VARS0042 Rotary Voice Coil Motor Fast Mirror Control 0.42Nm 40deg Actuator

Product Overview

The VARS0042-040-00A is a swing-type rotary voice coil motor developed by SUPT MOTION for direct-drive, angle-limited motion. At 25 °C, this swing-type voice coil motor delivers a peak torque of 0.42 N·m and a continuous torque of 0.38 N·m over a total stroke range of 40 degrees, with a maximum rated drive voltage of only 3.5 V.
The moving coil weighs only 38 grams and rotates in the magnetic field without the need for gears, belts, or brushes; as a result, the output shaft responds almost instantly to the drive current, and there is no mechanical backlash. Its frame dimensions are 82 × 53.6 × 30.3 millimeters, allowing it to be installed in compact optical modules and scanning heads.
This swing actuator is based on the principle of an angle-limited torque motor: the torque generated is proportional to the coil current, giving the device inherent linear characteristics that are easy to control and free of cogging effects.

Solution

Beam steering and scanning systems place stringent demands on angular actuators: mirrors must reach their commanded positions quickly, settle without oscillation, and maintain their angles with high stability during laser operation. At the switching frequencies used in galvanometer controllers, gear motors and stepper drives often face issues such as backlash, resonance, and overheating.
The VARS0042-040-00A meets these requirements with its frameless voice coil architecture. Due to the proportional relationship between torque and current, combined with its low mass, this swing-type actuator achieves extremely high acceleration for its size and, when used with a current-mode driver, can reach the target angle within a few milliseconds.
Because there is no mechanical reduction mechanism, backlash is zero; meanwhile, the low coil voltage of 3.5 V keeps power consumption low, allowing the motor to remain cool during continuous scanning.
System designers can close the loop around the actuator’s closed position using an encoder or capacitive sensor, thereby achieving smooth and repeatable angular motion across the entire 40-degree range. Its linear torque characteristics simplify the servo tuning process and eliminate the need for complex compensation tables, thereby reducing development time for high-speed mirror control applications.

Specifications

Application

The VARS0042-040-00A is typically installed as a mirror position actuator in various types of laser technology equipment, including galvanometer scanners for laser marking and engraving, beam steering devices for laser cutting and welding, optical switches, and LiDAR steering modules. Its wide 40-degree stroke and low drive voltage also make it highly sought after in the semiconductor, automotive, industrial, and aerospace industries for use as rotary valves and damping actuators, rotary positioning systems, and flight control actuators.
In all of the above applications, this actuator offers the same advantages: fast mirror control with millisecond-level stabilization times, stable holding torque capable of withstanding external vibrations, and a compact body that simplifies optical bench layouts. The motor can withstand continuous bidirectional oscillation within its continuous torque rating, making it suitable for jitter, tracking, and scanning applications. SUPT MOTION supports OEM customization of stroke limits, thrust, cable length, and mounting geometry for volume projects.

FAQ

Q1: What is the total stroke of this rotary voice coil motor?

The VARS0042-040-00A provides a total stroke of 40 degrees. The mechanical travel can be reduced or the electrical angle limited by the controller for applications that need a smaller working range.

Q2: Can this motor drive a fast steering mirror?

Yes. The direct-drive coil and 38 g moving mass give very short mechanical time constants, so the mirror settles quickly after each move. With a closed-loop controller and a position sensor, repeatable fast mirror control is achievable in laser scanning and beam-stabilization systems.

Q3: Why is the maximum voltage only 3.5 V?

The coil is wound for low-voltage, high-current operation to minimize heat and electromagnetic interference in sensitive optical equipment. A simple linear amplifier or PWM driver rated for 3.5 V and the required peak current is sufficient, and SUPT MOTION can advise on driver selection.

Q4: Does this actuator have backlash or cogging?

No. There are no gears, belts or other transmission elements between the coil and the output, so backlash and cogging torque are structurally eliminated. Positioning repeatability is limited only by the feedback sensor and the mechanical mounting.

Q5: What are the ordering and customization terms?

The minimum order quantity is 1 piece, with sample delivery in 3-5 working days and bulk production in 15-25 days. Stroke, drive voltage, coil resistance, cable and mounting dimensions can be customized for OEM projects.