Air Actuators and Cylinders

Pneumatic cylinders convert compressed air into force and motion. This category includes grippers, round cylinders, guided cylinders, short-stroke cylinders, compact cylinders and rotary cylinders for pushing, pulling, lifting, clamping or turning.

A pneumatic cylinder moves a piston using compressed air. Stroke length is the distance travelled by the piston inside the cylinder. Single-acting cylinders apply force in one direction and return by spring or external force; double-acting cylinders use compressed air for both extension and retraction.

Pneumatic cylinders are widely used in mechanical engineering and industrial equipment. Compact cylinders suit systems with restricted installation space. Guided cylinders and slide units support controlled linear movement, while rotary cylinders provide rotational movement.

First define whether the movement must be linear, rotary, gripping or clamping. Then establish the required stroke length, available installation space and direction of force. Choose single-acting operation for force in one direction or double-acting operation for powered extension and retraction, and check whether guidance, a proximity switch or a mounting slot is required.

Key category attributes are cylinder function, stroke length, single- or double-acting operation, compact or guided type, and options for mounting, position detection and accessories.

FAQ

A single-acting pneumatic cylinder applies force in one direction and returns by a spring or external force. A double-acting cylinder receives compressed air alternately on the piston and piston-rod sides, providing powered extension and retraction.

Choose a compact pneumatic cylinder when installation space is limited. These cylinders have a short body and are available as single- or double-acting variants, with or without guidance and with options for a proximity switch or mounting slot.

Stroke length is the distance the piston must travel between its end positions. Define the required movement of the machine part and match the cylinder stroke to it, while allowing for the available space in the installation.

Air actuators and cylinders can directly or indirectly push, pull and lift parts. The category also includes rotary cylinders, grippers and clamping cylinders for rotational, gripping or clamping movements.