
ø4.5 mounting hole
(for MQRF16-M5) ø64h8
ø54h8 (10 from end)
ø45h8
24 x M5 x 0.8 (10 from end) 16 x M5 x 0.8
0
ø10 counter bore ø30h8 –0.033 ø13.5 counter bore 1
3

7
depth1.5
1
1 2
2 3
3 4
8.2 x 11 = 90.2

4
5 6 5
7

8.2 x 15=123
120

6 8
140
P = 8.2

7
8 9

163
187.5
9 10
10 11
11 12

P=8.2
12
13 14
31

15
17

16
9

(ø10)
5.5

37.5
3

∗7

ø30H8

17.5
5.5
3.5

(ø19)
10.5

∗7
ø40H8
° 56
56 °
34° 34°
° 45°
45
1 2 16 1 2
12 16 x M5 x 0.8 15 3
P=30

P=22.5
3 4
11 ø10 counter bore 1.5 14
4 5
°

10 13
6
°

5 12
9
8 6 4 x M3 x 0.5 11 7
7 8
thread length 8 8 x M3 x 0.5 10 9
51
P.C.D.48 thread length 6 61
P.C.D.54

Mounting Bracket/Flange
MQR2-F MQR4-F 4 x ø3.5 mounting hole
MQR8-F 4 x ø4.5 mounting hole
4 x ø3.5 mounting hole ø27
ø17 ø22

29 5
37 5
35 41 5
45
50
4 x ø4.5 mounting hole
MQR12-F 4 x ø4.5 mounting hole
4 x ø8 counter bore 5.5
MQR16-F 4 x ø8 counter bore 5.5
ø42
ø32

45 7
55 55 7
65

402
 Series MQR
Rotary Joint/Precautions 1
Be sure to read before handling.

Design Mounting

Warning Warning KQ2

1. A protective cover is recommended to minimize 1. Prevent impacts on shaft when drive source is KQB2
the risk of human injury. started.
KS
If a moving part poses a risk of human injury and/or damage If excessive offset load is applied to the product, it may cause KX
to machinery/equipment, then a structure which prevents malfunction, breakdown, or personal injury or damage to
direct contact with that part should be adopted. machinery and equipment. Use a flexible coupling as illustrated KM
2. Securely tighten all stationary parts and below, to avoid direct radial load or axial load on the shaft. A
connected parts so that they will not become rubber/resin coupling Drive (motor) KF
is recommended, due
loose.
to its excellent Flexible coupling
Secure fastening is particularly important when the rotary
absorption of off � Absorbs miscentering of drive M
joint has a high operating frequency. coupling and start-up shocks
cente, shocks, and Drive on body H/DL
3. Provide safety devices in drive circuit. rvibrations. Please L/LL
Rotary joint
Collisions, or foreign material introduced by the air source, consult the coupling
may cause scuffing or burning of rotating parts, which in turn manufacturer to
Fixed on adapter plate
KC
leads to increased rotational torque. Install safety devices in discuss the detailed Flange
the drive circuit accordingly. operating conditions. KK
4. Pressure 2. Do not make additions to this product.
Air leakage occurs in these products. They cannot be used Any additions made to this product will weaken it and may KK130
for pressure holding in pressure vessels, etc. cause product failure, leading to human injury and/or damage
5. Do not use in an emergency shutdown air circuit. to machinery/equipment. DM
These products are not designed for use in a safety circuit 3. Allow freedom of movement when securing the shaft.
performing emergency shutdown. Other reliable safety
protection means should be adopted for such systems.
If you do not allow some freedom of movement when fixing KDM
the shaft, then any eccentricity will cause abnormal wear,
6. Ensure room for maintenance.
Leave sufficient space for maintenance work.
leading to malfunction, breakdown, and possible human injury KB
and/or damage to machinery/equipment.
7. Releasing residual pressure. 4. When the top is fixed, install a relief port (ø1 or
Provide a residual pressure release function in order to carry
KR
more).
out maintenance work. This product leaks air to the outside. When the top is made
8. Using vacuum supply. airtight, an excessively large load may occur. This may lead
KA
When using a vacuum air supply, install a suction filter, or to malfunction.
equivalent, to prevent infiltration of dirt and foreign material KQG2
via the absorption pad or exhaust port.
Caution KG
1. Confirm the model and size before installation. Check KFG2
that there are no scratches, impact marks, cracks, or the
Selection like, on the product. MS
2. When connecting tubes, take account of variations in
Warning pressure according to tube length.
KKA
3. Do not wipe model designation on nameplate with
1. Confirm the specifications. organic solvents, etc.
The products advertised in this catalog are designed This will cause designation to disappear. KP
according to use in industrial compressed air systems. If the 4. Do not knock rotary shaft when main unit is fixed, or
products are used in conditions where pressure, knock main unit when rotary shaft is fixed. LQ
temperature, etc., are out of specification, damage and/or This may bend the rotary shaft and cause damage to the
malfunction may be caused. Do not use in these conditions. bearings. The rotary shaft should be fixed when attaching a MQR
(Refer to specifications.) load, etc. to it.
2. Do not use for power transmission. T
These products are not designed to be used as bearings for
transmitting power from a drive source, such as a motor.
Such use may lead to rotation faults, or damage.

