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Sda Thin Pneumatic CylinderThis compact pneumatic cylinder is double acting, meaning it requires air to extend and air to retract the rod. The pneumatic compact cylinders can be used in applications with limited space.
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Dnc Pneumatic CylinderDouble acting pneumatic cylinder with a 32-320 mm bore and 25-1000 mm stroke. It requires an operating pressure between 0.1 – 1.0 mpa. Self-lubricating, magnetic, adjustable damping, and has an end
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Mal Aluminum Alloy Mini Pneumatic CylinderThis pneumatic cylinder is double acting, meaning it requires air to extend and air to retract the rod. It is a globally accepted and widely used standard.
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Sc Standard Pneumatic CylinderDouble acting pneumatic cylinder with a 32-320 mm bore and 25-1000 mm stroke. It requires an operating pressure between 0.1 – 1.0 mpa. Self-lubricating, magnetic, adjustable damping, and has an end
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Tn Double Rod Pneumatic CylinderDouble acting pneumatic cylinder with a 10-50 mm bore and 10-500 mm stroke. It requires an operating pressure between 0.1 – 1.0 mpa. Self-lubricating, magnetic, adjustable damping, and has an end rod
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What is Pneumatic Cylinders
Pneumatic cylinders also called air cylinders are the final component of the pneumatic or compressed air control mechanical device. Air or pneumatic cylinders are devices that transform compressed air power into mechanical energy.
The mechanical energy produces linear or rotary motion. The pneumatic air cylinder functions as the actuator in the pneumatic system. So it is called a pneumatic linear actuator.
Selecting the right pneumatic cylinder can ensure the long-term success of an application and improves the proper overall performance of the machine.
Advantages of pneumatic cylinders
Speed and precision
Pneumatic cylinders excel at providing rapid and precise motion control. Whether it's moving a conveyor belt, controlling a robotic arm, or operating a packaging machine, these cylinders offer exceptional speed and accuracy. This enables manufacturers to optimize their production processes, leading to higher throughput and improved product quality.
Cost-efficiency
Compressed air, the driving force behind pneumatic cylinders, is often readily available in industrial settings. This makes pneumatic systems cost-effective to implement and operate. Unlike some alternatives, pneumatic systems require minimal infrastructure and are relatively easy to maintain, translating into lower overall costs.
Safety and reliability
Safety is a paramount concern in industrial environments. Pneumatic systems are inherently safer than some other power sources, such as electricity or hydraulics, as they do not pose the same risk of electrical shock or fluid leakage. Additionally, pneumatic cylinders are known for their reliability, with a long service life and minimal downtime, which is crucial for maintaining productivity.
Versatility
One of the standout features of pneumatic cylinders is their adaptability to a diverse range of industrial tasks. Manufacturers can choose from a wide variety of pneumatic cylinders, including compact cylinders, ISO standard cylinders, NFPA interchangeable cylinders, rotary cylinders, rodless cylinders, and even specialty made-to-order units. This versatility allows them to tailor their automation solutions to suit specific applications.
Simple integration
Integrating pneumatic cylinders into existing industrial setups is typically straightforward. Their simplicity of design and standardized interfaces make installation and maintenance relatively hassle-free. This means that manufacturers can quickly implement pneumatic systems without significant downtime or costly modifications.
Energy efficiency
In an era where energy conservation is a top priority, pneumatic systems shine. They are inherently energy-efficient since they only consume compressed air when in use, allowing for precise control of energy consumption. Furthermore, modern pneumatic components are designed with energy-saving features that reduce air consumption, making them an eco-friendly choice.
Clean and contamination-free
Pneumatic systems are ideal for industries where cleanliness and contamination control are critical, such as food processing and pharmaceuticals. Since they rely on compressed air, there is no risk of hydraulic fluid contamination. This ensures that products remain uncontaminated and safe for consumption.
Pneumatic CylindersStyles
Air cylinders are used in many positioning, actuating, and clamping applications. Choices for air cylinder style include:
Tie rod- Tie rod cylinders are held together by exterior tie rods, and are usually in a rectangular bolt pattern. They can be used for all types of cylinders and for various sized loads. Tie rods can be used to protect the cylinder from damage, however the rods must be tested under high torque to ensure the rods don't elongate under high pressure.
Smooth body- In a smooth-body air cylinder, the cylinder's body is smooth and typically encases the piston.
Pancake- Pancake air cylinders have a shorter length and larger diameter than other air cylinder styles. This gives the cylinder a "pancake" appearance. The piston rod may not be entirely encased in the frame.
Miniature- A miniature cylinder operates in the same manner as a regular sized cylinder except that its profile is smaller and the body may be threaded for mounting purposes. They may be as small as 2.5mm and are mainly single acting cylinders for use in light duty miniature assemblies and manufacturing.
Ram- A ram is a device in which the cross-sectional area of the piston rod is more than one-half the cross-sectional area of the moving component. Rams are primarily used to push rather than pull, and are most commonly used in high pressure applications.
Welded- A smooth hydraulic cylinder that uses a heavy-duty welded cylinder housing to provide stability.
