Comprehensive Guide to Compact Air Cylinders

Definition of Compact Air Cylinder

Compact Air Cylinder is a pneumatic actuator that achieves linear reciprocating motion by driving a piston or diaphragm with compressed air. Its core design goal is to achieve efficient power transmission in a limited space.

Classification of Compact Air CylinderAccording to structural differences, it can be divided into:

Piston type compact cylinder: outputting force through the reciprocating motion of the piston in the cylinder barrel, suitable for high load scenarios.

Diaphragm Compact Cylinder: Utilizing elastic diaphragm deformation to transmit pressure, without mechanical friction, suitable for high cleanliness environments.

Rotating compact cylinder: drives rotating components through piston movement to achieve angle control.

Characteristics and advantages of compact air cylinder

Maximizing spatial efficiency:Compared to traditional cylinders, the volume is reduced by 40% -60%, and the weight is reduced by 30% -50%. It can be directly integrated into robot joints, fixtures, or medical equipment.

High performance and reliability:Adopting aluminum alloy cylinder barrel and hard anodizing treatment, the corrosion resistance is increased by three times; The lifespan of the piston sealing ring exceeds 20 million cycles.

Modularization and Customization:Supports multiple installation methods such as flanges, axial feet, through holes, etc.compatible with accessories such as magnetic switches and stroke sensors. In addition, optional configurations include adjustable stroke, dual rod structure, and high/low temperature resistant materials.

The Function of compact air cylinder

Linear motion control: driving the robotic arm for grasping, material sorting, and valve opening and closing.

Rotating motion output: realizing tool rotation and workpiece positioning.

Buffer and shock absorption: Built in rubber buffer or air cushion buffer to reduce mechanical impact.

Typical application industries of compact air cylinder

Automated production line: automotive parts assembly, electronic component insertion, packaging mechanical sealing.

Medical equipment: surgical robots, pneumatic control of ventilators, drug filling.

Aerospace: Satellite deployment mechanism, aircraft cabin door drive.

In the field of new energy: handling of lithium battery electrodes and testing of photovoltaic modules.

Working principle of compact air cylinder

Regardless of the type of cylinder product, its working principle is the same, which is to convert the energy of compressed air into mechanical motion. This conversion process is divided into the following stages.

Intake stage: Compressed air enters the left side of the cylinder through port A, pushing the piston to move to the right, and the right side air is discharged through port B.

Return phase: Compressed air switches to port B, the piston resets to the left, and the left air is discharged.

Sealing mechanism: The piston sealing ring prevents gas leakage, and the guide ring ensures the accuracy of the piston's linear motion.

Difference point of diaphragm cylinder: Compressed air directly acts on the elastic diaphragm, pushing the actuator through diaphragm deformation without piston friction, suitable for scenarios that require oil-free lubrication.

Compact Air Cylinder Installation Guide

Proper installation is the key to ensuring the normal operation of compact pneumatic 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 air compact cylinder, and recommending the use of triple components for air purification and lubrication.

Maintenance and upkeep techniques

Although the service life of the compact cylinder is taken into consideration during design,But regular maintenance and upkeep of compact air cylinder can significantly extend their lifespan, reduce failure rates, and lower our operating costs. The maintain methods as follows:

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.

Summarize

Compact Air Cylinder  has become the preferred actuator for "space constrained scenarios" in the automation industry due to its ultra small size,ultra-high precision, and long lifespan. When selecting, it is necessary to match the product series based on parameters such as load, speed, and environment, and prioritize suppliers who provide localized technical support to reduce overall costs.

In addition, we have other types of pneumatic products, including long stroke cylinders, rodless, rotary, guide rod cylinder, standard cylinder, small cylinder and other types. Please feel free to contact us for more detailed information.