Frequently asked questions

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General questions about air motors

Data sheets, operating instructions and certificates can be found with the respective product in the Downloads section.

CAD files can be found with the respective engine model in the Downloads section.

The download folder contains the individual assemblies and a PDF guide showing you how to configure the motor.

To configure the motor, the torque required in the application must first be specified. We specify the starting torque for our motors. By this we mean the torque that the motor develops when it starts up. This is where the torque is at its highest. As the speed increases, the torque decreases slightly.

This means that the speed or speed range required for the application must be specified as the second factor. Please refer to the performance data for the torque and speed ranges of our motors here.

There are also three gearboxes to choose from, which influence the torque and speed:

  • A 3:1 gearbox triples the torque of the motor; at the same time, the speed range is only 1/3 of the motor without a gearbox.
  • A 9:1 gearbox increases the torque of the motor ninefold; at the same time, the speed range is only 1/9 of the motor without a gearbox.
  • A 1:2 gearbox doubles the speed range to 600 instead of 300 rpm; the torque is halved at the same time.

At very low speeds, it is advantageous to use a 3:1 or 9:1 gearbox, as the rotary motion is smoother than without a gearbox. A standard motor only runs evenly and smoothly from approx. 30 rpm. With a 3:1 gearbox, the motor runs evenly and smoothly from approx. 10 rpm and with a 9:1 gearbox from approx. 3 rpm.

To illustrate the considerations to be made, here are two practical examples:

Example 1:
I need a speed of 400 rpm with a torque of 2 Nm.

A 1:2 gearbox is necessary to reach 400 rpm. To achieve the 2Nm at 400 1/min, the 0900 motor will be required. The 0900 motor with a 1:2 gearbox has a speed range of 0-600 rpm and a starting torque of 4 Nm. At 400 rpm, the motor delivers the required 2 Nm.

Example 2:
I need a speed of 20 rpm with a torque of 12 Nm.

A 3:1 gearbox is necessary to reach 20 rpm smoothly and without jerking. To achieve the 12 Nm at 20 rpm, the 0450 motor will be required. The 0450 motor with a 3:1 gearbox has a speed range of 0-100 rpm and a starting torque of 12 Nm. At 20 rpm, the motor delivers the required 12 Nm.

Our motors are non-electric, partly completed machinery within the meaning of the Machinery Directive and are used as drives in machines and systems to drive wheels, rollers, brushes, agitators, conveyor belts and augers, etc. They can also be used to drive sliders and valves as well as roller shutters etc.

We will be happy to advise you in detail and discuss your application.

All our seals are silicone-free. We offer four different gaskets:

NBR - is our standard
Viton - for high temperature and chemical resistance
PTFE - solvent-resistant for many years of use
FDA-compliant - made of white PTFE with FDA approval for hygienic use in food & pharmaceuticals

The medium used is treated, non-lubricated compressed air at 2-6 bar and a quality class 5 according to ISO 8573-1 filtration grade <=5μ.
The use of liquids and gases is not part of the intended use of our motors. We will be happy to check your application in this respect. If possible, we can approve our motors for the use of certain gases.
Yes, you can. Take a look at our how-to video on YouTube. Simply here click.
Yes, we have the IP68 model for this, which is completely waterproof. You can find product details for the IP68 motor here.
Yes, we have the IP68 model for this, which is completely waterproof. You can find product details for the IP68 motor here.

Yes, we offer the ATEX model for this. You can operate our ATEX motors in ATEX zones 1, 2, 21 and 22. You can find product details here.

Ex II 2 G Ex h IIC T5 Gb X
Ex II 2 D Ex h IIIC T100°C Db X

For all gases, vapors and mists with an ignition temperature > 100°C, the motors are not a source of ignition. In the dust Ex area, 100°C is the reference temperature for further considerations regarding the safety distance from the glow temperature.

The manufacturer uses the „X“ to indicate special conditions, which are explained further in the operating instructions.

Our operating instructions state this:

  • The radial piston motor may be used in an ambient temperature range between -10°C and 80°C.
  • The operator must ensure that only compressed air with a filtration level < 5umm is used.
  • The outer bearings must be replaced after 45,000 hours of service life.

Yes, we offer the INOX model for this purpose. The stainless steel motors in the INOX series have an ISO 1 cleanroom classification in accordance with DIN 14644. here.

Are you interested in our INOX series? Then you might also be interested in our video „INOX series - Hygiene in perfection“. Click here for the video.

Yes, we offer the INOX model for this purpose. The stainless steel motors in the INOX series have an ISO 1 cleanroom classification in accordance with DIN 14644. here.

Are you interested in our INOX series? Then you might also be interested in our video „INOX series - Hygiene in perfection“. Click here for the video.

The temperature application range is -10°C to +80°C in the non-ATEX area and -10°C
up to +70°C in the ATEX area. In special cases, we can give you approval up to 100°C. Please contact us so that we can discuss your application.

Technical issues Air motors

Models 0450 and 0900 are supplied with two push-in fittings for 6 mm hoses.

There are two G1/8 threads on the 1800 and 3600 models. You can connect push-in fittings for 8 mm hoses here, for example.

A 90° connection is available for all models so that the air supply can be connected cleanly from the side. You can find the data sheet here here.

There are four threads on the front for mounting, as well as a small fitting flange. This is used to position the motor centrally and mount it to a housing from the front. There is also a keyway on the fitting flange to mount the motor so that it cannot twist. Please refer to the data sheet for dimensions here.

