A Comprehensive Analysis of Ten Types of Cylinders: Features, Applications and Installation Points
01 The core function of the cylinder
The cylinder, as a key power component in mechanical equipment, is mainly responsible for converting the pressure energy of compressed air into mechanical energy, thereby driving various mechanisms to achieve the required reciprocating linear motion, swing and rotary motion.
02 Detailed Analysis of Commonly Used Cylinders
△ Pen-shaped cylinder
Pen-shaped cylinders, also known as mini cylinders or micro cylinders, are usually made of stainless steel or aluminum alloy. This type of cylinder is renowned for its affordable price, compact structure and exquisite appearance. Moreover, the front and rear threaded design makes the installation process more convenient and effectively saves space. In addition, its outstanding performance under high-frequency use has enabled it to be widely applied in multiple fields such as electronics, medical care, and packaging machinery.
When using pen-shaped cylinders, the following points should be noted:
When installing magnetic switches, corresponding installation brackets should be provided. The installation methods can be divided into steel belt type and track type.
When connecting the cylinder piston rod with the moving parts, a floating joint should be used to ensure the smooth and stable movement of the moving parts and prevent the occurrence of jamming.
△ Thin cylinder
The features of thin cylinders include compact structure, light weight and small space occupation, which enables them to demonstrate outstanding applicability in various applications. The cylinder body is designed in a square shape. This unique structure enables the cylinder to be directly installed on various fixtures and special equipment without the need for additional accessories, simplifying the installation process. In addition, the output connecting rods of the cylinder are divided into internal thread and external thread types. This design flexibility enables the cylinder to adapt to different installation and operation requirements.
△ Free-installation type cylinder
The free-installation type cylinder features a short stroke. Its cylinder body is designed in a rectangular shape, which is convenient for installation and use in a limited space. The output connecting rod of this cylinder is also divided into internal thread and external thread types. This design further enhances the flexibility of its installation and operation. The free-installation type cylinder can be fixed from four directions of the body and offers multiple installation methods to meet different application requirements.
△ Double-axis cylinder
The double-axis cylinder is ingeniously connected in parallel with two single-rod thin cylinders. Its features include: the adoption of an embedded body installation and fixation method, which greatly saves installation space. It also has certain guiding, anti-bending and anti-torsional properties, and can withstand certain lateral loads, ensuring the stability and safety of use.
△ Guide rod cylinder
There are two main types of guide rod cylinders: linear bearing type and copper sleeve type. Linear bearing type guide rod cylinders are particularly suitable for lifting actions and are applicable to low-friction motion environments. The copper sleeve type is more suitable for withstanding radial loads and is applicable to high-load applications. This type of cylinder has a compact structure. It not only effectively saves installation space but also comes with a guiding function, capable of withstanding certain lateral loads. In addition, it offers multiple installation methods, making it highly suitable for various scenarios such as blocking, feeding, pushing, stamping, and clamping.
△ Slide table cylinder
The slide cylinder is guided by a cross ball guide rail, ensuring smooth movement with low friction and no loosening. Its features include a compact structure and space-saving installation. It features high guiding accuracy, torque resistance and strong load-bearing capacity.
△ Rodless cylinder
The rodless cylinder discards the rigid piston rod of the traditional cylinder and achieves reciprocating motion through the direct or indirect action of the piston. This type of cylinder is divided into two types: mechanical coupling and magnetic coupling. Its significant advantage lies in greatly saving installation space, making it particularly suitable for applications with small cylinder diameters and long strokes. However, during the usage process, it is necessary to pay attention to ensuring its guiding accuracy to guarantee stability and safety.
During use, it is essential to ensure that the rodless cylinder is installed based on the fixed front and rear seats at both ends, while the middle slider should not be fixed.
To prevent the cylinder from being directly subjected to external force and causing the cylinder tube to bend, it is recommended to use a floating connection method for connection.
△ Air grippers and other components
△ Characteristics of the pneumatic gripper
Pneumatic grippers, as the core components of modern pneumatic manipulators, possess a variety of grasping functions. The pneumatic gripper provides stable grasping force and features high repeatability accuracy.
△ Swing cylinder
Swing cylinders, especially the rack and pinion type, are widely used in tasks such as rotating, flipping and classifying objects.
Rotate the downward pressure cylinder
The rotary downward pressure cylinder is mainly used to achieve the rotary pressing function. Its rotation direction is selectable and it is particularly suitable for performing rotary pressing actions in compact space structures.
