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What is Pneumatic Stopper Cylinders (MRO)?

Feb 03, 2025

Pneumatic stopper cylinders, often used in Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) settings, are specialized actuators designed to control, stop, or hold objects in motion, particularly on conveyor systems or assembly lines. 

They are integral in manufacturing, logistics, and material handling processes.


What is Pneumatic Stopper Cylinders (MRO)?

Pneumatic Stopper cylinder Features:


◆ Precise Positioning and Stopping: 

They provide high precision in stopping and positioning, making them ideal for handling various workpieces in automation systems.

◆ Durability and High Performance:

Made with high-quality materials and surfac

e treatments, they ensure long-term stable operation, even under heavy loads and harsh environments.

◆ Compact Design and Flexible Installation: 

With a small footprint, they are easy to integrate into limited spaces and offer various mounting options to suit different application needs.

◆ Cushioning Function: 

Equipped with pneumatic or rubber cushioning to reduce impact forces, improving system stability and extending service life.



Pneumatic stopper cylinder working principle


 Single-Acting with Spring Return

This is a popular choice for stopper applications due to its simplicity.

Initial State: The stopper (whether a roller or foot) is in the raised position, allowing the items on the conveyor to pass freely. 

The piston rod is extended by an internal spring, and no air pressure is needed initially.


Stopping Action: 

When an item, such as a box or pallet, needs to be stopped, compressed air is introduced into the cylinder. 

The air pushes the piston, overcoming the spring, causing the piston rod to retract and lower the stopper to halt the item on the conveyor.


Resetting: 

Once the item is stopped, the air supply is cut off. 

The internal spring then pushes the piston back to its starting position, raising the stopper and allowing the items to continue moving.



 Double-Acting

Double-acting cylinders provide more precise control as they feature air ports for both extension and retraction of the piston rod. 


There are two key configurations:


Double-Acting with Spring: 

Like the single-acting version, this model uses a spring to return the piston to a default position. Air can be applied to either port:

Air entering the 'extend' port pushes the piston rod out, lifting the stopper.

Air entering the 'retract' port moves the piston in, overcoming the spring and lowering the stopper.


Double-Acting without Spring: 

This version relies entirely on compressed air to control both the extension and retraction of the piston, with air directed to the respective port to move the piston and adjust the stopper.

In both single-acting and double-acting models with a spring, the spring holds the default position, and compressed air moves the piston against the spring force. 

Once the air is shut off, the spring naturally returns the piston to its original position.



Models of stopper cylinders:


Stopper Cylinders are primarily used in production lines or conveyor systems to control the stopping and positioning of workpieces. 

Based on various application requirements, stopper cylinders can be categorized as follows:


1. Fixed Installation Height Type

Suitable for scenarios requiring a fixed installation height.


2. Adjustable Installation Height Type

Allows height adjustments as needed, providing greater flexibility.


3. Precision Stopper Cylinders

Features built-in cushioning for gentle stopping, ideal for applications demanding higher precision.


4. Workpiece Separators

Designed to connect with conveyors, accurately separating workpieces.


5. Heavy-Duty Stopper Cylinders.

Designed for applications requiring high load capacity with a more robust construction.


6. Vertical and Horizontal Stopper Cylinders

Depending on installation orientation, these are available in vertical and horizontal types to accommodate different spatial layouts.


What is Pneumatic Stopper Cylinders (MRO)?

Fokca (Fescolo) offers the following two models of stopper cylinders:


 RSQ Series

Features: Compact structure, ideal for stopping and positioning workpieces in various automation applications.

Design: Durable and robust, suitable for high-frequency operations.



 RSDQ Series

Features: Equipped with a cushioning function to reduce impact and vibration when stopping workpieces.

Design: Designed for applications requiring higher stability and precision.

Both models can be customized to meet specific customer requirements. For detailed information or product customization, feel free to contact us!



Selecting the right stopper cylinder for an application


1. Light-duty Conveyor Line Applications

Recommended Models: RSQ Series, RSG Series

 Features:

Light-duty conveyor lines are used for the transport, sorting, and stopping of lightweight items. In this application, the stopper cylinder needs to have high operating frequency capabilities and compact design. 