Rectangular- A rectangular air cylinder is encased in a rectangular, box-shaped frame.
Rotating- Rotating actuators use air pressure to cause rotary motion. This type of actuator typically provides angular rotation up to 360°. Rotary actuators can be a vane design or a rack and pinion design.
Multiple bore- In a multiple-bore cylinder, two or more bores and pistons are combined or stacked in same air cylinder.
• Adjustable stroke- Adjustable stroke allows for the end points or the total stroke length to be adjusted.
• Air/oil tandem- An Air/oil tandem provides smooth, hydraulic-like motion. This combination is only used in pneumatic cylinder.
• Bumpers- Bumpbers, also known as cushions, slow the piston before it comes to a stop. Non-cushioned cylinders have the piston stop by hitting the end cover. The energy and noise from the piston and the rod must then dissipate throughout the cylinder. This is often very loud and will eventually cause fatigue to the piston and end cover material. Cushioning can be adjustable in the case of a large piston or static for smaller, lighter duties.
• Closed loop control- Also known as servo control, the cylinders have external devices that send back a signal to the pump control giving it position information.
• Holding brakes- Holding brakes work in conjunction with the self-locking feature to increase holding force.
• Shock absorbers- Shock absorbers are used in pneumatic of hydraulic fluid absorption of shock.
• Double-ended rods- Double end rods extend from both ends of the cylinder with attachment features such as threads on both ends.
• Multi-position end-plate- A multi-position end plate can be actuated to different positions along its stroke, not just the endpoint.
• Integrated overload slip clutch or torque limiter- An integral flow control incorporates a flow control valve that limits the amount of air or fluid that enters the cylinder.
• Protective boot- Protective boots are a cover that protects moving parts against environment damage.
• Self-locking- Self-locking actuators lock in the current position when there is a loss of signal.
• Integral sensors- Integral sensors are equipped within the cylinder to monitor position and proximity.
• Integral flow- Integral flow control incorporates a flow control valve or device that limits the amount of air of fluid that enters the cylinder.
• Non-rotating- Non-rotating denotes multiple rods to prevent the plunger from rotating.
• Magnetic switches- Magnetic switches such as Hall Effect sensors indicate if the thruster is in the retracted or extended position.
• Thermal overload protection- Thermal overload protection is used to trip a switch when a preset temperature is exceeded.
• Intrinsically safe- Intrinsically safe electric linear actuators can be used in hazardous environments such as chemical processing facilities.
Important operating specifications to consider when selecting an air cylinders includes cylinder stroke and operating pressure range.
• Stroke- Stroke is the distance between fully extended and fully retracted rod positions.
• Operating pressure- The operating pressure range specifies the full-required range of operating pressure.
• Bore size- Bore size is also important to consider.
• Body material- Common body material choices include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, and plastic.
• Rod diameter- The rod diameter determines how much load the piston is able to handle before it buckles. The table below shows the minimum rod diameter under various load conditions. The exposed length of the piston, listed at the top of the table, is typically longer than the stroke length of the cylinder. The vertical scale is in English tons (1 ton = 2000lbs.)

Mounting of a Pneumatic Cylinders
• Clevis or eye attachment connects the cylinder to the extended end of the piston via threads.
• Double end mounts have a nose and rear which contain threaded bosses for nut attachment.
• Flange mounts are brackets placed on the cylinder.
• Floating mounts are for more convenient installation of the cylinder.
• Foot brackets are flanges that rest underneath the cylinder.
• Lugs are short blocks with holes that attach to the side of the cylinder and allow mounting to another surface.
• Face mount have threaded holes on the front face for attachment.
• Nose mounts are threaded for mounting through a hole with a nut on the other side.
• Rear mount have tapped holes or mounting flanges on the rear.
• Threaded mounts are designed to mount to bolts via threaded holes in the cylinder head or cap.
• Trunnion mounts are specially designed mounting blocks which can be located at the cap, end, or an intermediate location along the cylinder.

The main and most commonly used pneumatic motor is the pneumatic cylinder, and this explains the wide variety of its designs. The pneumatic cylinder of standard design contains a body consisting of a sleeve, a front cover, a rear cover and four tie rods tightened with nuts. Piston and rod fastened with a nut and washer (piston and rod can be made in one piece in small size pneumatic cylinders). Guide sleeve pressed into the front cover for stem locating. A set of seals for movable joints and for fixed ones, as well as a wiper installed in a cover, fixed on the front cover.
Compressed air from a compressor or other source is supplied to the piston cavity of the pneumatic cylinder, the rod cavity at this moment is connected to the atmosphere with the help of a distributor, and the pressure of compressed air acts on the piston, causing it to move until it rests against the front cover. The pneumatic cylinder makes a straight stroke, and its rod extends.
To carry out the reverse stroke, it is necessary to supply compressed air to the rod end, and the piston end to be connected to the atmosphere. Under the action of compressed air pressure, the piston will move, and the rod will move.
The direction of compressed air flows into the piston and rod cavities, as well as their connection with the atmosphere or the discharge line, is carried out using special devices - pneumatic distributors.
