Double ended pneumatic cylinder

Types of double-ended pneumatic cylinders

A double ended pneumatic cylinder is a device capable of producing linear motion and force. It is a part of a pneumatically-powered system whose design is based on the use of compressed air to propel objects in a specific direction. Double-ended cylinders can have two different types of rods at either end: regular rods and rear rods/ as shown in the image below. While both exert force in the same way, a rear rod comprises a connecting shaft with a yoke that has a rear eye, which makes it easier to mount at the midpoint of a stroke. Therefore, this double-ended cylinder will have a greater range of movement than a single-ended one.

• Standard double-ended cylinders

  These cylinders have a piston inside the cylinder that moves in both directions, applying force through rods on both ends. This allows them to have a high-speed function in applications that require a quick back-and-forth motion. Additionally, they have a simple construction and low cost compared to other more complex cylinders.

• Rear rotted double-ended cylinders

  This frame allows the yoke to be either fixed or mounted to move in an area where it can pull or push something rather than just pushing something directly. It can be used in various applications where another different configuration of a cylinder needs to be used.

In addition to these standard double-ended pneumatic cylinders, other variants can be derived from them.

• Guided double-ended cylinders

  These dual rod pneumatic cylinders have built-in slides, which can be bearing or bushing slides according to the application. The slides provide excellent guidance for the moving part, allowing more precise operation and alignment. The slides also reduce the impact of off-axis loadings, which can occur when forces are applied at angles other than perpendicular to the sliding surface.

• Double-ended cylinders with switches

  A double-ended switch cylinder has a position sensing switch at both ends. This type of cylinder can be used in different applications such as linear measuring systems, automatic assembly lines or robotics. Here the speed of the movement is controlled by the number of switches and the response time is very high.

Specifications and maintenance of the double-ended pneumatic cylinder

Double-ended cylinders are usually manufactured for specific needs; hence there is a wide range of specifications. However, some standard characteristics can be used to help clients evaluate their suitability for a particular application.

• Bore Size

  The cylinder's diameter is the first indicator of how much mass of material a cylinder can move, denoted in either millimeters or inches.

• Overall Length

  The overall length can affect how far or how quickly a crosshead moves. Longer cylinders typically offer greater stroke lengths and are more suited for applications that require a long reach.

• Pressure Rating

  This dictates the maximum pressure the cylinder can tolerate without risk of failure. It's crucial to choose a cylinder with a pressure rating that can accommodate the application's pneumatic requirements.

• Material

  Common materials include aluminum for lightweight applications, stainless steel for corrosive environments, and carbon steel for heavy-duty industrial use.

• End Configurations

  The double-acting cylinders are configured with various end types, such as threaded ends, flanged, or похlmed ends, allowing for different mounting needs and alignment functionalities.

• Sealing Systems

  Options for sealing mechanisms, such as low-friction seals for high-speed applications or high-temperature seals for elevated thermal conditions, can significantly affect a cylinder's adaptability and longevity.

Depending on the above characteristics can greatly impact the usability and performance of double-ended cylinders in specific contexts; hence they shouldn't be overlooked. For double-acting cylinders to serve their intended purpose for a long time, they need to be maintained regularly. Luckily, their maintenance requirements are few and easy to follow. It is, however, important to get to know the cylinder well enough to avoid any damage from inappropriate cleaning or maintenance practices. Here are some general maintenance tips and advice:

• Cleaning:

  It's essential to keep the cylinder free of surface contamination. Wiping the barrel with a soft damp cloth is usually sufficient to remove any substance that may have taken up residence on the surface. However, users need to be careful not to use any products that may cause corrosive or abrasive damage to the cylinder.

• Lubrication:

  The moving parts of a double-ended pneumatic cylinder require regular lubrication to minimize wear and tear. Resin or oil-based lubricants are usually ideal, but it's always best to consult the manufacturer's instructions for further details on which products should be used.

• Regular Inspection:

  The performance of double-ended cylinders can be improved and prolonged by inspecting them regularly. While the frequency of these inspections will depend on the application and environment in which the cylinder is used, a routine check for signs of wear, damage, or leakage should be customary.

