Actuators

Precautions 1
Be sure to read this before handling products.

Design/Selection

Warning
1. Confirm the specifications. 8. Design the circuitry to prevent the sudden
Products represented in this catalog are designed only for use lurching of driven objects.
in compressed air systems (including vacuum). When a cylinder is driven by an exhaust center type
Do not operate at pressures, temperatures, etc., beyond the directional control valve or when starting up after residual
range of specifications, as this can cause damage or malfunc- pressure is exhausted from the circuit, etc., the piston and its
tion. (Refer to the specifications.) driven object will lurch at a high speed if pressure is applied to
Please contact SMC when using a fluid other than one side of the cylinder because of the absence of air
compressed air made by pneumatic equipment (including pressure inside the cylinder. Therefore, select equipment and
vacuum). design circuits to prevent sudden lurching because there is a
We do not guarantee against any damage if the product is danger of human injury and/or damage to equipment when
used outside of the specification range. this occurs.
2. Confirm the applicable specification range. 9. Consider the action of the cylinder in the
The cylinder specifications listed in the catalog apply to
standard strokes, including intermediate strokes. Please
event of an emergency stop.
consult with SMC for specifications on long strokes. There are Devise a safe system so that if a person engages the
also some made-to-order products (-XB/-XC) for which emergency stop or if a safety device is tripped during a
product specifications do not apply. system malfunction, such as a power outage, the movement
of the cylinder will not cause a hazard to humans or damage
3. There is a danger of sudden action by cylin- the equipment.
ders if the sliding parts of machinery are 10. Avoid synchronized operation using cylin-
twisted, etc., or changes in forces occur. ders only.
In such cases, human injury may occur, e.g. by hands or feet
Even if multiple pneumatic cylinders are initially set to the
getting caught in the machinery, or damage to the machinery
same speed, their speeds may vary due to changes in operat-
itself may occur. Therefore, the machine should be designed
ing conditions. Therefore, avoid designs where a single load
to operate smoothly and to avoid such dangers.
is moved by synchronizing multiple cylinder operations.
4. If there is a chance that the product will 11. Consider the action of the cylinder when
pose a hazard to humans, install a protec- restarting after an emergency stop.
tive cover. Devise a safe design so that the restarting of the cylinder will
If the moving portion of the product will pose a hazard to not pose a hazard to humans or damage the equipment.
humans or will damage machinery or equipment, provide a Install manually controlled equipment for safety when the
construction that prevents direct contact with those areas. actuator has to be reset to the starting position.
5. Be certain that the secured portions will not 12. Intermediate stops
loosen. When an intermediate stopped position is performed with a 3-
Be certain to adopt a reliable connecting method if the position closed center type/double check valve type
cylinder is used very frequently or if it is used in a location that directional control valve, it is difficult to achieve accurate and
is exposed to a large amount of vibration. precise stopped positions due to the compressibility of air.
Furthermore, since valves and cylinders are not guaranteed
6. There may be cases in which a speed-reduc- for zero air leakage, it may not be possible to hold a stopped
tion circuit or a shock absorber is required. position for an extended period of time. Please contact SMC
If the driven object moves at high speeds or is heavy, it will be in case it is necessary to hold a stopped position for an
unfeasible for only the cylinder’s cushion to absorb the shock. extended period of time.
Therefore, provide a speed-reduction circuit to reduce the
cylinder’s speed before the thrust is applied to the cushion or
13. Do not disassemble the product or make
an external shock absorber to dampen the shock. If these any modifications, including additional ma-
countermeasures are taken, make sure to take the rigidity of chining.
the mechanical equipment into consideration. Doing so may cause human injury and/or an accident.
7. Consider the possibility of a power source 14. Refer to the Auto Switches Precautions for us-
related malfunction. ing with an auto switch.
For equipment that relies on power sources such as 15. When a cylinder is used in a clamping, sus-
compressed air, electricity, or hydraulic pressure, adopt a
countermeasure to prevent the equipment from causing a pending, or lifting mechanism
hazard to humans or damage to the equipment in the event of There is a danger of workpieces dropping if there is a de-
a malfunction. crease of thrust due to a drop in circuit pressure caused by a
power outage, etc. Therefore, safety equipment should be in-
stalled to prevent damage to machinery and/or human injury.

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 Actuators
Precautions 2
Be sure to read this before handling products.

