Air Rams: What is a Telescopic Cylinder?

A telescopic cylinder is a specially designed hydraulic cylinder or pneumatic cylinder with an air rams pulley system that provides an exceptionally long output length from a very compact retracted length. The collapsed length of a telescopic cylinder can be 20 to 40% of the fully extended length, depending on the number of stages. Some…

Understanding Air Rams Shut Off Systems or Shut Off Valves

Shut off valves are also called air rams shut off systems, lockout valves, cut off valves, shutdown valves, emergency valves, ball valves, and exhausting valves. Shut off valves are designed to safely manage compressed air used for pneumatic applications. They are also used to block compressed air in any industrial automation process during emergencies or…

Air Rams: What Makes Pneumatic Lockout Valves Important?

worker in protective gear checking air pressure

Many industries and facilities use compressed air to power production lines. However, improper management of compressed air utilities during maintenance or emergency situations will have serious consequences. To prevent accidents and personal injuries, there should be a proper installation and use of a simple device called a pneumatic lockout valve. These specialised air rams facilitate…

Air Rams: What is an Air Filter Regulator?

Compressed Air Filter Regulator Lubricator

Diaphragm pumps run on compressed air; but as the air exits the compressor going to the pump, the air is warm, dirty, and sometimes brings moisture. These can damage or shorten the lifespan of downstream equipment, such as valves. So, before this air can be used, it needs to be cleaned and controlled by air…

Single- vs Double-acting Air Rams or Air Cylinders: Which One Should You Choose?

Pneumatic cylinders, also called air cylinders, air rams, and air actuators, are mechanical devices that use compressed air to move a load on a straight path. The most common type of pneumatic cylinder is a rod and piston moving inside a closed cylinder wherein the piston moves only in one direction. Pneumatic cylinders use compressed…

Air Rams: All About Pneumatic Clamps

Pneumatic clamps, also called power clamps, are heavy-duty pneumatic locking clamps that use air rams and are mostly used in the automotive industry. Power clamps began to replace manual clamps when they were first developed in the mid-1980s. Today, modern pneumatic clamps are used in all industries because of their automation, reliability, and robust design…

Air Rams (Compact Pneumatic Cylinders): A Practical Guide to Function, Selection and Application

Air Rams - compact pneumatic cylinders - practical guide by Mastermac2000

(Post updated February 2026).In this guide, ‘air ram’ refers to the more technically correct term: “compact/short-stroke pneumatic cylinders” (commonly ISO 21287), used where the installation envelope is limited – they pack considerable force into minimal space. However sometimes the term “air ram” is used more broadly to refer to a wider range of pneumatic cylinder…

Compressed Air Rams or Air Treatment Valves

Air treatment valves, sometimes called air rams, is usually a single, high-performance valve on main flow that handles regulation for relief functions. It is typically controlled by a high-precision pilot regulator with a controlled relief. This type of valve can also be used in a series with a manual on-off valve, with an electric valve,…

Diverter Valves Are Air Rams for Diverting Air

The best example of a diverter valve is the type of valve used for shower faucets and showerheads. It diverts the direction of the water. However, since the focus is on air rams, this type of diverter valve or diverter block shifts the direction of pressurised air. When you step on the gas in any…

The Essentials of Pneumatic Cylinders 301-d

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…