Air Rams: Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Pneumatic Cylinder
Pneumatic cylinders function as mechanical devices to compress air in a wide range of velocities. These devices also operate in the same way as hydraulic cylinders do. Each device has a piston which is designed to move in a specific direction. Depending on the industry, air rams are used whether for lowering, lifting, pulling, pushing, or rotating to move products directly or indirectly.
Many industries are considering air cylinders because they are cost-effective, easy to install, and durable. They come in various sizes, designs, and configurations — not to mention there are thousands of them. That is why, when choosing the right air cylinder, consider these key components to help you pick the right air ram for different application requirements.
Cylinder Design
The most basic design of pneumatic cylinders is the rod-style industrial cylinder. Technically, it is a sealed tube which contains a rod attached to a piston, extending to an aperture at one end. As the compressed air gets in through a port at one end of the air cylinder, it causes the piston rod to move, while a second port at the other end lets the air escape. If the roles of the two ports are reversed, the stroke of the piston and rod move in the opposite direction. Different applications can affect the cylinder and piston rod, so it is vital to know its basics.
Rod-style cylinders function in two ways:
- Single-acting cylinders – one side of the piston is supplied only with air, while the other side serves as an outlet of the air to the environment. With the aid of a spring—in some cases, gravity—the piston returns to its original position after the air pressure is extracted to the environment.
- Double-acting cylinders – the rod in both directions are powered using compressed air to move a load (such as closing and opening a gate). These cylinders are suitable for loads that need both pulling and pushing.
Force Output
Another pneumatic cylinder component to consider is the force it generates. To determine its force, you have to recognise its air pressure and bore size. Meanwhile, the calculation of the force can get complicated. Many manufacturers list push and pull values in their catalogues for both single-acting and double-acting cylinders to simplify the calculations for users.
Doubling the size of the bore will quadruple the thrust. Simply put, when calculating the force of cylinders with various bore sizes, the square of the diameter can increase the thrust.
Speed
The speed of a pneumatic cylinder should also be taken into consideration for it affects the performance and durability of the air cylinder. Port sizes, inlet and exhaust flow through hose, tubing sizes, and control valves are some factors that can change the velocity of an air ram.
Master Mac 2000 is one of the largest privately-owned pneumatic and process automation companies in Australia. They make sure they offer high-quality brands and products to its customers. If you are looking for air rams, Master Mac 2000 brings you top-of-the-line cylinders by Univer with different designs for various applications. Visit mastermac2000.com.au and send an enquiry today.
About MasterMac2000: Your Trusted Pneumatic & Process Automation Partner.
LEADING THE INDUSTRY: Established in 1989, MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia's largest privately owned pneumatic and process automation companies. We stock top-quality brands like Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, and Rotoflux in Brisbane.
SERVING QLD & NORTHERN NSW: We proudly service Queensland and Northern New South Wales for all your pneumatic and process equipment needs. Our mission is to provide the best pre and post-sales support while actively expanding our client base.
SOURCING HARD-TO-FIND PARTS: Not only do we stock quality components, but we also excel at sourcing those elusive, hard-to-find parts. With our extensive database and global network of contacts, getting the parts you require is as easy as a call to our highly skilled, professional sales team.
DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS:
- Decades of expertise in pneumatics & process automation
- Carefully curated selection of world-class brands
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About The Author
Stuart Havill
Stuart Havill is the owner and manager of MasterMac2000, Queensland's largest privately owned pneumatic and process valve company.
With his early working career as a maintenance fitter for Boral in 1992, Stuart has spent his life in the field of pneumatics and process equipment. He gained extensive experience in plant design, maintenance, repairs, fabrication, and site management.
In 1996, he transitioned to a pneumatic sales technician role at MasterMac2000, where he excelled in key account management, providing cost-effective solutions, and managing a sales team of 9 employees.
Since 2002, Stuart has been the manager at MasterMac2000, overseeing the company's growth and establishing it as a leader in pneumatic automation and process valve engineering. His expertise spans customer training, CRM setup, industrial compressor sizing and installation, and turn-key project management.
Under Stuart's leadership, MasterMac2000 has been servicing the industry since 1988, with 5 full-time sales representatives covering northern rivers NSW, Queensland, Northern Territory, and PNG. The company prides itself on providing the best-priced solutions to all customers in the marketplace.
View Stuart’s LinkedIn profile to learn more about his expertise in pneumatics and process equipment.