We carry many versions of cylinders within pneumatics, including round ISO cylinders, compact cylinders, ISOLine profile cylinders, and rodless cylinders. You can also benefit from purchasing mountings and Reed switches for controlling the cylinder.
Always ensure you choose the appropriate cylinders to improve the efficiency and lifespan of your applications. You can always get professional advice on the choice of cylinders that fit your specific needs.
Pneumatic systems are complex, and your choice of the right pneumatic cylinders is essential for the systems' efficiency and durability. By investing in pneumatic cylinders that can meet your company's needs, you avoid costly downtime and premature machine replacements.
What does pneumatics involve?
Pneumatics is a term derived from the ancient Greek word pneuma, which means "air". In pneumatic drives, air, or more precisely compressed air, is used to perform mechanical tasks. But how does it work? To use a pneumatic cylinder, you must first generate compressed air. This is typically done with a compressor that draws air from the surroundings and compresses it until there is pressure between 6 and 40 bar in the air system.
The air drawn in from the surroundings can often be contaminated with particles such as oil, dust, or pollen. It is important to filter the air of these impurities before it enters the pneumatic drive. If this is not done, it can damage the machines. The purified air is then routed through a system of pipes to the various machines.
An air tank built into the system acts as a buffer and keeps the pressure in the distribution system constant. This means that compressors only need to operate if the pressure in the pipe system begins to drop. The compressed air can now be used to drive a pneumatic cylinder on a factory floor or a pneumatic wrench at a car repair shop.
The function of pneumatic cylinders
In pneumatics, there are different drive systems, such as pneumatic motors or pneumatic cylinders. A pneumatic cylinder is relatively simply constructed: In addition to the cylinder's tube, a pneumatic cylinder consists of two end caps that seal the tube from both ends, and a piston rod with a drive piston. A pneumatic cylinder can be classified by design, executed movement, or function.
There are various designs such as cylinders with piston rods, rotary cylinders, round cylinders, profile cylinders, or diaphragm cylinders. Their movements are linear or rotary, while the function can be categorized as single-acting or double-acting.
A single-acting pneumatic cylinder has only a single air pressure connection. When air is directed into the cylinder, the piston moves out of the cylinder's tube. When the air is released again, the piston rod returns to its original position. Such single-acting cylinders therefore generate force in only one direction.
In contrast, a double-acting cylinder has two air pressure connections. Depending on which of the two connections is supplied with air, the piston moves in either direction. Since such a cylinder transmits force in both directions, they are referred to as double-acting pneumatic cylinders.
Pneumatic ISO cylinders
For environments where hygiene is a high priority, ISO cylinders made of stainless steel are an obvious choice. It is important to ensure that both the base length of the cylinders and the metal cylinders are properly dimensioned for the intended use.
There are also special versions of air cylinders for different purposes. For example, special compact cylinders are available for use in areas with limited space. There are also series that come with a through rod or even cylinders without pistons.
What are the benefits of pneumatics?
Pneumatic systems are known for their durability. They are generally resistant to various influences and vibrations. Pneumatics only uses compressed air, which makes the technology very clean and therefore also suitable for use in sensitive areas - such as the food industry for driving and controlling machines. Unlike a hydraulic cylinder, a leak in a compressed air hose will only release air, so there is no risk of contamination.
Overloading typically does not cause damage to a compressed air-driven system. The large amount of waste heat generated from compressing air can be used for heating. And compressed air-driven systems are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain compared to hydraulic systems.
Ahlsell is your supplier of pneumatic cylinders
We have a wide range within pneumatics. Find what you need for your project in Ahlsell's webshop - 24/7. Timely delivery is a given, and when you shop at Ahlsell, you can have your products delivered in several different ways. You can see which delivery option suits your needs best here.
We have several years of experience with products from various leading manufacturers. If you need guidance, you will experience professional expertise and good service if you call our sales department or seek advice in one of our many stores across the country.
You can choose to have your orders delivered to your business, construction site, or a completely different location. You can also simply reserve the products at your nearest Ahlsell store. After a short time, all your products will be ready for pickup.