Rotary solenoid Bistable Rotary Solenoids

self-holdingsortinghigh-performance

The Kendrion PDM bistable rotary solenoids are polarized, high-speed rotary actuators designed as electromagnetic sorting switches for industrial automation and intralogistics. They deliver defined rotary motion with power-free end-position holding and are engineered to replace pneumatic actuators in compact, energy-efficient sorting systems.

Key benefits

• Fast, reliable switching for high-throughput sorting and conveying systems.
• Bistable design holds start and end positions without continuous power, reducing energy consumption.
• Maintenance-free service life guaranteed > 100 million switching cycles.
• Modular construction enables customer-specific adaptations (torque, housings, sensors).
• Enables pneumatics-free intralogistics solutions — eliminates need for compressed air in many applications.

Functional principle

• Polarized rotary solenoid combining stator coils with a neodymium permanent-magnet rotor.
• Rotor performs a defined rotary motion (mechanically limited by two stops) when coil polarity is reversed.
• End positions are held by the permanent magnet, so no continuous current is required to maintain position.
• Optional Hall sensors provide end-position feedback.

Available variants (selection)

• PDM050 — available in bistable and monostable designs (examples: PDM050.000039 bistable, PDM050.000037 monostable).
• PDM060 — bistable variant.
• PDM080 — bistable variant.

Technical characteristics / specifications

• Switching time: < 10 ms (typical for many bistable variants; some type-specific values up to ~20 ms).
• Rotation angle: up to 60° series capability; typical type limits: up to 40° or 30° depending on model.
• Holding torque: up to 1.0 Nm (maximum across series; type-dependent).
• Nominal supply voltage: 24 V or 48 V DC (series range 24–48 V DC).
• Power consumption / rated power: typically 60–120 W depending on type (see type table).
• Durability: maintenance-free life > 100 million switching cycles guaranteed.
• Protection class: IP50 standard; upgradeable to IP65 with housing.
• Mechanical design: aluminum housing with integrated damping and ball bearings.
• Optional features: Hall sensors for end-position feedback; customer-specific torque and housing modifications available.
• Type-specific examples:
  • PDM050 (bistable): diameter 50 mm; supply 24–48 V DC; power 60–100 W; rotation angle max. 40°; switching time 10–20 ms; currentless holding torque up to 0.15 Nm.
  • PDM050 (monostable): diameter 50 mm; supply 24–48 V DC; power 60–100 W; rotation angle max. 30°; switching time ≈ 20 ms; currentless holding torque up to 0.4 Nm.
  • PDM060 (bistable): diameter 60 mm; supply 24–48 V DC; power 96–120 W; rotation angle max. 30°; switching time 10–20 ms; currentless holding torque up to 0.9 Nm.
  • PDM080 (bistable): diameter 80 mm; supply 24–48 V DC; power ≈ 84 W; rotation angle max. 40°; switching time ≈ 20 ms; currentless holding torque up to 1.0 Nm.