Pneumatic cylinders – find manufacturers and suppliers

Pneumatic cylinders are mechanical drive elements that convert compressed air into linear movements, which are often used in machines and automation systems to move or position components.

They are based on the principle of compressed air power transmission, in which compressed air acts on a piston surface to generate a linear movement. The energy of the compressed air is converted into mechanical work.

Below you will find an overview of how pneumatic cylinders work, their design and types, as well as an overview of their areas of application, their advantages and disadvantages and notes on their control:

How pneumatic cylinders work:

The way they work is based on compressed air being fed into a chamber of the cylinder, which moves a piston.

This piston transmits the movement to a piston rod to which the application is connected.

The movement is caused by the difference in air pressure between the two sides of the piston.

Structure of pneumatic cylinders:

Important components of pneumatic cylinders are:

1. Piston:
   The piston is the central moving element and is driven by the incoming air force.
2. Piston rod:
   It transmits the force of the piston outwards to the working environment.
3. Cylinder barrel:
   It encloses the piston and forms the chamber in which the pressure builds up.
4. Seals:
   They prevent compressed air from escaping and ensure efficiency.

Types of pneumatic cylinders:

Pneumatic cylinders are available in various designs and modes of operation:

1. Single-acting cylinders:
   Here, the piston is moved in only one direction (usually extension) by compressed air, while the return is performed by a spring.
2. Double-acting cylinders:
   The piston is moved by compressed air both when extending and retracting. This enables greater control and uniform movement in both directions.
3. Tandem cylinders:
   They consist of two connected pistons for increased force on the same piston rod.
4. Compact cylinders:
   They are particularly flat and space-saving and are used where installation space is limited.
5. Rotary cylinders:
   These cylinders use other mechanical components to generate a rotating movement that can be used to turn components, for example.

Use of pneumatic cylinders:

They are typically used in the following areas:

1. Assembly and production:
Pneumatic cylinders move workpieces, lift, lower, push or position components.

2. Packaging industry:
For closing, opening and sorting packaging.

3. Material transportation:
They are used to move or sort conveyed goods.

4. Mechanical engineering:
They are used in processing machines to hold workpieces in place or to position tools.

5. Automation:
Pneumatic cylinders are installed in robot arms and in automated processes to control precise movements.

Pneumatic cylinders are used in many industrial applications, particularly in automation technology and manufacturing, as they are reliable, robust and comparatively inexpensive.

Advantages of pneumatic cylinders:

• Pneumatic cylinders can work very quickly and perform precise movements.
• In contrast to electric or hydraulic drives, there is no risk of overheating or leaking oil.
• Pneumatic systems are easy to control and require comparatively little maintenance.

Disadvantages of pneumatic cylinders:

• Due to the compressibility of air, such high forces cannot be generated.
• The outflow of air can cause noise.
• For extremely precise positioning, other drives such as electric cylinders are better suited.

Control of pneumatic cylinders:

• The movements are usually controlled by a valve that directs the air flow into the respective cylinder chambers. Either an on/off valve (for single-acting cylinders) or a changeover valve (for double-acting cylinders) is used.
• In addition, sensors can be used to monitor the position of the piston and send feedback to the control system.

Below is an overview of the most important points to consider when purchasing pneumatic cylinders:

When purchasing pneumatic cylinders, there are some important criteria that should be considered to ensure that the cylinders meet the requirements of the application and operate efficiently.

• Single-acting cylinders are only moved in one direction by air pressure and return by a spring.
• Double-acting cylinders require air pressure to move in both directions and offer more control and performance.
• Compact cylinders are ideal when space is limited as they require less installation space.
• Cylinders such as tandem cylinders, swivel cylinders or multi-position cylinders may be required depending on the application.
• The diameter of the piston influences the force that the cylinder can exert. The larger the diameter, the greater the force that can be exerted.
• The stroke defines the maximum movement path of the piston. It must fit the application exactly in order to avoid over- or under-movement.
• The combination of piston diameter and stroke should be selected so that it meets the force and movement requirements of the application.
• Various mounting types such as foot mounting, flange mounting, clevis or swivel bearing are possible and must match the design of the machine.
• The available space is decisive when choosing the size and design of the cylinder. Space for accessories and valves must also be taken into account.
• The cylinder must be designed for the operating pressure of the pneumatic system, usually between 4 and 10 bar.
• The required force can be calculated using the formula F = P × A, where P is the operating pressure and A is the piston area. Precise knowledge of the requirements is crucial in order to select the right combination of piston diameter and operating pressure.
• Depending on the working environment, the cylinder can be made of aluminum, stainless steel or special plastics. In corrosive environments or in the food industry, stainless steel is often the best choice.
• The seals must be matched to the operating conditions, particularly with regard to temperature, humidity and potential contamination. Heat-resistant, chemical-resistant or low-wear seals are available for special requirements.
• Not every cylinder is suitable for fast movements. Some models offer higher performance for slow movements, while others are designed for fast and precise applications.
• Applications that require exact positioning often require special cylinders with particularly precise guidance or integrated sensors.
• Consider environmental factors such as:
• Temperature: some cylinders are designed for extreme temperatures or harsh environments.
• Dust or dirt: Cylinders used in dirty environments should be equipped with additional seals and protective covers.
• Humidity or chemicals: In humid environments or in contact with chemicals, special materials are required that are resistant to corrosion.
• Cylinders can be equipped with sensors for end position positioning. These facilitate control and enable more precise monitoring of the movement.
• For applications where the piston should stop gently at the end positions, there are cylinders with adjustable end position damping.
• Check compatibility with the pneumatic valves and connections used.
• Check whether the cylinder is certified, e.g. ISO or CE, especially for safety-relevant applications or special industries such as food or medical technology.
• Depending on the application, it may make sense to invest in more durable or more specialized cylinders. More frequent maintenance or replacement can be more costly in the long term.
• The availability of spare parts and maintenance requirements should be clarified in advance to minimize downtime.

By taking these points into account, a pneumatic cylinder can be selected that is optimally suited to the application and works reliably. A well-planned purchase also ensures that operating costs and maintenance costs are reduced in the long term.

Pneumatic cylinders can be purchased from various suppliers. Comprehensive information about manufacturers and suppliers of Pneumatic cylinders from all over the world can be found on Exportpages.