The Essentials of Pneumatic Cylinders with Air Rams
Some industrial applications need linear motion for necessary operating sequences. One of the most cost-effective methods to accomplish this is by using pneumatic actuators or pneumatic air cylinders using air rams. An air cylinder is a device that translates a source of static power into useful output motion. It can also be used to apply force. Air cylinders typically are mechanical devices that take energy and convert it into some form of motion with the intent for blocking, clamping, or ejecting.
Pneumatic cylinders used in pneumatic and hydraulic systems
Though pneumatic cylinders or actuators are used for both pneumatic and hydraulic systems, the difference with both is that pneumatic systems operate through the use of air or gasses, while hydraulics run on fluid or liquid power.
There are basically four parts in a pneumatic cylinder. Each part plays an essential role in the cylinder system running well.
- Valve – This part controls the force and flow of the compressed air into the system. It regulates the pressure, rate, and amount of air required by the whole system.
- Actuators – This is the actual air rams. It creates a linear motion with a force that can range between a thousand pounds to a thousand tons. It creates pressure through pulling or pressing.
- Compressor – This part converts ordinary air into compressed air. This is the starting point of the whole pneumatic system and is responsible for converting motorised power into pneumatic energy.
- Tank – Used as a reservoir to store minimal amounts of compressed air that will eventually be used as soon as the valve begins operating. In short, it holds compressed air like a storage bank.
Pneumatic cylinder selection
When selecting any pneumatic or air cylinder, it is important to accurately match the cylinder to the application, especially when it comes to the required force needed. The theoretical force available in the cylinder or actuator is the piston surface area multiplied by the supplied air pressure.
MasterMac2000 as distributor
There are many different configurations and components available from various manufacturers. The more common brands distributed by MasterMac2000 in Australia include Univer, Mack, Tolomatic, Mac, Piab, American, Rotoflux, and much more stocked at their main office and warehouse in Brisbane. For more than 30 years MasterMac2000 has grown to become one of Australia’s largest privately-owned distributors of valves, cylinders, and even air rams for pneumatic actuators. MasterMac2000 provides the best ‘hard-to-get’ parts as well as quality stocks for any industry. For more information about valves, cylinders, and anything that your industry may need, visit the MasterMac2000 website 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.