What are compact pneumatic cylinders and how do they operate?
Designed with precision, compact pneumatic cylinders rely on compressed air to create linear motion. Their small form factor allows them to deliver high-performance actuation even in applications where available space is very restricted. Short-stroke cylinders provide dependable and efficient motion control, making them well suited for setups where available space is severely limited. With a low weight, small footprint, and sturdy build, they become a key component in applications that demand durability without sacrificing efficiency.
Varieties of compact pneumatic cylinders
ISO compact cylinders
Built in accordance with ISO 21287, these low-profile cylinders deliver reliable operation and integrate easily with equipment worldwide. They are frequently applied in sectors like packaging, industrial automation, and food processing.
Their advantages include:
- Unified sizing that simplifies installation and system integration
- A durable build that adapts well to a wide range of industrial conditions.
Example product: SMC’s C55 Series provides strong ISO compliance and is available in numerous stroke configurations.
Compact cylinders with pre-mounted valves
These compact cylinders come with integrated valves, streamlining pneumatic setups and cutting down on installation effort. Their key advantages include:
- The built-in valve layout reduces the need for additional piping, helping to keep the system compact
- Simplified connections support smoother and more efficient performance.
Example product: SMC’s CVQ Series integrates a cylinder with a solenoid valve, delivering a highly compact solution with optimised efficiency.
Free mount cylinders
Created to offer flexible mounting configurations, these cylinders make it easier to install and incorporate them into more complex setups. Their key advantages include:
- Several faces available for direct mounting
- Well adapted to tight spaces that require different layout options.
Example product: The SMC CU Series uses a compact rectangular body, making it well suited for direct-mount applications.
Compact cylinders with linear guides
These compact linear actuators incorporate built-in guides that support side loads and preserve accuracy, making them suitable for tasks that demand stable and precise movement. Their main advantages include:
- Anti-rotation capability to ensure controlled, guided motion
- Improved ability to support higher loads, making them suitable for robotics, medical equipment, and CNC applications.
Example product: The SMC MXZ Series delivers accurate motion control thanks to its built-in linear guide.
Compact cylinders with lock unit
These models incorporate a built-in locking system that holds the piston securely in place, making them especially useful in applications where stable and precise positioning is essential. Their key advantages include:
- A built-in lock that keeps the piston in place
- Well suited for situations where the position must be held without relying on a constant air supply.
Example product: The SMC RLQ Series includes integrated air cushions and a locking system to provide stability and safety in demanding applications.
Common uses of compact cylinders
- Pick-and-place systems: These cylinders support accurate, efficient motion in automated material-handling applications.
- Equipment with limited installation space: A strong option for equipment that needs small actuators while still maintaining high performance.
- Robotics and robotic arms: By reducing both weight and space requirements, compact cylinders improve accuracy and stability in robotic systems. Their lighter design lowers inertia, allowing robot arms to move faster and with greater precision in tasks such as handling materials, assembling components, and performing exact positioning within automated processes.
Advantages offered by SMC’s compact cylinder range
- Space efficiency: Designed with a minimal footprint to ease installation and allow their use in a wide variety of setups, including those with very limited room.
- Configuration flexibility: A broad selection of mounting styles, rod variations, and versions adapted to specific environments, such as models designed to resist welding spatter.
- International compatibility: ISO-compliant designs that enable smooth integration across global systems.
How to select the correct compact air cylinder?
When choosing compact air cylinders for a specific application, it’s important to evaluate several essential criteria:
- Bore diameter and stroke length: These two parameters define both the output force and the available travel of the cylinder. They should be selected according to the motion required and the force the application demands.
- Mounting configurations: Select a mounting style that aligns with your system’s layout and limitations. Compact cylinders provide a wide range of mounting options to maximise flexibility.
- Load stopping impact: Evaluate the forces the cylinder must withstand, including any impact at the end of the stroke. If required, incorporate shock absorbers to maintain smooth operation and prevent damage to components or workpieces.
- External forces: Take into account any additional forces acting on the cylinder, including lateral loads or other external pressures that may impact its performance.
- Speed requirements and air supply: Determine the necessary operating speed and verify that the pneumatic circuit can deliver adequate airflow to achieve consistent, optimal performance.
- Environmental conditions: Take into consideration factors like humidity, dust exposure, and extreme temperatures. Selecting components designed for these specific conditions helps extend the cylinder’s lifespan.
Maintaining good air quality and adhering to recommended maintenance practices are key to achieving dependable operation and extending the lifespan of your pneumatic equipment.
Not sure which compact cylinder best fits your application? Get in touch with our specialists for tailored guidance.