The RSQ series is ideal for applications where space is limited but frequent stops are required. The RSG series is suitable when adjustable installation height is necessary for greater flexibility in the conveyor system design.

 Benefits:

Compact design, easy installation in limited space

High frequency operation, durable enough for continuous use

Adjustable height options for versatile setups



2. Heavy-Duty Load Applications

Recommended Models: Heavy-duty Stopper Cylinders

 Features:

For heavy-duty applications, such as large machine parts, automotive components, or bulk material handling, the stopper cylinder must be designed to handle higher loads and withstand greater mechanical stress. Heavy-duty stopper cylinders are built with reinforced components and provide reliable stopping power for large, heavy workpieces.

 Benefits:

High load capacity

Strong and durable construction

Suitable for demanding environments where standard cylinders may fail



3. Precision and High-Accuracy Applications

Recommended Models: RSDQ Series, RSH Series

◆ Features:

In applications that require precise stopping and positioning, such as assembly lines for electronics or delicate components, precision stopper cylinders with built-in cushioning functions are ideal. 

The RSDQ series is designed to provide a soft stop, reducing impact and vibration to maintain the accuracy and integrity of the workpieces. 

Similarly, the RSH series features precision control for accurate stopping and positioning with additional shock-absorbing capabilities.

◆ Benefits:

High precision for critical applications

Built-in cushioning reduces impact and vibration

Ensures smooth and accurate stopping of sensitive components



4. Material Separation and Sorting

Recommended Models: MIW/MIS Series (Workpiece Separators)

◆ Features:

In production lines where workpieces need to be separated or precisely aligned, workpiece separators are essential. These cylinders connect to the conveyor system and allow for accurate sorting or separation of items based on size or type. 

Models like the MIW/MIS series are designed to operate efficiently in high-speed systems.

◆ Benefits:

Accurate separation of workpieces

Reliable performance in high-speed environments

Easy integration into conveyor systems



5. Cleanroom and Food Processing Applications

Recommended Models: Stainless Steel or Corrosion-Resistant Stopper Cylinders

◆ Features:

In industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, or other cleanroom environments, stopper cylinders made from corrosion-resistant or stainless steel materials are crucial. 

These materials prevent contamination and ensure that the cylinders can withstand harsh cleaning and sterilization processes.

◆ Benefits:

Corrosion-resistant materials ensure hygiene and safety

Easy to clean and maintain

Reliable performance in sensitive environments



6. Compact and Space-Constrained Applications

Recommended Models: Vertical and Horizontal Stopper Cylinders

◆ Features:

In environments where space is limited, such as small workstations or tight production lines, choosing between vertical or horizontal stopper cylinders can make a significant difference. Vertical models are suitable when there’s less horizontal space, while horizontal models can be used when vertical space is limited.

Benefits:

Flexible installation options for tight spaces

Compact design without compromising performance

Easily adaptable to various layouts and systems



7. High-Temperature and Harsh Environments

Recommended Models: Heat-Resistant Stopper Cylinders

◆ Features:

For applications in environments with high temperatures (such as steel mills, plastic molding, or furnace operations), heat-resistant stopper cylinders are necessary. 

These cylinders are built with special seals and materials to withstand extreme temperatures and ensure reliable operation without failure.

◆ Benefits:

High heat tolerance for extreme environments

Durable seals to maintain performance at elevated temperatures

Reliable in high-temperature applications

 


Stopper cylinders vs Feed separators


Stopper cylinders stop and hold workpieces, while feed separators guide and separate them based on specific criteria. They serve different roles in automated systems.

1. Purpose

Stopper Cylinders: Used to stop and position workpieces at specific points in a production line.

Feed Separators: Used to separate, align, or direct workpieces into specific paths or bins.

2. Functionality

Stopper Cylinders: They stop or hold items in place temporarily for further processing or inspection.

Feed Separators: They guide or separate items based on characteristics like size or type before the next process.

3. Design and Mechanism

Stopper Cylinders: They apply force to stop moving workpieces and may include cushioning for smooth stops.

Feed Separators: They use mechanical or pneumatic systems to push or guide items in the desired direction.

4. Key Differences

Stopper Cylinders: Focus on stopping or holding workpieces.

Feed Separators: Focus on sorting, directing, or aligning workpieces.



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