What are pneumatic cylinders used for?

1. Working Principle of a Cylinder

A cylinder is a mechanical device that converts the energy of compressed air into linear mechanical motion. It consists of a cylindrical shell or barrel, a piston, and various sealing components. When compressed air enters the cylinder through the air inlet, it exerts pressure on the piston, causing it to move along the length of the cylinder.

Double-acting cylinder (most commonly used):
Forward: Compressed air enters through port A, pushing the piston to one side. Air on the other side of the piston is exhausted through port B.
Reverse: Compressed air enters through port B, pushing the piston to the other side. Air on port A is exhausted.
Features: Both directions are driven by compressed air, resulting in stable output force and controllable stroke.

Single-acting cylinder:
Forward: Compressed air enters through a single air port, pushing the piston rod out.
Reverse: When the air port is exhausted, the piston rod is pushed back by the force of an internal spring.
Features: Simple structure and low air consumption. However, the spring takes up some of the travel space, and the output force during retraction is less than during extension because it must overcome the spring force.

2. Core Features and Advantages

Simple Structure, Easy Installation and Maintenance: Compared to hydraulic and electric actuators, pneumatic cylinders have a simpler structure, a lower failure rate, and require relatively low technical skills from maintenance personnel.
Adaptable: They can operate reliably in harsh environments such as high temperatures, explosion-proof systems, and dusty environments (electric systems may require a higher cost to achieve the same safety level in these environments).
High Speed ​​and Fast Response: The high flow of compressed air enables the cylinder to achieve high speeds.
Excellent Overload Protection: When the cylinder stops due to overload, it will not burn out and will resume operation immediately by simply removing the overload.
Stepless Speed ​​Regulator: Pneumatic components such as throttle valves allow for smooth and easy adjustment of the cylinder's speed.
Affordable: Initial purchase cost and ongoing maintenance costs are relatively low.

3. How to Choose a Pneumatic Cylinder?

In actual projects, the following parameters are key considerations when selecting a cylinder:
Cylinder diameter: Determines the cylinder's output force. The larger the diameter, the greater the output force. Choose a cylinder based on the required thrust/pull force.
Stroke: The length of the piston rod's extension and retraction. Choose a cylinder based on the required travel distance.
Mounting method: Examples include tripod mounting, flange mounting, and clevis mounting. Choosing a mounting method that matches the equipment structure is crucial.
Determine whether accessories are required: Examples include a magnetic switch (for piston position detection), a buffer (to reduce impact at the end of the stroke), and a throttle valve (for speed control).