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Types of pneumatic cylinders

Pneumatic cylinders play a crucial role in industrial automation, enabling reliable linear or rotary motion powered by compressed air. 

The wide range of pneumatic cylinder types are categorized primarily based on their features and intended applications. 

This guide provides detailed descriptions of the most common types of pneumatic cylinders, helping you choose the right one for your specific needs.

 

Standard Pneumatic Cylinder


Characteristics:

  • Conforms to international standards such as ISO and DIN, ensuring uniformity in dimensions and interfaces.

  • High durability, easy maintenance, and wide compatibility with various accessories (e.g., sensors, positioners, cushioning devices).

  • Available in various bore sizes and stroke lengths, making them suitable for numerous applications.


Applications:

  • Widely used in industrial automation, material handling, packaging lines, and assembly systems.

  • Ideal for general-purpose applications requiring reliable, straightforward linear motion.

 


Rodless Pneumatic Cylinder


Characteristics:

  • No external piston rod, which saves space and results in a more compact design.

  • Available in mechanical coupling or magnetic coupling options.

  • Smooth, continuous motion without external protrusions, reducing interference.


Applications:

  • Perfect for confined spaces or environments requiring long strokes with small diameters, such as automation systems, robotics, and packaging machinery.

 


Rotary Pneumatic Cylinder


Characteristics:

  • Provides rotary motion with a typical rotation angle of less than 280°.

  • Can generate torque and is equipped with adjustable stops for precise rotational control.

  • Ideal for applications requiring rotational or swinging movements.


Applications:

  • Commonly used for rotating, flipping, or indexing parts in assembly lines and material handling systems.

  • Perfect for tasks involving precise rotation or swinging, such as packaging and manufacturing.

 

Compact Pneumatic Cylinder


Characteristics:

  • Compact, space-saving design suitable for installations where space is limited.

  • High-frequency operation, suitable for applications requiring quick and repetitive motion cycles.

  • Lightweight, precise, and efficient in delivering controlled motion.


Applications:

  • Used extensively in industries where space constraints are critical, such as electronics, medical devices, and packaging.

  • Perfect for applications requiring compact design and high-speed repetitive tasks.

 


Dual Rod Guided Pneumatic Cylinder

Characteristics:

  • Features dual guide rods that resist torsion and side loads, ensuring stability and smooth motion.

  • Provides enhanced precision and minimal side play.

  • Can handle higher loads while maintaining stability and performance.


Applications:

  • Ideal for high-precision applications, such as CNC machines, robotics, and precision assembly systems.

  • Used where high accuracy and load-bearing capacity are essential, like material handling and packaging.

 


Guided Pneumatic Cylinder

Characteristics:

  • Equipped with an additional guide rod to ensure smooth, precise piston motion.

  • Offers resistance to lateral forces and misalignment, promoting stability during operation.

  • Features high-performance seals and dustproof designs to ensure reliability in challenging environments.


Applications:

  • Suitable for applications requiring highly precise linear motion and load guiding, such as automated production lines, testing equipment, and precision assembly.

  • Commonly used in robotics, medical devices, and high-precision manufacturing.

 


Mini Pneumatic Cylinder

Characteristics:

  • Compact, lightweight, and designed for applications where space is at a premium.

  • Fast, responsive action and easy installation.

  • Highly efficient and capable of precise control despite its small size.


Applications:

  • Common in small automation tasks, including assembly lines, labeling machines, and packaging systems.

  • Ideal for laboratory equipment, medical devices, and robotics, where compact size and high precision are critical.

 


Stopper Pneumatic Cylinder

Characteristics:

  • Features roller or lever mechanisms that provide smooth and reliable stopping or releasing action.

  • Designed for continuous operation with high durability.

  • Configured to stop or release objects as part of material handling processes.


Applications:

  • Often used in conveyor systems, sorting lines, and assembly processes to stop or divert objects.

  • Ideal for material handling, packaging, and sorting systems where precise control of moving items is required.

 


Common series pneumatic cylindersclassified according to different suppliers

In addition to classifying pneumatic cylinders by their features, they can also be categorized according to the manufacturers who produce them.

 The following are some well-known cylinder series offered by leading suppliers:


ISO6431 (ISO15552) Pneumatic Cylinder:

  • Manufactured in line with international standards (ISO 6431/ISO 15552), ensuring consistency and compatibility across various systems.

  • Ideal for general industrial applications where compatibility and reliability are key.


Airtac Standard Pneumatic Cylinder:

  • Designed according to Airtac’s specifications, providing reliable and cost-effective performance.

  • Suitable for general-purpose industrial applications.


SMC Standard Air Cylinder:

  • Known for their quality and precision, SMC pneumatic cylinders are widely used in applications requiring high durability and precision.

  • Ideal for industries such as automation, robotics, and manufacturing, where reliability is essential.



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