We also offer an optional mounting flange with four through-holes. This allows the motor to be attached to a housing from behind. Product details can be found here. If your connection needs to absorb higher radial forces, we recommend using the bearing flange. You can find product details here.

To mount the motor on a base plate, for example, there is an optional mounting bracket. This allows you to attach the motor from above with four screws. You can find product details here.

The speed is determined by the air volume. The speed is therefore best set using a throttle. There should always be 6 bar so that the torque is maintained.

The speed can also be adjusted via the air pressure. If the pressure is reduced via a pressure gauge, the speed decreases, but so does the torque.

You can find a circuit diagram for the motor here.

The torque is determined by the air pressure. The highest torque is available at 6 bar. If the pressure is reduced via a pressure gauge, less torque is available. At the same time, the speed also drops and the air volume may have to be increased via the throttle.

You can find a circuit diagram for the motor here.

Our motors may be used between 0 and 300 rpm and at max. 6 bar. Technical measures that enable faster speeds can destroy the motor.

Different drive hubs are available for the motor, e.g. 14, 19, 24 and 32 mm. For the exact dimensions for your model, please refer to the respective data sheet, which you can find in the download area on the respective product page.

It is also possible for us to create a customized special hub for you. All you need is a small sketch. We will take care of creating a production drawing for you. Please contact us for this.

Our motors cannot be used as brakes or to absorb high loads.
If you permanently load the motor in one direction of rotation (e.g. to drive a conveyor belt, an agitator or a cleaning brush), we recommend using our eco drive, which is equipped with a connection block as standard. This ensures a long service life in one direction of rotation. You can find product details for the eco drive here.

Yes, the motor can be reversibly controlled in both directions of rotation. Important: To change from one direction of rotation to the other, the motor must have come to a complete standstill beforehand. A change during operation will damage the motor.

You can find a circuit diagram for the motor here.

Our motors do not have a brake. This means that they cannot hold their position by themselves.

Our motors are extremely robust and low-maintenance. There are only two components that require maintenance under certain circumstances:

Piston

Depending on the application and operating hours, it may be necessary to replace the pistons over the years. If, for example, the motor in a manipulator is regularly operated briefly in both directions in two-shift operation, a 10-year maintenance-free service life can be expected. The same applies if the motor is used to open and close gates, slides and valves, for example. However, if the motor runs all year round in one direction of rotation with a cleaning brush, for example, it may be necessary to replace the motor pistons after two years as they wear out. A low speed of the cleaning brush will extend the service life of the pistons by a further two years.

We always recommend the use of our optional connection block. This can extend the service life of your motor. You can find product details here.

Wear on the motor is indicated by a drop in performance or an increase in noise. We will be happy to advise you on the creation of a suitable maintenance cycle specifically for your application. We will also be happy to replace the pistons for you. Please contact us for this.
However, you can also easily change the pistons yourself. All you need is our piston service kit, which you can order from us. You can find out more about changing pistons in our how-to video here.

Shaft seal

The shaft seal on the drive hub can also wear out. This does not affect the performance of the motor. When used in damp environments and with the IP68 and INOX models, it may be necessary to change the shaft seals regularly. Here too, we will be happy to advise you on a sensible maintenance schedule. We will also be happy to change the shaft seal for you. Please get in touch with us.

Our motors are to be seen as pure drives. They therefore cannot absorb high radial and axial forces. Should this be necessary for your application, we offer an optional bearing flange that can absorb significantly higher forces via two additional ball bearings. You can find product details here.

Questions about accessories

The engine and gearbox in our engines are a compact assembly. A PTM gearbox can only be fitted to the engine by our service department. To do this, you must send the motor to us. Please contact us before shipping to plan the process.
The engine and gearbox in our engines are a compact assembly. A PTM gearbox can only be fitted to the engine by our service department. To do this, you must send the motor to us. Please contact us before shipping to plan the process.
Yes, we can also offer you the right compressor for your individual motor. In any case, we also recommend our connection and hose set with matching maintenance unit. You can find product details here and here especially for the INOX series.
For our motors, there is a preparation for a speed sensor to record the speed for your own control system. We also offer a speed display and speed control.

Troubleshooting

If your motor/agitator slows down, you do not need to worry for the time being. The drop in performance is probably due to natural wear of the pistons. Get in touch with us. We will then decide together whether you should send your PTM product in for maintenance, whether we should send you a maintenance package or whether it needs to be replaced.
If your motor/agitator becomes louder, you do not need to worry for the time being. The increase in noise is probably due to natural wear of the pistons. Please contact us. We will then decide together whether you should send your PTM product in for maintenance, whether we should send you a maintenance package or whether it needs to be replaced.

Questions about the company

PTM mechatronics specializes in the two core areas of Drive technology and Stirring technology specialized. For both sectors, we have a systematic project management system for the implementation of customized complete systems. Special topics for which we have expert knowledge range from food safety and compliance with high hygiene standards to cleanrooms, ATEX protection and occupational safety.
We have decades of experience in the implementation of customized large-scale projects. We supplement our agitator and drive technology with upstream and downstream components so that we can offer you everything you need for your system and application from a single source. We design the complete assembly from a single source. Please also visit our product page „Plant engineering„.
PTM mechatronics is both ISO and ATEX certified. We regularly update these certifications at the prescribed intervals. On our company page here you will find the corresponding documentation.

Contact questions

The quickest way to reach us during the day is by phone at +49 8134 25 797 0.

And of course you can send us an e-mail to info@ptm-mechatronics.com.

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