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Guide on How a Pneumatic Cylinder Works

Guide on How a Pneumatic Cylinder Works
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These devices, also called air cylinders, are used in air brakes, automatic door closures and in automobiles helping the engine to rotate the wheels. The pneumatic cylinder has three parts, a shaft, a rod and a plunger. The plunger is attached to the rod which is inserted into the shaft of the cylinder. The assembly of plunger and the rod moves in and out of the cylinder building the air pressure inside. The purpose of plunger is to take the impact of this air pressure.

Via: Pinterest.com
Via: Pinterest.com

These cylinders come in various sizes starting from 2.5mm in diameter to 400 mm typically. Cylinders with higher diameter such as 1000mm are used to replace hydraulic applications.

There are two types of cylinders, single acting and double acting. In a single acting cylinder assembly, the movement of piston is only in one direction, which is when the pressure is applied. The piston is not retracted once the pressure is removed. It uses a spring attachment to push the piston back into position when the air pressure is removed. The disadvantage of this set up is that one needs to apply more pressure to move the piston since it has to overcome the spring load also.

A double acting pneumatic cylinder moves in both directions. It uses the air pressure to expand and retract like a vacuum pulling the rod back. This assembly requires more air and the solenoid valves are also more complex as compared to a single acting cylinder.

Pneumatic cylinders are to be constantly maintained and serviced. Valve positions are to be regularly checked so that there is no loss of air pressure. Freezing of the pneumatic system may damage the control and seal functions and hence to be avoided.

Sterling and Parker are the prominent manufacturers of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. Pneumatic cylinders are available commercially now in various designs and specifications.

The infographic given below will show you the differences among Pneumatic, Traditional and Integrated types:

tol383_web_012813_infographic

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