Rotary unions and hybrid joints
SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints
Single-channel rotary joints for air, vacuum and hydraulic fluid that can be combined with Schleifring slip rings.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Pricing and availability
Get pricing, sourcing and replacement support
Need SCHLEIFRING parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
- Original parts or a checked alternative
- Pricing, lead time and delivery in one reply
- Components, complete axes and ongoing support
No obligation. Add what you know and an engineer will help with the rest. Prefer to configure it? Build a specification.
Spec builder
Specify what you need instead of Media rotary joints
Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.
Already know the part number? Send it to us directly.
- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Speed (max) | 3,500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Channels | 1 |
| Pressure bar max | 70 |
Summarised in our own words from Schleifring GmbH's published data; series maxima, individual models vary. Last checked 2026-10-29. Source 1
Notes on this data
1/4": hydraulic 70 bar, air 10 bar; 1/2": hydraulic 52 bar, air 10 bar. IP not stated.
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Schleifring GmbH. SCHLEIFRING and Media rotary joints are used only to identify the product. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Engineer support
Speak to our engineers about your project
Our experienced engineers are on hand, ready to help with your project. Whether you need the SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints itself, help sourcing it, or a modified or custom design built around your load, speed and space, tell us what the machine has to do and we'll come back with the right option.
- Help sourcing Media rotary joints and spares for installed machines
- Modified and custom designs when a catalogue part doesn't fit
- Complete axis: motor, drive, gearing and feedback matched together
Typical applications
What a rotary unions and hybrid joint is
A rotary union, also called a rotary joint or swivel, transfers fluids such as compressed air, vacuum, hydraulic oil, water or coolant from a fixed supply into a rotating shaft or table. A rotating shaft runs inside a stationary housing, and each fluid passage is isolated by seals between grooves, so several media can pass through one unit. Many designs combine with an electrical slip ring into one assembly, providing both fluid and electrical paths through continuous rotation.
When engineers choose a rotary unions and hybrid joint
Choose a rotary union when pneumatic grippers, vacuum cups, hydraulic clamps or cooling circuits sit on a rotating part. The alternative of hoses limits rotation to a few turns. The trade-offs are seal friction, leakage and wear: seal choice sets pressure, speed and media compatibility, and dry running damages some seals. Mixing vacuum and pressure in one unit needs suitable seals. Combining the union with a slip ring saves space but makes the assembly larger and more application-specific.
How to specify the SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right Media rotary joints variant or an equivalent:
- Number of passages and the medium in each
- Pressure and vacuum levels (bar)
- Flow rate or port size (l/min, mm or BSP)
- Fluid temperature (°C) and compatibility
- Speed (rpm)
- Permitted leakage and drain or vent provision
- Electrical circuits if combined with a slip ring
Common mistakes to avoid
- Running a union designed for lubricated media on dry air or without flow
- Not providing a leak drain between media and the electrical section of a combined unit
- Applying side load from rigid pipework instead of using flexible hoses and a torque arm
- Ignoring pressure spikes from valve switching when choosing seals
SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints?
Single-channel rotary joints for air, vacuum and hydraulic fluid that can be combined with Schleifring slip rings. Published series figures include speed 3,500 rpm. It is made by Schleifring GmbH; Specify Motion can help source it or propose an equivalent.
Who makes the SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints?
The SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints is made by SCHLEIFRING (Schleifring GmbH) and is listed here for engineers comparing options. Specify Motion is not affiliated with Schleifring GmbH; brand names are used only to identify the product.
What is the speed of the SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints?
The published series maximum speed is 3,500 rpm. Individual models and sizes in the Media rotary joints range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
Is there an alternative to the SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints?
We can assess suitable replacement options. Our engineers can review the original model and propose options for your load, speed and environment. An engineer confirms the fit against your application before recommending anything.
Can one rotary union pass air, vacuum and water at the same time?
Yes, multi-passage rotary unions isolate each medium in its own groove with seals between them. Each passage must be specified with its medium, pressure and flow, because seals that suit air may not suit water or vacuum. Leakage paths between passages and a drain for any seepage should be agreed with the supplier.
How is a rotary union combined with a slip ring?
A common layout puts the rotary union on the axis and the electrical slip ring around or beside it in a single assembly, so both fluids and electrical circuits pass through one rotating connection. The design must keep fluid away from the electrical rings, often with a drain chamber. Specify both parts together so the supplier can manage sealing, length and bearing loads.
Further reading: How to select a rotary union · How to select a slip ring · Slip rings
Other rotary unions and hybrid joints series
Engineer support
Our engineers are ready to help with your project
Tell us about your project and how you use the SCHLEIFRING Media rotary joints: the load, speed, duty and environment. An experienced engineer will review it and reply, normally within one working day.
- Reviewed by an engineer, not an autoresponder
- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
- Standard, modified and custom options
Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.