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Pneumatic Cylinders

Pneumatic Cylinders

Single and double-acting, compact, rodless and guided cylinders.

Also searched as: air cylinderpneumatic cylinderiso cylindercompact cylinder

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About pneumatic cylinders

Pneumatic cylinders convert compressed air energy into linear motion, providing force and displacement for various industrial automation tasks. They are broadly categorized by their acting mechanism: single-acting cylinders extend with air pressure and retract via spring force, while double-acting cylinders use air pressure for both extension and retraction. Specialized variants include compact cylinders, designed for space-constrained applications; rodless cylinders, which move a carriage along the cylinder body without an external rod, offering longer strokes in a compact footprint; and guided cylinders, which incorporate guide rods to resist rotation and side loads. Key selection parameters include bore size (typically from 6mm to 320mm), stroke length (from 5mm to several meters), operating pressure (commonly 0.1 MPa to 1.0 MPa), and mounting style (e.g., clevis, flange, trunnion, foot). Materials often include aluminum barrels and end caps, stainless steel piston rods, and various elastomer seals (e.g., NBR, FKM). ISO standards like ISO 6431, ISO 15552, and ISO 21287 define interchangeability and dimensions for many common cylinder types.

How to choose

When selecting a pneumatic cylinder, first determine the required force and stroke length. This will dictate the necessary bore size and overall cylinder dimensions. Next, consider the application's movement requirements: does it need force in only one direction (single-acting) or both (double-acting)? Evaluate available space and potential side loads; compact or rodless cylinders address space constraints, while guided cylinders manage side loading and non-rotation. Finally, specify mounting configuration (e.g., clevis for pivoting, flange for rigid attachment) and port thread type (e.g., G, NPT, M). Environmental factors like temperature, moisture, and chemical exposure will influence seal and construction material choices.