A Complete Selection Guide of Pneumatic Air Cylinder

There is a wide range of pneumatic cylinder attributes, from size to speed and load capacity to port locations and mounting options. There are also considerations around the design and type of pneumatic cylinder you need in relation to the application and its environment. Below, we outline some of the choices to be made when choosing cylinders and provide some guidance on which ones are suitable for which applications.

Single- or Double-Acting Cylinder?

As a first consideration when considering pneumatic cylinders, determine whether a single-acting cylinder is right for your application, or if a double-acting cylinder would be more suitable. Single-acting cylinders have just one airport. The piston is moved to its final position by the pressure input from this point. The piston is returned to its starting position by means of an internal mechanism - typically a spring, though sometimes the weight of the load itself coupled with gravity can do the trick. Dual-acting cylinders have an airport at each end, using air alternately at the two ends to push the load in the desired direction. Therefore, a single-acting actuator can only carry out work in one direction, while double-acting cylinders can carry out work in both directions (up and down/forward and backward). Double-acting cylinders require more energy but are suited for loads that require pushing and pulling, such as opening a gate.

Other Factors That Determine The Right Pneumatic Cylinder for Your Application Include:How Much Work You Need The Pneumatic Cylinder To Do

In large part, the cylinder type and piston size are determined by the intended load for the cylinders. Ensure the cylinder is large enough to create the force required to lift the load and compensate for friction and losses; if you oversize the cylinder, you will have increased energy costs and an unnecessary outlay. Airmax Pneumatic is a leading Pneumatic Cylinder Manufacturers in India.

How Fast Your Pneumatic Cylinder Needs To Move

It is not only the load itself that determines the speed of a pneumatic cylinder, but also the pressure available from the compressor, the bore size, the piston rod size, and the distance to be covered by the cylinder. High travel speeds result in greater pressure losses, seemingly calling for increased pressure. Over-pressurized cylinders, however, will suffer damage and consume more energy. Likewise, heavy loads and long stroke lengths don't mix well unless the cylinders are large enough – though in such cases the mounting location of the load can help.

Where The Pneumatic Cylinder Will Be Working

Often, a compact cylinder are a good choice if space is limited, as they fit into smaller spaces. They also tend to have shorter stroke lengths since their overall design won't allow a load to be carried over a longer distance. When a pneumatic cylinder is likely to function in extreme conditions, such as very high or very low temperatures, or where it will come in contact with corrosive media, the material it is made of must be carefully chosen; cylinders can be made of steel, aluminum, brass, or engineered plastics, or even a combination of these materials. Additionally, the sealing materials used for your pneumatic cylinder must be suitable for the working environment in order to protect the equipment's internal workings and ensure its longevity.

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