The SMC MSQB3A is a compact pneumatic rotary table designed for applications that need stable angular movement, reliable repetition, and easy workpiece mounting in a limited installation space. It belongs to SMC’s MSQ series, which is identified as a rotary table / rack-and-pinion type product family. Within that family, MSQB3A is the basic type in size 3, intended for compact automation duties where direct table mounting and low overall height are important.
Unlike a conventional cylinder that only provides straight-line motion, the MSQB3A converts pneumatic energy into controlled rotary motion. The series catalog shows that the MSQ range is built around a rack-and-pinion mechanism, and the platform is designed with a large rolling element bearing, direct mounting surface, positioning features, and a hollow axis concept that supports more practical fixture design. These characteristics make the MSQB3A suitable for turning, indexing, orienting, or reversing small components inside automated equipment.
A major strength of the MSQB3A is that it combines compact size with functional mounting convenience. SMC’s series information highlights the low table height, easy mounting of the workpiece, and reduced radial movement through the use of precision bearing support. For machine builders, this matters because a rotary table is not just an actuator; it is also part of the mechanical reference system of the equipment. A stable rotating table can simplify the overall structure of a station and reduce the amount of custom hardware needed around it.
Technical Overview
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | SMC |
| Model | MSQB3A |
| Product Family | MSQ Series Rotary Table |
| Type | Basic type |
| Operating Principle | Rack-and-pinion type |
| Body Size | 3 |
| Bore Diameter | 10 mm |
| Angle of Rotation | 190° |
| Rotation Range | 0° to 190° |
| Operating Pressure Range | 0.1 to 0.7 MPa |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 to 60°C |
| Cushion Type | Rubber bumper |
| Overall Length | 71.8 mm |
| Overall Width | 34.5 mm |
| Overall Height | 30.5 mm |
| Net Weight | 0.350 kg |
The core specifications above are based on the current product datasheet and the official MSQ series catalog information available for the size 1, 2, 3, and 7 range. The most important commercial figure for listing purposes is the product weight of 0.350 kg, which is the value shown in the product datasheet for MSQB3A.
Product Weight and Why It Matters
For your product page, quotation, or catalog entry, the correct published weight for SMC MSQB3A is 0.350 kg. This figure is important not only for technical documentation but also for commercial work such as freight estimation, carton planning, spare-parts handling, and export listing accuracy. In many industrial transactions, even a small pneumatic component can be misquoted if weight is copied from the wrong body size, especially in a series that includes both small units like MSQB3A and much larger units such as MSQB30A.
Because the MSQ family covers multiple body sizes, confirming the exact weight for each model is necessary. The official size-table information in the series catalog also shows that size 3 basic type units are in the lightweight compact range, which is consistent with the dedicated MSQB3A datasheet value. This makes the model suitable for compact automation modules where every kilogram of moving or mounted hardware affects machine design.
Design Characteristics
The MSQB3A is best understood as a compact rotary positioning unit rather than a simple air-driven turning device. Its structure is intended to support direct workpiece mounting on the table, which reduces the need for additional adapter parts. SMC’s catalog also highlights table I.D./O.D. tolerances, positioning pin holes, reference diameters, and the ability to mount from more than one direction. These features are valuable in practical machine assembly because they help the engineer align the rotation center with the fixture or part being handled.
Another important design point is the use of a large rolling element bearing and the catalog’s note that radial thrust movement is reduced by the bearing structure. In real applications, this improves stability when the table is carrying a small fixture, sensor target, or transfer component. It also helps the unit function as part of a repeatable positioning system instead of behaving like a loose rotary output shaft. For compact automation, that difference is significant.
The MSQB3A is also equipped with a rubber bumper cushioning arrangement according to the published catalog data for the basic type. This design is appropriate for general-purpose pneumatic duty where the motion is controlled properly and the allowable kinetic energy is respected. In other words, the product is engineered for clean and repeatable rotary motion, but it should still be sized correctly for load inertia and operating speed.
Working Principle and Performance Value
The MSQB3A works by using compressed air to drive an internal rack-and-pinion mechanism that converts linear force into rotary output. This gives the user a practical way to achieve repeatable angular motion without moving to a more complex electric indexing platform. In applications where the rotation angle is fixed or semi-fixed and the control logic is pneumatic, a product like the MSQB3A can reduce system complexity while maintaining reliable performance.
Its 190° angle of rotation provides useful flexibility for turning and positioning tasks. This range is suitable for many industrial actions such as part reversal, small fixture indexing, camera-facing orientation, gate movement, or two-position transfer between work steps. Because the unit is compact, it fits especially well in bench-top automation, electronic assembly devices, miniature handling systems, and compact packaging or inspection machinery.
Typical Industrial Uses
| Application Area | How MSQB3A Can Be Used |
|---|---|
| Assembly Equipment | Rotating small parts to the next process angle |
| Inspection Systems | Presenting the workpiece to a sensor or camera |
| Packaging Machinery | Turning a component before placement or labeling |
| Transfer Units | Reorienting parts between stations |
| Semiconductor / Electronics Support Fixtures | Compact handling and indexing of light components |
| Small Jigs and Fixtures | Repetitive angular positioning in limited space |
These use cases are consistent with the product’s compact form, direct mounting concept, and low table height. The design is especially attractive when the machine already uses compressed air and the engineer wants a standardized rotary table rather than building a custom turn mechanism from separate parts.
Selection Considerations
When selecting the MSQB3A, the engineer should look beyond the model name and check the actual load condition. Rotary tables are sensitive to load mass, load inertia, the distance from the rotation center, and rotation speed. A small unit can perform very well in its intended range, but poor load placement can reduce precision, increase impact, and shorten service life. The series catalog includes allowable kinetic energy and suitable rotation time information, which shows clearly that the actuator should be matched to the application rather than chosen by footprint alone.
The operating pressure range of 0.1 to 0.7 MPa and operating temperature range of 0 to 60°C indicate that the MSQB3A is intended for standard industrial compressed-air environments. The published specification also indicates air (non-lube) service for the MSQ series, which is relevant when integrating the unit into a pneumatic system that prioritizes clean and consistent air supply.
Commercial and Listing Value
From a sales and catalog perspective, the MSQB3A should be presented as a compact SMC pneumatic rotary table for precise and repeatable angular motion. Buyers searching for this product are usually interested in terms such as SMC MSQB3A, SMC rotary table, MSQ series rotary actuator, rack-and-pinion rotary table, and compact pneumatic indexing unit. A strong product description should therefore emphasize the model number, the MSQ series identity, compact mounting benefits, 190° rotary movement, and the verified 0.350 kg unit weight.
Conclusion
The SMC MSQB3A is a compact, practical, and well-structured pneumatic rotary table for equipment that requires direct table mounting, stable support, and repeatable angular positioning. As a basic type size 3 model in the MSQ rack-and-pinion rotary table series, it offers a 190° rotation angle, 10 mm bore diameter, 0.1 to 0.7 MPa operating pressure range, compact outer dimensions, and a verified weight of 0.350 kg. For machine builders, spare-parts suppliers, and industrial trading companies, it is a useful model for applications where reliable pneumatic turning is preferred over a more complicated electric motion solution.
