Four Factors to Consider When Working with Air Cylinders
Most industrial applications require linear motion during working operations. One of the most common but cost-effective methods to accomplish this is with a pneumatic actuator or commonly referred to as an air cylinder or sometimes an air ram.
Air cylinders or air rams are devices that translate the source of static power into useful output motion in any form, be it ejecting, clamping, and blocking. It may also be used to apply force to move a load on a clear linear path such as the use of compressed air acting on a piston inside a cylinder.
So, here are four factors to consider when selecting an air cylinder for a project.
The Correct Design
To meet any industrial application need, one must know a little about the parts and options available with air rams. One must keep in mind design considerations for rod bearings (especially when it comes to maintenance), cushions, piston bearings, choosing between coatings or stainless steel or brass, and non-standard specials.
Correct Sizing of Piston Rod
Properly designed cylinders offer several piston rod diameters as standard options. One must determine the proper diameter size for the piston rod for a specific application to prevent cylinder rod buckling or cylinder rod breakage.
Know the Right Load
If you need to size for an existing application, it is essential to measure the required force. If sizing for a completely new application, perform as much physical experimentation as allowed to validate all calculations.
Remember the “Air”
Lubricated but clean and dry compressed is required for optimal cylinder life and performance. However, compared to hydraulic liquids, air is less predictable in the dynamic movement of cylinders, so always size with margin in mind.
For more information about air rams, visit Master Mac 2000 P/L at https://mastermac2000.com.au/. For the past 30 years, Master Mac 2000 has slowly become Australia’s largest privately owned distributor of pneumatic tools.
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
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
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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.