Seven Advantages of Using Compact Pneumatic Actuators

When designing industrial application equipment, space is often a primary consideration. Although compact cylinders have been in use for decades, their short stroke and small form factor allow them to fit into confined spaces where conventional cylinders cannot. Of course, they also offer additional advantages, which have led to their increasingly widespread use in modern industry.

Compact design allows for more efficient use of space

Space-Saving Installation

Compact cylinders are about 30–50% shorter in length compared to standard cylinders with the same thrust. They are ideal for use in production lines, automation equipment, or fixtures where installation space is limited. In environments where thickness is restricted, the MGQ thin cylinder can be used — its overall thickness is slimmer, and its cross-section resembles a “flat box.”

Lightweight Design

The cylinder body is often made of aluminum alloy or other lightweight materials. The CQ2 series (SMC) and the SC series (Airtac) both belong to compact cylinders. They maintain a small size and light weight while still offering good strength and durability, making them suitable for applications with strict weight requirements, such as robotic arms and conveyor systems.

Compact design allows for more efficient energy conservation

Low Air Consumption, High Efficiency

Although the cylinder body of compact types is 30–50% shorter than standard cylinders, we know that the thrust of a cylinder equals the pressure multiplied by the effective piston area. The effective piston area of compact cylinders is the same as, or slightly larger than, that of standard cylinders. Therefore, under the same compressor air pressure, the output thrust is equivalent to that of standard types, while compressed air utilization is more efficient.

Another key advantage of compact cylinders

Eliminating Piston Rotation

When the piston rod extends and retracts, it often tends to rotate. This can introduce lateral forces and torque. To address this, some customers choose cylinders with a guiding structure or add four reinforced columns at both ends of the cylinder to prevent deflection. Compact cylinders can also be designed with anti-rotation functionality.

For fixtures, assemblies, or precision robotic arms, reducing or completely preventing rotation ensures accurate repeat positioning.

The CQ2 and SC series have only a single piston rod and cylinder structure, which cannot meet anti-rotation requirements. The CQ2B series and Airtac’s SCB series add sliding bearings to the front and rear of the piston rod, while the MGQ series incorporates guide rods or square guides on both sides of the piston. In this way, even compact cylinders can ensure precise piston rod thrust and safe retraction.