A Guide to Cylinder Barrel

What is Air Cylinder Tubing?

Air cylinder tubing is a crucial component used in pneumatic systems to house the moving parts of pneumatic cylinders, such as the piston and piston rod. 

Typically made from aluminum, air cylinder tubing is valued for its lightweight, corrosion-resistant properties, making it ideal for use in automated machinery, industrial applications, and various other pneumatic systems.

It s ability to provide smooth internal surfaces ensures efficient air flow and operation in air-powered mechanisms.

Key Benefits of the Pneumatic Cylinder Barrel

The pneumatic cylinder barrel, often referred to as the cylinder tube, plays a vital role in the functioning of pneumatic cylinders. Key benefits include:

• Lightweight Construction: With materials like aluminum, pneumatic cylinder barrels are easy to install and maintain, reducing the overall system weight.

• Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum air cylinder tubing naturally resists corrosion, making it perfect for use in environments where moisture or corrosive substances might be present.

• Thermal Efficiency: These tubes offer excellent heat dissipation, ensuring that pneumatic systems perform efficiently even under high loads.

• Durability: Anodized or treated pneumatic cylinder barrels provide extended service life, resisting wear and tear from repeated use.

What are Air Cylinder Tubing Used For?

Air cylinder tubing is used primarily in pneumatic systems. It serves as the housing for the piston assembly, enabling the smooth and controlled movement required in:

• Pneumatic Cylinders: To house the piston and piston rod in a variety of air-powered machinery.

• Automated Equipment: Such as robotic arms, conveyors, and industrial machinery, ensuring smooth and efficient operation in automation systems.

• Hydraulic Systems: In low-pressure hydraulic applications, where aluminum tubes can be used for their lightweight and durable properties.

Are There Standard Lengths for Air Cylinder Tubing? 

The inner diameter of the pneumatic cylinder has a specific value, such as 32mm, 40mm, 50mm and so on. There is generally no limit to length, 

and Fokca (Fescolo) can provide customized services according to the requirements of cylinder work and customer specific needs.

Classification of common cylinders

Common cylinder tubes are typically classified into aluminum alloy cylinder tubes and stainless steel cylinder tubes. 

Here is a breakdown of their respective performance characteristics and uses:

1. Aluminum Alloy Cylinder Tubes

• Material: Generally made of 6063 aluminum alloy, known for its excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and ease of machining.

• Performance:

-Lightweight: Aluminum alloy tubes are light, making them easy to install and handle.

-Corrosion Resistance: Aluminum provides strong resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for use in humid environments.

-Good Thermal Conductivity: The high thermal conductivity of aluminum helps with heat dissipation.

• Applications: These tubes are commonly used in pneumatic systems, such as pneumatic control elements and general industrial automation equipment. 

Their lightweight and anti-corrosion properties make them suitable for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

2. Stainless Steel Cylinder Tubes

• Material: Typically made of 304 stainless steel, which is known for its high corrosion resistance and strength.

• Performance:

-High Corrosion Resistance: 304 stainless steel provides excellent resistance to acids, alkalis, and other corrosive media.

-High Strength and Wear Resistance: Stainless steel tubes offer superior strength and durability, making them suitable for high-stress and high-wear environments.

-Smooth Surface Finish: Stainless steel tubes often have a high level of surface smoothness, which reduces friction and extends their lifespan.

• Applications: Primarily used in environments that require high corrosion and temperature resistance, such as the chemical, petroleum, and food processing industries.

 They are also widely used in industrial equipment that must endure harsh conditions or demanding operational requirements.

Why Use 6063 T5 for Air Cylinder Tubing?

6063 T5 aluminum is a widely used material for air cylinder tubing due to its exceptional:

• Extrudability: It allows manufacturers to create precise, high-quality tubes that meet stringent engineering specifications.

• Corrosion Resistance: 6063 T5 aluminum naturally resists corrosion, making it ideal for pneumatic cylinder barrels exposed to harsh environments.

• Strength and Durability: Although not as strong as other alloys like 7075, 6063 T5 offers a strong balance of strength and lightweight properties for pneumatic applications.

• Cost-Effectiveness: It provides a more affordable alternative to other, higher-strength aluminum alloys while still maintaining the necessary durability for air cylinder tubing.

What Aluminum Pneumatic Cylinder Tubing Designs Are Available?

There are several designs available for aluminum pneumatic cylinder tubing, including:

• Smooth Bore Tubes: These tubes have a smooth internal surface, which ensures efficient airflow and reduces friction, making them ideal for standard air cylinder tubing applications.

• Hard Coat Anodized Tubes: These tubes are treated to increase surface hardness, offering enhanced wear resistance for high-performance applications.

• Flanged End Tubes: These tubes have flanged or threaded ends, allowing easy integration into various pneumatic systems.

• Tapered Tubes: Tapered pneumatic cylinder barrels are designed to fit specific installation requirements, saving space while offering high-load performance.

Hard Coat Anodized vs. Sandblast Anodized Air Cylinder Tubing

The comparison between hard coat anodized and sandblast anodized air cylinder tubing is important when considering the durability and aesthetics of the cylinder:

• Hard Coat Anodized: This process provides a thick, durable oxide layer that increases the wear resistance of the pneumatic cylinder barrel, making it ideal for high-cycle or high-load applications.

• Sandblast Anodized: This finish offers a matte, textured surface that is suitable for applications where surface appearance is important, but it is generally less durable than hard coat anodizing.

Innovative One-Stop Solution for Air Cylinder Tubing

A comprehensive, one-stop solution for air cylinder tubing includes:

• Custom Sizing: Available in a wide range of sizes and lengths to fit specific needs.

• Surface Treatments: Offering anodizing, sandblasting, and hard-coat anodizing to meet different operational conditions.

• Full Assembly Services: Providing complete pneumatic cylinder barrels, including end caps, pistons, and rods for seamless system integration.

• Rigorous Quality Testing: Our stringent testing processes ensure high standards of quality.

• Expert Team: Our skilled professionals excel in resolving customer challenges and delivering customized solutions.

When selecting air cylinder tubing and pneumatic cylinder barrels, consider factors such as material, surface treatment, durability, and customization to ensure you are choosing the best solution for your pneumatic system.

 If you need to confirm some details, you can contact Fokca (Fescolo), we will patiently explain to you.