Pneumatic Cylinder Accessories
Pneumatic grippers
A pneumatic gripper is a pick-and-place device that uses compressed air to operate gripper jaws, also called fingers. They typically have two or three fingers and have an internal pneumatic cylinder to operate and control them. They are mostly used in automated manufacturing processes to grip a workpiece. Read our pneumatic gripper article to learn more about how they work.
Mounting accessories
Mounting accessories are used to mount the pneumatic cylinder or for coupling the piston rod to a load. They are typically designed based on the ISO standard of the pneumatic cylinder. Mounting accessories will affect system performance, reliability, and overall design. Flanges, food mounted, pivots, angle brackets, and spherical eye are just some of the different mounting accessories. Read our articles on rod-end and mounting accessories.
• Industrial automation: Pneumatic cylinders are extensively used in industrial automation for tasks such as material handling, packaging, assembly, and sorting. They can push, pull, lift, lower, and clamp objects in manufacturing processes.
• Machine tools: Pneumatic cylinders are integrated into machine tools for operations like workpiece clamping, tool changing, and controlling the movement of cutting tools. They help in achieving precise positioning and rapid tool changes.
• Automotive industry: Pneumatic cylinders are used in car manufacturing for tasks like welding, painting, and assembling components. They provide controlled movement and force for consistent and efficient production processes.
• Conveyor systems: Pneumatic cylinders are utilized in conveyor systems to control the movement of products along assembly lines or distribution centers. They can stop, start, divert, and align items on the conveyor belts.
• Packaging machinery: Pneumatic cylinders play a role in packaging equipment by assisting in the sealing, labeling, and stacking of packages. They ensure accurate and repeatable movements in these processes.
• Material handling: Pneumatic cylinders are used to manipulate and position materials in warehouses, distribution centers, and factories. They can lift and move items to different locations, aiding in the logistics and storage of goods.
• Food and beverage processing: Pneumatic cylinders are used in food and beverage processing for tasks like sorting, filling, capping, and labeling containers. They maintain a clean and hygienic environment while handling products.
• Aerospace industry: Pneumatic cylinders are found in aerospace applications for functions such as deploying landing gear, controlling flaps and rudders, and opening and closing cargo doors in aircraft.
• Medical equipment: Pneumatic cylinders are used in medical equipment like hospital beds, surgical tables, and patient lifts. They enable smooth and controlled movement of various components, ensuring patient comfort and safety.
• Construction equipment: Pneumatic cylinders are employed in construction equipment such as cranes, excavators, and concrete pumps. They assist in lifting heavy loads and performing various tasks on construction sites.
• Printing industry: Pneumatic cylinders are essential components in printing machinery for tasks like paper feeding, ink distribution, and press plate movement. They contribute to achieving high-quality and consistent printing results.
• Textile industry: Pneumatic cylinders are employed in textile machines for actions like yarn tensioning, fabric cutting, and needle movement in sewing machines. They ensure precise and controlled movements in textile processes.
How Do I Select a Pneumatic Cylinder
• Type of motion: The pneumatic actuator or cylinder you need depends on whether you require a rotary or a linear motion.
• Pressure and flow requirements: Consider what you want from the pneumatic actuator or cylinder. This also covers other components required - if they are incorrectly sized they can affect its performance.
• Environment: Thanks to developments in corrosion-resistance, pneumatic cylinders and actuators can be used in extreme temperatures. Stainless steel actuators or cylinders are also available.
• Special features: If you’re looking to save energy, consider using an integrated pneumatic cylinder or actuator such as Norgren’s Integrated Valve & Actuator (IVAC). product. Also ensure the actuator or cylinder is correct in size and appropriate to the operation expected.
• Single acting or double acting: Pneumatic actuators or cylinders generally fall into one of these two categories depending on the type of application, the force or motion required, the size of the job and the accuracy or control expected. Generally, a pneumatic actuator or cylinder will house a piston and rod within it.
• Type dependent on application: Several types of pneumatic actuators or cylinders are available, including rodless cylinders, roundline cylinders and compact cylinders.
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AKS Pneumatic Components Co,Ltd.established in 2006 is a professional manufacturer engaged in the research,development,production,sale and service of pneumatic fitting,cylinder,solenoid valve,air source treatment,muffler.We located in Xinguang Industry Zone Liushi,Yueqing,adjacent to the beautiful scenery of the yandang mountain,a few kilomters away from Wenzhou airport,the geographical position is superior,the traffic is very convenient.We dedicated to strict quality control and thoughtful customer service,our experienced staff members are always available to discuss your requirements and ensure full customer satisfaction.In recent years our company has introduced a series of advanced equipment including the injection molding machine,automatic instrument machine and automatic assembly machine.AKS company has strong technical force,advanced production equipment to provide customers with high performance products,in addition we have obtained the products test report and certificate from the goverment,our products sell well in all cities and provinces around China,our products are also exported to clients in such countries and regions as Italy,Germany,Turkey,India,Iran,Vietnam,Bangladesh,Dubai etc.the customers prefer our products very much.Whether selecting a current product from our catalog or seeking engineering assistance for your application,you can talk to our customer service center about your sourcing requirement,we sincerely hope you will cooperate with us.

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