How to Specify Pneumatic Valves and Cylinders
Pneumatic cylinders or pneumatic valves are offered with different industry standards. Within these standards, pneumatic cylinders come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types, and embrace a wide range of optional features. Of course, each pneumatic type and configuration has a place in today’s motion-centric automation environment.
But sometimes, a special job falls outside any standard product offering. Only a tailored or custom pneumatic cylinder will be able to do the job. Although customised pneumatic cylinders can often be expensive or time-consuming, or both, they can be time and investment well spent so long as the cylinders are properly specified.
Push and pull forces
Determine properly the force required to size up the cylinder. When the force is known, the bore size of the cylinder needed can be determined. Pulling force, calculated when the cylinder retracts, brings the rod diameter into account.
Cylinder stroke
Stroke is usually a given for cylinder applications. But this must be determined early for specifying pneumatic cylinders and determine how much of a package size is needed to address mounting style. Does the cylinder need to pull a load that requires a 15-ft stroke? How many inches or feet do you need from a stroke to lift a stop gate on a conveyor or to push a load off the conveyor?
Mounting
Mounting is a challenging issue because it determines the way the cylinder needs to be mounted and if there is proper structure and space to do so. Will the cylinder push a load linearly or turn a crank arm? The answer determines the type of mount needed for the cylinder.
Space availability
As mentioned above, you need to figure out how much space the cylinder requires and compare it to the real space available. You need to know exactly what you need and how much space is realistically available.
What type of cylinder is best suited to my needs?
Does your cylinder need to be interchangeable, compact, and non-repairable, or is the application heavy duty? If space is at a premium (as opposed to having plenty of space), do you need to start with a compact style of a pneumatic cylinder?
MasterMac2000
MasterMac2000 P/L is one of Australia’s largest privately-owned distributors of pneumatic valves for Mack Valves. This brand is made in Australia and is widely known both locally and internationally because of its longevity, reliability, and robust design. Customised air rams, pneumatic valves, flow control valves, and other pneumatic valves can even be designed with special materials for specific needs. Call us on 07 3344 4711 or visit us at 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
- Exceptional sourcing capabilities for speciality parts
- Knowledgeable sales staff dedicated to finding solutions
- Unwavering commitment to customer service excellence
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.