Design/Selection Mounting

Caution Warning
1. Use the product within the limits of the max- 6. Do not enlarge the fixed throttle by modify-
imum usable stroke. ing the pipe connectors.
The piston rod will be damaged if operated beyond the If the hole diameter is enlarged, the product’s rotation speed
maximum stroke. Refer to the Cylinder Model Selection will increase, causing the shock force to increase and damage
Procedure for the maximum usable stroke. the product. As a result, it could pose a hazard to humans or
2. Operate the cylinder component parts within damage the machinery and equipment.
a range such that collision damage will not 7. Risk to people with pacemakers
As coming into close proximity with strong magnets may
occur at the stroke end. interfere with the function of pacemakers, posing a
For applications where a piston with inertial force strikes a
life-threatening risk to those with pacemakers, they should
cover and stops at the stroke end, follow the cylinder model
stay away from products with built-in magnets or take safety
selection procedure (the front matter), or select while taking
measures to block their magnetic force. Failure to heed
into account the allowable kinetic energy indicated in each
caution may result in the malfunction of electronic equipment
model’s specifications.
such as pacemakers.
3. Use a speed controller to adjust the cylinder
drive speed, gradually increasing from a low Caution
speed to the desired speed setting.
1. Be certain to align the rod axis with the load
4. Provide intermediate supports for long
and direction of movement when connecting.
stroke cylinders. When not properly aligned, the rod and tube may be twisted,
Provide intermediate supports for cylinders with long strokes
and damage may be caused due to wear on certain areas,
to prevent rod damage due to the sagging of the rod, deflec-
such as the inner tube surface, bushings, rod surface, or
tion of the tube, vibration, external loads, etc.
seals.
In addition, thoroughly examine the possibility of buckling and
For off-center loads, we recommend using in combination with
establish safety measures, such as constructing a guide
a floating joint, etc., for effective deviation absorption. Confirm
outside of the product, etc.
the allowable eccentricity and rotating angle before selecting
5. If pressure is applied to the external cylinder for use.
parts, there is a possibility that air will get 2. When an external guide is used, connect the
inside the cylinder from the rod seal section. rod end and the load in such a way that
(Example: inside a chamber, etc.) there is no interference at any point within
6. Resumption after a long stop. the stroke.
When resuming operation after a long stop, there are cases in 3. Do not scratch or gouge the sliding parts of
which the starting pressure rises or there is a delay in the
piston starting time due to adhesion. the cylinder tube, piston rod, etc., by strik-
Conducting several cycles of running-in operation will solve this ing or grasping them with other objects.
problem. Please consider implementing this before resumption. Cylinder bores are manufactured to precise tolerances, so
7. Short Stroke even a slight deformation may cause a malfunction. Also,
Using a stroke of a length which is smaller than the effective scratches, gouges, etc., on the piston rod may lead to
cushion length may result in reduced air cushion performance. damaged seals or cause air leakage.
4. Prevent the seizure of rotating parts.
Mounting Prevent the seizure of rotating parts (pins, etc.) by applying
grease.
Warning 5. Do not use until you can confirm that equip-
ment can operate properly.
1. Operation manual Confirm correct mounting by performing function and leak
Install the product and operate it only after reading the operation tests properly after compressed air and power are connected
manual carefully and understanding its contents. Also, keep the following mounting or repair.
manual in a location where it can be referred to as necessary.
6. Cantilever fastening
2. Ensure sufficient space for maintenance activities. If a cylinder is actuated at a high speed when mounted with
When installing the products, allow access for maintenance one side fastened and one side free (basic type, flange type,
and inspection. direct mount type), the bending moment may act on the
3. Tighten threads with the proper tightening torque. cylinder due to vibration at the stroke end, causing damage to
When installing the products, follow the listed torque specifications. the cylinder. In such cases, install a mounting bracket to
suppress the vibration of the cylinder body, or reduce piston
4. Do not place a magnetic object near the product. speed until the cylinder body does not vibrate at the stroke
The auto switch is a magnetic sensing type. If a magnetic end.
object is placed close to it, the actuator could operate Also, use a mounting bracket when moving the cylinder body
suddenly, which could pose a hazard to humans or damage or mounting a long stroke cylinder horizontally with one-sided
the machinery and equipment. fastening.
5. Do not perform additional machining on the product. 7. Be very careful when handling the product.
Performing additional machining on the product can result in insuf- Depending on the handling method, there is a risk that the
ficient strength and cause damage to the product. This can lead to corners of the product will injure your hands, fingers, etc.
possible human injury or damage to the surrounding equipment.
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 Actuators
Precautions 3
Be sure to read this before handling products.

Piping Air Supply

Caution Warning
1. Refer to the Fittings and Tubing Precautions 1. Type of fluids
(pages 52 to 56) for handling One-touch fit- Please consult with SMC when using the product in
tings. applications other than compressed air.

2. Preparation before piping 2. When there is a large amount of drainage

Before piping is connected, it should be thoroughly blown out Compressed air containing a large amount of drainage can
with air (flushing) or washed to remove chips, cutting oil, and cause the malfunction of pneumatic equipment. An air dryer
other debris from inside the pipe. or water separator should be installed upstream from filters.