403
 Series MQR
Rotary Joint/Precautions 2
Be sure to read before handling.

Piping Air Supply

Caution Warning
1. Preparation before piping. 1. Use clean air.
Before piping is connected, it should be thoroughly blown out Do not use compressed air containing chemicals, synthetic
with air (flushed), to remove chips, cutting oil and other debris oils containing organic solvents, salts, or corrosive gases,
from inside the piping. etc., as these can cause damage or malfunction.
Wrapping
2. Wrapping of pipe tape.
Caution
direction
When screwing together pipes
and fittings, etc., be certain that 1. Use the product within the range of specifications
chips from the pipe threads and E Pipe tape for fluid and ambient temperature.
x
sealant material do not get inside 2pose Take measures to prevent freezing when used at 5°C or less,
the piping. Also, when pipe tape thr app
ea rox since moisture in circuits can freeze, causing malfunction.
ds .
is used, leave approximately 2
2. Install air filters.
thread ridges exposed at the end of the threads.
Install air filters near valves on their upstream side. The
3. Screw tightening and tightening torque. filtration degree should be 5 µm or less. Furthermore, when
Use the tightening torques in the table below, when screwing using at low friction, it is also recommended to use clean air
a fitting onto a piping port. Particular attention is required in (atmospheric pressure dew point temperature of –10°C) and
the case of MQR1 (1 circuit), as this joint supports the piping. install mist separator series AM (filtration degree 0.3 µm or
Tightening Torque for Piping less) or series AM + AMD (filtration degree 0.01 µm or less).
Connecting threads Suitable tightening torque 3. Install an after-cooler, air dryer or water separator
M5 1.5 to 2 N·m (Drain Catch), etc.
Rc 1/8 7 to 9 N·m Air containing excessive drainage can cause malfunction of
valves and other pneumatic equipment. To prevent this,
∗ Comments
install an after-cooler, air dryer or water separator, etc.
Fastening M5 thread fittings
Tighten manually, and then tighten a further quarter-turn using Refer to the SMC’s “Air Cleaning Equipment” catalog for further
the fastening tool. If using miniature fittings, tighten manually, details on compressed air quality.
and then tighten a further quarter-turn using the fastening tool.
If there are two gaskets, such as a universal elbow or universal Operating Environment
tee, the final tightening should be doubled to a half-turn.
Note: Over-tightening of fittings may cause fracturing of the Warning
thread sections or deformation of the gaskets, leading to 1. Do not use in environments where there is a
air leaks. If the fittings are under-tightened, the loosening danger of corrosion.
of thread and air leaks may occur. Refer to the construction drawings regarding rotary joint
materials.
Lubrication 2. Do not use in dusty locations or where water, oil,
etc., will splash on the equipment.
Caution Maintenance
1. Lubrication
1. Due to the initial lubricant provided, the product can be
used without lubrication.
Warning
2. Do not lubricate if using the product at low torque. 1. Perform maintenance according to the procedures
Lubrication may cause an increase in the rotational indicated in the instruction manual.
torque, due to the viscosity and surface tension of the oil. If handled improperly, malfunction and damage of
3. In the event that lubrication is applied, use turbine oil machinery or equipment may occur.
class 1 (without additives) ISO VG32. 2. During maintenance, do not perform any disassembly
Refer to the brands of each turbine oil class 1 (without or assembly whilst the air supply is connected.
additives) ISO VG32 manufacturer shown below.
Caution
1. Drain flushing
Remove condensate from air filters at regular intervals.

Disassembly

Caution
1. The component parts of these products are
manufactured to precision tolerances, and
therefore cannot be disassembled.
404
 Series MQR
Specific Product Precautions 1
Be sure to read before handling.
Refer to front matter 56 for Safety Instructions.

