San-ei Air motor VF Series Rotary vane type

SAN-EI Air Motor

VF Series – Rotary Vane Type Air Motor

VF Series is a rotary vane type pneumatic air motor manufactured by SAN-EI SEIKI SEISAKUSHO Co., Ltd. (Japan). It is one of the most widely used air motors due to its simple structure, compact size, and high power-to-weight ratio.

This series is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications requiring medium to high rotational speeds and reliable pneumatic drive systems.

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1 Structure and Working Principle

The VF series air motor operates using a rotary vane mechanism.

Working principle

1. A rotor is installed eccentrically inside the motor casing.

2. Sliding vanes are inserted around the rotor.

3. Compressed air enters through the air supply port.

4. The air pressure pushes the vanes outward, rotating the rotor.

5. Exhaust air is discharged through exhaust ports after performing work.

This design enables efficient conversion of compressed air energy into mechanical rotation.

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2 Key Features

Simple and Reliable Structure

The VF series has a very simple internal structure, making it the most widely used type of air motor.

High Output with Compact Size

Compared with its output power, the motor is small and lightweight, which helps reduce machine size.

Wide Speed Range

The motor is suitable for medium-speed to high-speed operation, making it adaptable to various industrial equipment.

Improved Vane Durability

The vanes are specially processed to significantly reduce:

• seizure

• cracking

• abnormal wear

Flexible Mounting

Multiple installation options are available:

• Face mounting

• Flange mounting

• Base mounting

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3 Operating Conditions

Typical operating parameters include:

Air pressure:
0.5 MPa

Minimum practical rotation speed:
800 rpm

When a speed lower than 800 rpm is required, it is recommended to use a gear reducer.

For stable operation, the following accessories should be installed:

• Air filter

• Lubricator (line oiler)

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4 VF Series Models and Specifications

At 0.5 MPa air pressure

Model	Output	Speed	Torque	Air Consumption
VFR03	0.24 kW	3200 rpm	0.73 Nm	0.38 m³/min
VF05	0.76 kW	2800 rpm	2.60 Nm	1.1 m³/min
VF10	0.91 kW	2600 rpm	3.35 Nm	1.5 m³/min
VF20	1.71 kW	2300 rpm	7.10 Nm	2.3 m³/min
VF30	2.09 kW	2000 rpm	10.0 Nm	2.6 m³/min
VF50	4.24 kW	1800 rpm	22.5 Nm	5.4 m³/min
VF75	6.60 kW	1400 rpm	45.0 Nm	9.0 m³/min

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5 Typical Applications

VF series air motors are widely used in various industrial fields.

Chemical and Petrochemical Industry

• Pump drives

• Mixers

• Valve actuators

Marine Industry

• Winches

• Deck machinery

• Ship equipment drives

Steel and Heavy Industry

• Conveyors

• Hoisting equipment

General Industrial Machinery

• Mixers

• Roll drives

• Packaging machinery

• Automated production equipment

These motors are particularly suitable for hazardous environments where electric motors may not be safe.

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6 Advantages of Air Motors

Compared with electric motors, pneumatic air motors offer several advantages:

• Safe operation in explosive atmospheres
• Self-cooling due to compressed air expansion
• No risk of burnout under overload
• Easy speed adjustment through air pressure control
• Quick start and stop response

• Compact and lightweight design 

※給気圧力0.5MPa時

型式	出力［kw］	回転数［rpm］	トルク［N-m］	空気消費量［㎥/min(nor)］
VFR03	0.24	3200	0.73	0.38
VF05	0.76	2800	2.60	1.1
VF10	0.91	2600	3.35	1.5
VF20	1.71	2300	7.10	2.3
VF30	2.09	2000	10.0	2.6
VF50	4.24	1800	22.5	5.4
VF75	6.60	1400	45.0	9.0

VFR03-UBD1

VFR03-UFD1

VFR03-UKD1