In a pneumatic cylinder compressed air or compressed gas is used to create a force that moves a piston rod in a linear motion. This is to move loads or mechanical devices.
This article will explain this in more detail as well as answer the common question which is ‘how does a pneumatic cylinder work?’
Understanding Pneumatic Systems
Pneumatic cylinders, also known as air cylinders and pneumatic actuators are available in a range of sizes and for a variety of different functions.
Compressed air enters the cylinder at one end and moves the piston inside converting the compressed air energy into linear force. Whether it moves back with spring force or reciprocating linear motion depends on whether it is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder or a single-acting pneumatic cylinder.
Components of a Pneumatic Cylinder
- Cylinder Barrel; the main body of the pneumatic cylinder and houses the piston.
- Piston; a disk-shaped component which moves up along the inside of the barrel according to the air pressure within the cylinder. It is attached to the piston rod.
- The piston rod extends according to the air pressure within the cylinder and pushes the piston. It is usually attached to the load or mechanical attachment.
- End cap: there is an end cap at each end of the cylinder body where the compressed air enters and/or exits. Two differentiate the two they are called the cap end and the rod end caps.
- Tie rod; these are long rods that run the length of pneumatic cylinders. As well as connecting the end caps they help to protect pneumatic cylinders from bumps and shocks.
Working Mechanism of a Pneumatic Cylinder
So, how does a pneumatic cylinder work?
As it depends on whether they are single-acting cylinders or double-acting cylinders, we’ll look at them in turn.
Single Acting Cylinder
Single-acting pneumatic cylinders work by using compressed air to drive the piston in one direction. The piston returns to its original position thanks to a spring, for this reason, it works well as a fail-safe. The opposing spring force is not equal to the force of the compressed air energy in a single-acting pneumatic cylinder, this means the outward and inward piston stroke is not consistent. The piston stroke length is also limited by the spring; which takes up room in the cylinder bore.
Double Acting Cylinder
Double-acting pneumatic cylinders use the ned cap ports for compressed gas to both enter and exit. This means that the piston rod can be driven in both directions with equal force and that it has a greater piston stroke length. It also means that double-acting pneumatic cylinders cannot be used in systems where a fail-safe is required.
Pneumatic Cylinder Applications
Pneumatic cylinders, also known as air cylinders are used in a wide variety of industrial processes and settings. They are particularly good for settings where they are used for picking small items that require a precise motion and in circumstances where the oil used in hydraulic cylinders would present a problem in case of leaks – the food industry for example.
Conclusion
For more information on pneumatic cylinders and whether implementing pneumatic actuators would benefit your business get in touch with our team at MCH Hydraulics.