3. Winding of sealant tape 3. Drain flushing

When screwing piping or fittings into ports, ensure that chips If condensation in the drain bowl is not emptied on a regular
from the pipe threads or sealing material do not enter the basis, the bowl will overflow and allow the condensation to
piping. Also, if sealant tape is used, leave 1.5 to 2 thread enter the compressed air lines. This causes the malfunction of
ridges exposed at the end of the threads. pneumatic equipment.
If the drain bowl is difficult to check and remove, the installa-
Winding tion of a drain bowl with an auto drain option is recommended.
direction For compressed air quality, refer to the SMC Best Pneumatics
No. 6 catalog.
Ex
po
se Sealant tape 4. Use clean air.
ap Do not use compressed air that contains chemicals, synthetic
pr
ox oils that include organic solvents, salt, corrosive gases, etc.,
.2
thr as it can cause damage or malfunction.
ea
ds

Caution
Cushion
1. When extremely dry air is used as the fluid,
degradation of the lubrication properties
Caution inside the equipment may occur, resulting in
1. Readjust using the cushion needle. reduced reliability (or reduced service life)
Adjust the cushion needle on the cover when the product is of the equipment. Please consult with SMC.
put into service, based upon factors such as the size of the
load and the operating speed. When the cushion needle is 2. Install an air filter.
turned clockwise, the restriction becomes smaller and the Install an air filter upstream near the valve. Select an air filter
cushion’s effectiveness is increased. Tighten the lock nut with a filtration size of 5 µm or smaller.
securely after adjustment is performed. 3. Take measures to ensure air quality, such as
2. Do not operate with the cushion needle in a by installing an aftercooler, air dryer, or
fully closed condition. water separator.
This could tear the seal. Compressed air that contains a large amount of drainage can
cause the malfunction of pneumatic equipment, such as
valves. Therefore, take appropriate measures to ensure air
Lubrication quality, such as by providing an aftercooler, air dryer, or water
separator.
Warning 4. Ensure that the fluid and ambient tempera-
1. Lubricating lube type cylinders tures are within the specified range.
If the fluid temperature is 5°C or less, the moisture in the cir-
Install a lubricator in the circuit, and use class 1 turbine oil
cuit could freeze, causing damage to the seals or equipment
(with no additives) ISO VG32. Do not use machine oil or
malfunction. Therefore, take appropriate measures to prevent
spindle oil. If turbine oil is used, refer to the Safety Data Sheet
freezing.
(SDS) of the oil.
For compressed air quality, refer to the SMC Best Pneumatics
2. Lubricating non-lube type cylinders No. 6 catalog.
These cylinders have been lubricated for life at the factory 5. Precautionary measures against condensa-
and can be used without any further lubrication.
However, in the event that it is additionally lubricated, be sure
tion
to use class 1 turbine oil (with no additives) ISO VG32. Do not Moisture condensation can occur inside pneumatic systems
use machine oil or spindle oil. due to a drop in temperatures caused by the piping or operat-
Stopping lubrication later on may lead to a malfunction ing conditions. This can degrade or wash away grease, result-
because the new lubricant will displace the original lubricant. ing in a shortened service life or a malfunction.
Therefore, lubrication must be continued once it has been For details, refer to the catalog “Precautionary measures
started. against condensation in a pneumatic system” (CAT.P-E01-11).
If turbine oil is used, refer to the corresponding Safety Data
Sheet (SDS).

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 Actuators
Precautions 4
Be sure to read this before handling products.

Operating Environment Maintenance

Warning Warning
1. Do not use in an atmosphere containing 1. Perform maintenance and inspection ac-
corrosive gases, chemicals, sea water, water, cording to the procedures indicated in the
or water vapor as the generation of rust, operation manual.
corrosion, etc., may occur as a result. Direct If handled improperly, human injury and/or malfunction or
contact with the above must also be avoided. damage of machinery and equipment may occur.
¡About plated carbon steel machining 2. Maintenance work
The long machined parts (end threads of piston rods, If handled improperly, compressed air can be dangerous.
double-sided chamfer portions, tie rod threads, etc.) are not Assembly, handling, repair, and element replacement of
plated. Consider a made-to-order product (-XC6/-XC7) if pneumatic systems should be performed by a knowledgeable
the product is to be used in an environment where the and experienced person.
generation of rust or corrosion will be a problem.
3. Drain flushing
¡Refer to each construction drawing for information on the
materials of each actuator type. Remove drainage from air filters regularly.

