Selecting the perfect pneumatic cylinder for your operation can be a formidable task. With so numerous models available and so various industrial applications, it is important to choose the cylinder based on your system requirements for maximum performance and lifespan.
All pneumatic cylinder types have special characteristics well-suited to particular settings and uses. To facilitate your decision, here are five key suggestions to keep in mind when selecting a pneumatic cylinder.
1. Design and Stroke Length
With all these pneumatic cylinders out there, locating your particular needs is where you start. Start by selecting the proper cylinder style. The rod-style pneumatic cylinder is the most common and comes in two basic variations:
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Single-acting cylinders: Provide motion in one direction.
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Double-acting cylinders: Provide motion in two directions, making them more versatile.
Once you determine the kind of actuation, you may narrow down your choice:
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Repairable Cylinders – Ideal for heavy-duty applications; these allow the internal components like seals to be serviced, thus prolonging the life of the cylinder.
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Disposable Cylinders – Cost-effective for less strenuous application but must be completely replaced when they have worn out.
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Compact Cylinders – For tight spaces with short strokes. Typically single-acting but may also occur in double-acting variants.
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Guided Cylinders – Provide stable guidance for offset or heavy loads, enhancing accuracy and reliability.
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Rack and Pinion Cylinders – Typically used in process applications to operate quarter-turn valves.
While rod-style cylinders are common, rodless cylinders may be used where there is a need for longer stroke or higher moment loading applications.
2. Consider Stroke Length
Stroke length needed is dependent on the nature of your application:
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Short strokes: Short as 1/16 inch (e.g., in compact cylinders).
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Intermediate strokes: Up to 36 inches for typical automation applications.
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Choose the design and stroke best meeting the spatial and functional needs of your system.
3. Speed
Your cylinder's stroking speed is of utmost concern. Speed impacts productivity, system efficiency, and component life. Several factors affect speed:
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Control valve flow rates
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Port sizes
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Hose or tubing size
Apply the following formula to estimate stroke speed:
s = 28.8q / A
Where:
s = stroke speed
q = airflow (SCFM – standard cubic feet per minute)
A = piston area
Accurate calculation of speed aids system control and avoids mechanical stress or premature failure.
4. Air Consumption
In high-speed or high-cycling applications, accurate air consumption is essential. Your compressor must deliver enough volume to keep up with demand under peak loads. Inadequate air delivery at critical loads can significantly impact system performance and efficiency.
Be sure to calculate total system consumption and size your compressor appropriately—worst-case planning.
5. Force Output
Having an idea of how much force your cylinder will have to produce is also a key consideration. Force output is dependent on air pressure and cylinder bore.
General rule of thumb: The force developed should be twice the load requirement to ensure reliable operation and safety.
Unreliable performance can come from under-powered cylinders, and over-specifying points the cost unnecessarily higher. Moderation is the target.
6. Material Selection
Environmental conditions play a significant role in choosing the right material for your pneumatic cylinder. If the system is exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures, corrosive environments, or high humidity, select materials withstood by such conditions.
Common cylinder materials include:
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Stainless steel
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Aluminum
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Steel
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Brass
In addition, choose seal materials compatible with your operating environment to prevent premature wear and protect internal components.
Choose the Right Cylinder for Your Application
Selecting the correct pneumatic cylinder requires an understanding of your application's requirements—from force output to environment. Going over the above five considerations will lead you to an informed choice that enhances system dependability, reduces downtime, and enhances performance.
Require top-of-the-line pneumatic cylinders? We've got you covered. Browse our inventory today or consult with our experts to establish the optimal fit for your application.