What is the introduction of Choosing a Pneumatic Cylinder?

A pneumatic cylinder is a rotary device that uses compressed air to transfer force. Pneumatic cylinders come in different sizes and shapes to meet the needs of any application. They can be made from a variety of materials and are typically designed to fit in a specific space.

Diameter and stroke are the most important parameters for choosing a cylinder. They determine how much force a cylinder can exert when fully extended and how far it can move.

Single-acting cylinders use less air than double-acting cylinders and are best for simple applications such as punching, clamping, and positioning. They also offer a lower price point and are easy to build.

Double-acting cylinders are used for accelerating high forces or impact. They can also be built with a cable attached to both ends of the cylinder to eliminate the piston rod, known as a rodless cylinder.
Stroke length is another important consideration when choosing a cylinder. It can be as short as an inch or as long as several feet. The load the cylinder will carry is also an important factor.

Cushioning — adjustable and/or built into the cylinder’s head and cap is an additional safety feature to prevent a hard blow from hitting the cylinder’s components. Adjustable cushioning slows the cylinder down when it’s being hit by either the head or cap and helps prevent a shock load at the end of the stroke.

Most pneumatic cylinders follow ISO standards, so they are interchangeable with products from different manufacturers. The mounting dimensions, cylinder bore, stroke, piston rod characteristics, and air ports depend on the type/standard and use.