Operation

Caution KQ2
1. The metal seal structure means that port-to-port Using different pressures in vacuum KQB2
leaking occurs. Therefore, please note the As neither the ejector nor the vacuum pump has a relief function,
following points when using different pressures at pressure interference may occur. Install an atmospheric release KS
KX
neighbouring ports. port (blanking port) or normal pressure circuit between the
When using different pressures at normal pressure
pressure ports having different vacuum pressures. KM
Use relieving type regulators.
Leaks between ports are to be exhausted via the relief port of the KF
regulator on the lower pressure side.
M
H/DL
Leak relieved via regulator on L/LL
Low pressure
lower pressure side
High pressure
KC
Low pressure
KK
High pressure
KK130

∗ If neighbouring ports are used at different vacuum pressures, DM

the vacuum pressure on the lower vacuum side will increase
and hence it cannot be used. KDM
KB
When combination of vacuum and normal pressures
When using a compact vacuum ejector (suction flow rate approx. KR
10 L/min), the vacuum pressure drop is several kPa or so,
depending on the supply source characteristics and the piping KA
conditions. For more details, please refer to the flow rate High vacuum
characteristics graph provided in the vacuum pump catalogue, Atmospheric release KQG2
instruction manual, etc.
Low vacuum
KG
Leak absorbed by ejector or pump KFG2
∗ For the rate of decline in the vacuum
pressure, see suction flow rate MS
characteristics graph for ejector and pump.
Using atmospheric release port
KKA
Vacuum

Pressure KP
LQ
High vacuum
MQR
Normal pressure

Low vacuum T

Using normal pressure port

∗ If using two or more ports at different vacuum pressures, an

atmospheric release port or a normal pressure supply should
be provided between the ports.

405
 Series MQR
Specific Product Precautions 2
Be sure to read before handling.
Refer to front matter 56 for Safety Instructions.

Mounting

Flexible coupling
Piping support ∗ If it is not possible to install
Drive
Take care not to apply tension in a Fixed the coupling on the drive
(Motor) radial direction when installing the side, install it on the fixed
piping support. side.
Spool ∗ Do not use a piping support.
Turn table
Body Fixed (Body)
Direction of rotation
If the rotation speed is fast, rotate
the flexible coupling in a direction Drive Rotary joint
so that the rotary joint is tightened, (motor, etc.)
namely, counterclockwise when Drive adapter plate
Fixed
the body rotates and clockwise
when the spool rotates.
Example of 1 circuit Example of adapter plate drive

Flexible coupling
Drive ∗ For absorbing center misalignment
(Motor) at the drive motor connection and
shock at startups.
Drive body
Rotary joint
Adapter plate

Fixed flange (option)

Fixed

Example of body drive

Caution
1. Although the center misalignment of the drive shaft and fixed shaft is different due to the flexible coupling type and
size, keep adjustments to 0.3 mm or less as a guide.
Do not use piping support for 2 or more circuits. If used for 2 or more circuits, excessive radial load may occur
momentarily (particularly at the start) due to piping tension and deflection, and it may cause excessive abrasion.
2. This product has a floating mechanism on the sleeve in order to keep the surface pressure of the metal seal part at
a lower level even when rotating with the accumulated center misalignment of parts. If instantaneous shock occurs
when starting and stopping rotation, the surface pressure may rise without working the floating mechanism and
excessive abrasion may occur. Flexible coupling should be installed at the drive motor connection in order to
protect the rotary joint from direct shocks. The recommended coupling is made by rubber or resin. These are
excellent in center misalignment and adsorption of impact and vibration. Rubber or resin coupling
(Reference coupling: Bellow Flex (Plastic bellows coupling) CHP model Reference: CHP model produced by
produced by Miki Pulley Co., Ltd.) Miki Pulley Co., Ltd.
For applicable reaction force of the coupling, refer to specifications on Center misalignment
page 399.
Relief port
Select coupling with twice the safety factor against the value supplied by Coupling
the coupling maker as the reaction force may be applied as a drive load reaction force
especially with intermittent operation.
3. When the rotary joint is secured, align the drive shaft and the fixed shaft Slip fit
using the slip fit of the body adapter plate. Using the slip fit facilitates Spool
alignment of the axes. Relief port over ø1 should be installed when
Sleeve
securing the top side. Since this product has slight air leakage, offset load
(Floating mechanism)
may occur if sealing top side when mounting, and excessive abrasion may
occur. For absorbing center
misalignment
Reference coupling/Bellow Flex (Plastic bellows coupling) CHP Model produced by rubber O-ring
Miki Pulley Co., Ltd. Metal seal
Rotary joint type MQR2 MQR4 MQR8 MQR12 MQR16 Slip fit (Metal touch)
CHP-20 CHP-26
Coupling part no. CHP-20 CHP-20 CHP-34
CHP-26 CHP-34
406