Compact cylinder, ie. Compact pneumatic cylinder has relatively different structure from other pneumatic cylinders. Its front and rear covers are fixed by circlips, and the inlet and outlet are on the cylinder tube itself.
Compared with standard SC, DNC, SI and other cylinders, its structure is more compact, which can effectively save installation space. There is a magnetic switch installation sleeve on compact cylinders’ tube, no need additional installation fixed bracketes. It is more convenient to install the reed switches.
In modern industrial automation, compact air cylinders have become an essential component in machinery design due to their small size, lightweight construction, and stable performance. Whether in robotics, packaging machines, or electronic manufacturing equipment, compact air cylinders play an indispensable role.
A compact pneumatic cylinder is a kind pneumatic cylinder designed with a shorter overall length and lighter weight compared to standard cylinders, making it ideal for space-constrained industrial applications. Its simplified structure and compact dimensions allow for easy installation in automated systems, especially in robotic arms, small machinery, and electronic assembly lines.
Driven by compressed air, compact cylinders deliver precise and efficient linear motion, making them a preferred choice for tasks such as clamping, positioning, pushing, and ejecting. Their ability to save space while maintaining performance has made them a vital component in modern industrial automation.
The stroke of compact cylinder is generally relatively short, mostly between 70 and 160mm. If the maximum allowable stroke is exceeded, then treated as non-standard cylinder. Common Compact small air cylinders include SDA and CQ2 series, and ADVU series cylinders.
Compact Size: Achieved through optimized design, Compact air actuators occupy less space than standard models, making them ideal for space-constrained applications.
Lightweight: Often constructed from aluminum alloys or engineering plastics to reduce weight.
Flexible Mounting: Offers multiple mounting options and modular designs for easy integration.
Integrated Features: Some models include built-in magnetic rings, cushioning mechanisms, or guiding structures.
Different compact types of pneumatic compact cylinders have different characteristics and application requirements.
CQ2 Series
Ultra-thin air cylinder, renowned for its extreme compactness and lightweight design.
Features:
Flat structure
High rigidity
Flexible mounting
Built-in magnetic ring with adjustable cushioning
SDA Series
SDA Serie is an economical and practical industry non-standard universal type compcat cylinder.
Features:
Similar in appearance to SMC CQ2, it is often used as a substitute model.
Economical design, low cost.
ADVU Series
It is a Festo standard with high precision compact pneumatic actuator, supporting multiple structural configurations, and features the following：
CU/CDU Series
The CU/CDU Series adopts SMC exclusive standards and is a miniature cylinder suitable for extremely small spaces or precision operations.
Compact air cylinders such as the SMC CQ2 series are widely used in automated production lines due to their modular design and excellent reliability. The Airtac SDA cylinder offers a more cost-effective alternative, making it ideal for budget-conscious applications. The Festo ADVU series compact cylinder delivers outstanding rigidity and versatile mounting options, especially suitable for high-speed motion and complex fixture systems. For ultra-tight spaces and micro-precision tasks, the SMC CU/CDU series cylinders are an ideal choice thanks to their ultra-compact design and compatibility with magnetic sensors.
Thanks to their compact design and versatile performance, compact air cylinders are widely used across various industries:
Robotics: Ideal for gripper control and joint actuation, enabling high-precision movements.
Automated Packaging Equipment: Performs pushing, clamping, and releasing operations efficiently in tight spaces.
Electronics Manufacturing: Perfect for applications like PCB assembly, where space is limited and precision is critical.
Food and Beverage Machinery: The compact design, paired with hygienic-grade materials, meets strict cleanliness standards.
Automotive Assembly Lines: Used for positioning tools and controlling fixtures, improving workflow efficiency.
For example, some 3C electronics factories have replaced traditional cylinders with compact air cylinders, resulting in a 20% reduction in equipment footprint and a 15% improvement in assembly accuracy.
When selecting pneumatic cylinder compact, several key factors should be considered to ensure optimal performance and compatibility:
Space Constraints: Measure the available installation space and choose the appropriate cylinder size and stroke length.
Load Requirements: Calculate the required thrust and select the corresponding bore size and pressure level.
Working Environment: Factors such as high temperature, humidity, or corrosive gases will affect the choice of sealing materials and cylinder body.
Operating Frequency: For high-cycle operations, choose models with high wear resistance and heat resistance to minimize maintenance.
Mounting Method: Confirm whether the equipment requires specific mounting options such as threaded holes, flanges, or magnetic switch compatibility.
Budget: Balance performance and cost to select a brand and model with high cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, consider whether a magnetic piston is needed for position sensing, or if special features like dustproofing or explosion-proof design are required.You can read this blog to know how to choose the right air cylinder more.
◆ Working pressure: 0.1~1.0MPa
◆ Ambient temperature: -20~80℃
◆ Applicable fluid medium: Compressed air, non-corrosive gas
◆ Operating speed: 30-500mm/s
◆ Applicable reed switch types: CS1-J series, etc.
Proper installation is the key to ensuring the normal operation of compact cylinder, extending their lifespan, and reducing maintenance costs.
◆ Confirm whether the model and size are consistent with the design drawing.
◆ Check the appearance of the cylinder and whether there is any transportation damage to the piston rod.
◆ Install fixed components to ensure that the cylinder is securely fixed without generating stress.
◆ Connect the trachea and quick connector to ensure that the air source interface is well sealed and there is no air leakage.
There are other precautions, such as not allowing the piston rod to bear lateral loads, avoiding forcibly pushing and pulling the cylinder, and recommending the use of triple components for air purification and lubrication.
Regular maintenance and upkeep of cylinders can significantly extend their lifespan, reduce failure rates, and lower our operating costs. The compact air cylinder can be maintained in the following ways:
Regularly check for leaks: Use soapy water to check if the sealing ring is aging or damaged.
Lubrication and maintenance: Some models require periodic addition of lubricating grease or the use of an air source treatment unit with an oil mist device.
Clean the cylinder body: prevent dust and metal shavings from entering the piston rod and guide sleeve.
Regularly replace seals: Replace seals promptly in case of air leakage or reduced thrust.
Other precautions such as maintaining a clean and tidy air source and proper lubrication of the piston rod are key to extending the service life of compact cylinders.Compact air cylinder is one of the core products supplied by fescolo as a distributor of pneumatic products.
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