Compact cylinders are pneumatic cylinders with an installation length that is extremely compact in relation to the stroke length. They are typically used when space is extremely limited and the requirements for lateral loads are low. Double-acting compact air cylinders use direct pressure to both extend and retract the piston rod. This style is commonly used in applications from bending and clamping to lifting and lowering, feeding, sorting, punching, and shaking.
A pneumatic cylinder is a mechanical device that converts compressed air energy into a reciprocating linear motion. A double-acting cylinder uses compressed air to move a piston in and out, while a single-acting cylinder uses compressed air for one-way movement and a return spring for the other. Pneumatic cylinders, also called air cylinders, air rams, and air actuators, are mechanical devices that use compressed air to move a load on a straight path. The most common type of pneumatic cylinder is a rod and piston moving inside a closed cylinder wherein the piston moves only in one direction.
The pneumatic cylinder converts the pressure energy of a compressed air medium into mechanical energy in the form of linear or rotary motion. The type of cylinder and the application in which it is used are two of the main criteria when selecting the appropriate seals and guides. Applications are referred to as light duty, medium duty or heavy duty applications.