Application scenarios of double-ended pneumatic cylinders

The application scenarios for double-ended pneumatic cylinders are numerous and varied thanks to their adaptability, effectiveness, and capacity for controlling heavy weights. They are employed in surface cleaning and area traversing applications by the food processing and manufacturing industries. Furnaces, reactor vessels, heat exchangers, and pipelines are all handled and cleaned with double-ended cylinders. Industries such as power generation and petrochemicals extensively deploy double-ended cylinders to handle and clean such equipment. Additionally, the cylinder's capacity for high-temperature and pressure resistance makes it appropriate for dealing with such tools.

Transportation and logistics very frequently also use double-ended pneumatic cylinders. For instance, they assist in packing, stacking, and palletizing goods and products, and they also help in the automatic sorting of products. These tasks are mainly achieved by the cylinders through automation systems such as conveyors, assembly lines, and warehousing.

Double-ended pneumatic cylinders are also widely used in the construction and engineering industries for assembly and maintenance, lifting heavy objects, and transporting equipment. Lifting operations involving heavy objects, including valves, gates, flanges, and reactors, are performed using the cylinders in conjunction with lifting devices such as cranes, hoists, and racks, among other tools.

In the fields of electronics and automobile manufacturing, double-ended pneumatic cylinders are frequently used in the assembly and automated production of products and devices. More specifically, they are used in the positioning of workpieces, the gripping of workpieces, the closing of covers, and the fastening of screws, among more precise usage scenarios.

How to choose double ended pneumatic cylinders

The following tips will help know what to look for when choosing a double-acting pneumatic cylinder.

• Suitable force and pressure: The operating pressure and required force must go hand in hand. Both ends of a double-ended cylinder have rod and area exposed to air that is responsible for the applied force. The geometry of the cylinder affects the force, such as the size and radius of the piston. A higher pressure results in more force due to a larger piston area; however, a balance with the required force must be reached. For example, a small double-ended cylinder can provide sufficient force to move light objects. In contrast, a heavy object that requires more force will need a larger model with higher pressure.
• Cushioning: Cushioning inside the cylindrical body helps the cylinder come to a gentle stop. It also helps to absorb shocks that happen during fast operations. It does this by controlling the flow of compressed air within the cylinder. When an object approaches its end, cushioning allows the compressed air to flow out slowly. This gradual release slows down the object and reduces the situation that may lead to damage.
• Temperature: The operating temperature is essential in choosing the correct double-ended cylinder. Extremely high or low temperatures can speed up the wear and tear of seals. If the working environment has a chance of exposure to temperatures of -30 and 80°C, seal materials will stand up to it. However, other extreme conditions like UV radiation or exposure to chemicals will call for other types of seals. In other extreme conditions, seal damage may occur.
• Sensors: If an automation process demands it, the choice of a double-ended cylinder with built-in sensors to monitor pressure should be an option. These sensors help to signal pressure drops and attachment points for programmable logic controllers (PLC) and other systems used in industrial automation.

Double ended pneumatic cylinder Q & A

Q1: What are the trends affecting the development of dual action pneumatic cylinders?

A1: The trend toward greater automation in sectors like manufacturing is fueling demand for double acting cylinders. Furthermore, the move toward high-performance equipment is propelling the adoption of double acting cylinders because they provide efficiency and speed. Finally, the expanding focus on sustainable practices is encouraging the use of durable components like double acting cylinders that require less maintenance.

Q2: Do double-ended cylinders have any alternatives?

A2: Single ended cylinders can act as an alternative to double ended cylinders. However, the double-ended cylinders outperform the single cylinders in some applications, such as complex stretching and compression applications. Other alternatives can include rods and linear motion guides.

Q3: What should buyers inspect in double-ended cylinders?

A3: Buyers should check the build quality of the double-ended cylinders. Also, the compatibility of the material used to manufacture the cylinders, such as stainless steel and aluminum, should be considered to avoid any logistical costs. Double-ended cylinders that come with additional features, like integrated switches for sensing the position of the piston, can also save buyers installation costs.

Q4: What are the stakeholders that buyers need to consider when purchasing double-ended cylinders?

A4: Apart from the supplier of the double-ended cylinder, the connector stakeholder that connects the logistic chain of the product at the destination end is equally important. In this case, the connector will be the importer or local supplier that sells goods to end-users in a specific region and will have knowledge of the product.