Production and packaging applications involving food and beverages often need specialist equipment to meet the strict hygiene standards required in these industry sectors. To stop the growth of pathogens and other potentially harmful agents in this process, efficient antibacterial cleaning is an accepted necessity. That’s why SMC, the world´s leaders in pneumatic technology, have now developed a new range of hygienic designed cylinders, Series HY, including a complementary auto switch ensuring maximum clean-ability. The complete (HY) hygienic range consists of four model options which all feature the same smooth, easy to clean, exterior surfaces. Series HYC is a range of ISO/VDMA approved cylinders with a unique square profile, non-rising air cushion mechanism, providing improved water resistance and clean-ability. Series HYG offers increased lateral load performance, Series HYQ is an ultra compact space saving range and Series HYB, with its round profile body, finally completes the HY cylinder options. To complement these ranges SMC have also developed a new rail mounted auto switch, Series D-F6, which is fully adjustable along the stroke length which provides improved cleaning benefits by having an intermediate space between the switch and the cylinder. All the models in the HY range are particularly suitable for applications in the “non-food” or “splash” zones of a production line and their high quality construction and special cylinder, food grease, internal lubrication ensure a lifecycle performance which has never been achieved or thought possible before.