Seven steps to selecting the right air cylinder.
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Other.
Seven Steps to Choosing the Right Air Cylinder
Summary:
Selecting the right air cylinder from the vast array available in the industrial market can be challenging. Here's what you need to know to make the right choice.
1. Determine the Required Force
To start, assess how much force is needed to move your object. Consider the object's weight and the friction it encounters while moving. To account for friction in the rod and piston seals, as well as provide a safety margin, oversize the force requirement by 25%. Use your available air pressure (e.g., 90 PSI) and multiply it by the piston's surface area to calculate the theoretical output force. The surface area (in square inches) is found by multiplying 3.14 by the square of the radius (in inches). If your calculated diameter doesn't match standard bore sizes, round up to the next available size.
2. Determine Stroke Length
Consider how far you need to move the object. If the required movement is five inches, your cylinder’s piston/rod travel should match, but factor in the object's dimensions to avoid any impact upon retraction. You might choose a longer stroke to prevent the piston from "bottoming out," which can extend the cylinder's lifespan. Note how you're connecting the load to the cylinder rod, as this will affect the available stroke distance.
3. Connect the Load Properly
Attach the load carefully to the cylinder rod, ensuring alignment to avoid problems. Using a rod clevis can help accommodate some misalignment. For severe misalignments, consider using alignment couplers or installing loads on external rods to reduce side loads on the main rod. Remember, rod thread sizes vary with bore size and can be modified to suit specific needs.
4. Choose the Right Mounting
Explore various mounting options based on your cylinder type and size. Most cylinders come with built-in mounting features like rod-cap threads, rear-cap threads, clevis mounts, threaded holes, flanges, or trunnion mounts. Ensure the load aligns with the rod's travel to prevent issues.
5. Select the Cylinder Type
Choose between repairable and non-repairable air cylinders, NFPA (imperial) or ISO (metric) standards, and construction materials like aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or composites. Larger bore sizes usually warrant repairable cylinders due to cost-efficiency in repairs. Also, consider environmental conditions to determine if specialty materials or seals are needed, such as in corrosive or temperature-sensitive environments.
6. Add Cushions if Needed
Avoid having the piston "bottom out" by using cylinder caps with cushion vents. These can be adjusted to trap and slow air exhaust, providing a cushion that softens the piston's impact, thus extending cylinder life.
7. Consider Positioning and Sensing
If your application needs load positioning knowledge, consider proximity sensors. These attach to the cylinder barrel and activate when a magnet on the piston passes by. Options like reed switches, hall effect switches, and linear potentiometers are available. Ensure your chosen cylinder supports such features, including magnets on the piston and external switch mounts.
With these steps, you'll be well-equipped to find the right cylinder for your needs. Good luck with your selection!
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Seven steps to selecting the right air cylinder..
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