2. Do not expose the product to direct sunlight 4. Removal of equipment, and supply/exhaust of
for an extended period of time. compressed air
Before components are removed, first confirm that measures
3. Do not use in a place subject to heavy vibra- are in place to prevent workpieces from dropping, run-away
tion and/or shock. equipment, etc. Then, cut off the supply pressure and electric
4. Do not mount the product in locations where power, and exhaust all compressed air from the system using
the residual pressure release function.
it is exposed to radiant heat. When machinery is restarted, proceed with caution after
5. Do not use in dusty locations or where confirming that appropriate measures are in place to prevent
water, oil, etc., splash on the equipment. sudden movement.
Use the heavy duty scraper type (-XC4) in situations where
there is a lot of dust. Use a water-resistant cylinder when
there is splashing or spraying of a liquid.
6. When using auto switches, do not operate in
an environment with strong magnetic fields.
7. If a shock absorber is attached to an actua-
tor, read the Specific Product Precautions
for the shock absorber.
8. A decrease in the base oil of grease may be
accelerated by the properties of the com-
pressed air used in pneumatic equipment,
the external environment, operating condi-
tions, etc., and the resulting drop in lubricat-
ing performance may have an effect on the
equipment’s service life.

Caution
1. Internal lubricant or the base oil of grease
may seep out of the cylinder depending on
the operating conditions (an ambient tem-
perature of 40°C or more, pressure reten-
tion, low-frequency actuation, etc.). Take
great care when a clean environment is re-
quired.

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 Actuators
Precautions 5
Be sure to read this before handling products.

For Air-hydro Type

Please read this page along with the Actuators Precautions.

Design/Selection Lubrication

Warning Warning
1. Do not use an air-hydro cylinder near flames 1. Completely discharge the compressed air in
or in equipment or machinery that exceeds the system before filling the air-hydro unit
an ambient temperature of 60°C. with hydraulic oil.
There is a danger of causing a fire because the air-hydro cyl- Before supplying hydraulic fluid to the air-hydro unit, first
inder uses a flammable hydraulic fluid. confirm that safety measures are implemented to prevent the
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the hydraulic fluid dropping of objects, the releasing of clamped objects, etc.
when supplying the fluid. Then, shut off the air supply and the equipment’s electric
power, and exhaust the compressed air in the system.
2. Do not use the product in a clean room. If the air-hydro unit’s supply port is opened with compressed
air still remaining in the system, there is a danger of hydraulic
Caution fluid being blown out.
Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) of the hydraulic fluid
1. Select an air-hydro cylinder in combination when supplying the fluid.
with an air-hydro unit. 2. Use petroleum hydraulic fluid which can be
Since the smooth operation of an air-hydro cylinder depends used as turbine oil.
on its combination with an air-hydro unit, carefully select an
If non-flammable hydraulic fluid is used, it may cause
appropriate air-hydro unit.
problems.
2. Set the load of the air-hydro cylinder to be The operating temperature range suitable for ISO VG32 is
50% or less of the theoretical force. from 15 to 35°C. If a higher operating temperature range is
For an air-hydro cylinder to obtain a level of constant speed required, select ISO VG46 (suitable for 25 to 45°C).
and stopping accuracy similar to a hydraulic cylinder, it is ∗ Refer to the SMC website for details about each
necessary to keep the load at 50% or less of the theoretical manufacturer’s brand name of class 1 turbine oil (no addi-
output. tives) ISO VG32. Additionally, please contact SMC for details
3. Do not use in an environment, equipment, or about class 2 turbine oil (with additives) ISO VG32.
machine that is not compatible with oil mist.
Air-hydro cylinders generate oil mist during operation which
may affect the environment.
Maintenance
4. Be certain to install an exhaust cleaner on
the directional control valve of the air-hydro
Caution
cylinder. 1. Bleed air from the air-hydro cylinder on a
A very small amount of hydraulic fluid is discharged from the regular basis.
exhaust port of the air-hydro cylinder’s directional control Since air may accumulate inside an air-hydro cylinder, bleed
valve, which may contaminate the surrounding area. air from it, for example, before starting work. Bleed air from
5. Install an air-hydro cylinder in locations the bleeder valve provided on the air-hydro cylinder or the
piping.
where it can be serviced easily.
Since the air-hydro cylinder requires maintenance, such as 2. Confirm the oil level of the air-hydro system
the refilling of hydraulic fluid and bleeding of air, ensure on a regular basis.
sufficient space for these activities. Since a very small amount of hydraulic fluid is discharged
from the air-hydro cylinder and air-hydro unit circuit, the fluid
will gradually decrease. Therefore, check the fluid regularly
Piping and refill as necessary.
The oil level can be checked with the level gauge in the
Warning air-hydro converter.

1. For air-hydro cylinder piping, use self-align-

ing fittings.
Do not use One-touch fittings in the piping for an air-hydro
cylinder because oil leakage may occur.
2. For air-hydro cylinder piping, use hard ny-
lon tubing or copper piping.
As in the case of hydraulic circuits, surge pressures greater
than the operating pressure may occur in an air-hydro
cylinder’s piping, making it necessary to use safer piping
materials.

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