Finding the Right Key Design for Air Cylinders
Air cylinders, sometimes called air rams, are offered in various types, sizes, and shapes. There is also a plethora of standard options available.
Air rams are selected by their ability to do work, and proper air cylinder selection is of great importance to any industry. It starts with the right design to meet the application’s needs and also knowing the parts and options available in air cylinders.
Rod Bearings
This is always the first component that requires maintenance because of debris and wear. This necessitates constant seal replacement. Choose air rams that offer easy seal or bearing replacement without having to disassemble the cylinder completely. Also, choose bearings with friction coating in a non-rigid and floating style to extend its lifespan and prevent binding.
Cushions
These are “end-of-stroke” that reduce noise from end-of-stroke banging by trapping air that decelerates the piston before it impacts the end cap. These can be fixed or adjusted, a less costly option.
Piston bearings
This is a low friction strip wrapped around the piston. Piston bearings help reduce wear between the piston and tube ID. They are most effective in harsh applications where a side load may be put on the piston rod.
Coatings vs brass or stainless steel
Chemical coatings or epoxy on a cylinder are less expensive alternatives to brass or stainless-steel cylinders. Most cylinder manufacturers today offer an option of adding a tie rod, bearing, or steel piston rod to an aluminium cylinder. Specific applications like food processing may require a chemical washdown that necessitates an all-stainless-steel cylinder.
Specials
Not every application uses a standard NFPA cylinder. Manufacturers usually provide specially designed air rams to solve specific customer applications. Non-standard mounting brackets, rod or thread extensions, and special seals are examples of options that manufacturers may offer. Never hesitate to enquire about a cylinder specifically designed for certain equipment. This is much more affordable than creating equipment around a standard air cylinder.
To learn more or for enquiries about air cylinders, valves, pneumatic tools, and the like, visit Master Mac 2000 at their website, https://mastermac2000.com.au/.
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.