Types of air cylinder

Pneumatic Cylinder ISO 6431

The 6431 standard is the predecessor of the ISO 15552 standard. 

Both have the same mounting dimensions, but ISO 15552 introduces standards for larger bore cylinders and provides more detailed requirements for the dimensions and precision of cylinder components. 

These cylinders adhere to the ISO 6431 standard, ensuring interchangeability and compatibility across a wide range of pneumatic systems. 

Commonly used in industrial automation, they offer reliability, precise motion, and consistent performance.

Common types of cylinders that follow the ISO 6431 standard include the DNC,  DNG , and SI series, which are widely used in various pneumatic applications. 

These cylinder types are designed to meet specific performance needs while adhering to the mounting and dimensional guidelines set by the standard.

Airtac Standard Pneumatic Cylinder

Designed and manufactured to the specifications of Airtac, these cylinders are popular for their durability, precision, and wide availability. They are often used in general automation tasks, providing reliable and efficient pneumatic actuation. Under standard working conditions, the AIRTAC SC cylinder offers better cost-performance.

◆ SC Series Standard Cylinder

The SC Series is designed with a simple, compact, and durable construction. It is more cost-effective and is suitable for a wide range of general industrial applications. 

The cylinder body is typically made of anodized aluminum for corrosion resistance.

◆ SU Series Standard Cylinder

The SU Series has a similar design but offers additional features that improve its performance in more demanding environments. 

It often comes with enhanced sealing, cushioning, and higher precision to withstand harsher working conditions.

SMC Standard Air Cylinder

SMC cylinders are manufactured to meet SMC's quality and performance standards, ensuring reliable pneumatic motion. 

These cylinders are known for their durability, precision, and compatibility across various industrial applications.

Differences Between Three Types of Standard Pneumatic Cylinders

The primary differences between ISO 6431, Airtac Standard, and SMC Standard pneumatic cylinders lie in their mounting dimensions and appearance. Each standard has specific design criteria that influence how the cylinders are constructed and installed.

◆ ISO 6431 Standard:

This standard defines the basic mounting dimensions and design for a variety of pneumatic cylinders, ensuring compatibility across different manufacturers. It is widely used and recognized internationally.

The design is fairly standardized, with specific tolerances and component placements. However, it may differ slightly in terms of the outer casing and finishes compared to other standards.

◆ Airtac Standard:

Airtac Standard cylinders are designed with slightly different mounting dimensions than the ISO 6431 standard. These cylinders are optimized for cost-efficiency, and their dimensions are generally tailored to match Airtac's own range of products.

While visually similar to the ISO standard, Airtac cylinders often have unique features that distinguish them, such as different surface treatments or slight variations in size and structure.

◆ SMC Standard:

SMC cylinders follow their own set of design guidelines, which can result in different mounting dimensions compared to both ISO 6431 and Airtac standards. SMC's cylinders are often used in more precise or high-performance applications.

SMC cylinders tend to have more advanced design features, such as unique seals or additional cushioning options, giving them a more specialized appearance and structure.

Compact Air Cylinder

These are small-profile cylinders engineered for applications where installation space is limited. 

Compact cylinders offer high force output relative to their size and are widely used in machinery where saving space without sacrificing force is essential.

Dual Rod Guided Air Cylinders

These cylinders feature dual rods to improve stability, provide anti-rotation capabilities, and resist side loads. 

Their guided design makes them ideal for precise linear movements in automation, assembly lines, and robotic applications.

Rodless Air Cylinder

Rodless cylinders provide linear motion without a traditionalpiston-rod, making them suitable for applications where space is restricted or long strokes are needed. 

They are commonly used in conveyor systems, material handling, and sliding doors.

Mini Pneumatic Air Cylinder

Mini air cylinders are compact actuators designed for use in applications with limited space. 

Despite their small size, they offer high performance and are used in electronics, medical devices, and compact automation systems.

Pneumatic Rotary Cylinder

Unlike standard air cylinders, rotary cylinders provide rotational motion. 

They are used for applications such as valve actuation, rotation of parts, and indexing systems in automation.

Other Special Air Cylinder

This category encompasses a variety of custom or specialized air cylinders designed for specific or unique applications. 

Examples include tandem cylinders, multi-stage cylinders, or cylinders with specialized coatings.

The main thing to keep in mind when choosing a pneumatic cylinder is to ensure that the mounting dimensions match your system's requirements. 

If no suitable standard size is available, we offer customized options to meet your exact needs. 

Please feel free to contact us for bespoke cylinder solutions.