Pneumatic Actuators

For power, motion and control

Contents

Introduction
Basic construction
Fundamental designs
Force
Rod buckling
Speed control
Response times
Air consumption
Seals
Cushion design
Shock absorbers
Standards

Types of construction
Mountings
Installation
Non rotational guiding
Locking and braking
Rodless cylinders
Variants
Special purpose actuators
Twin stroke
Positioners
Impact cylinders

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Introduction

Pneumatic actuators include linear cylinders and

rotary actuators.
They are devices providing power and motion to
automated systems, machines and processes.
A pneumatic cylinder is a simple, low cost, easy
to install device that is ideal for producing
powerful linear movement.
Speed can be adjusted over a wide range.
A cylinder can be stalled without damage.

Introduction

Adverse conditions can be easily tolerated such as

high humidity, dry and dusty environments and
cleaning down with a hose.
The bore of a cylinder determines the maximum
force that it can exert.
The stroke of a cylinder determines the maximum
linear movement that it can produce.
The maximum working pressure depends on the
cylinder design. VDMA cylinders work up to 16 bar.
Thrust is controllable through a pressure regulator.

Basic Construction
1 cushion seal
2 magnet
3 cushion sleeve
4 barrel
5 guide bush
6 rod and wiper seal
7 front end cover
8 front port
9 reed switch
10 piston rod
11 wear ring
12 piston seal
13 rear end cover
14 cushion screw

1
2
3

14

4
5
6

13
12
11
10
9
8
7

Fundamental designs

Fundamental designs

Pneumatic actuators are made in a wide variety of

sizes, styles and types including the following
Single acting with and without spring return
Double acting

Non cushioned and fixed cushioned

Adjustable cushioned
Magnetic

Rodless
Rotary
Clamping
Bellows

Single acting spring return

Single acting cylinders

have a power stroke in
one direction only

Normally in
Normally out

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Single acting no spring

Gravity or other
external force to
return the rod

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Double acting

Double acting cylinders use compressed air to

power both the outstroke and instroke.
Superior speed control is possible
There are

Non-cushioned types
Fixed cushioned types
Adjustable cushioned types

Double acting non-cushioned

Non cushioned cylinders are suitable for full

stroke working at slow speed.
Higher speeds with external cushions

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Double acting fixed cushions

Small bore light duty cylinders have fixed

cushions

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D/A adjustable cushions

progressively slows the piston rod down over

the last part of stroke

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Double acting magnetic

A magnetic band around the circumference of

the piston operates reed switches to indicate
positions of stroke.

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Rodless cylinders

Contain the movement produced within the same

overall length taken up by the cylinder body.
For example, action across a conveyor belt, or for
vertical lifting in spaces with confined headroom.
Movement is from a carriage running on the side of
the cylinder barrel.
A slot, the full length of the barrel allows the
carriage to be connected to the piston.
Long sealing strips on the inside and outside of the
cylinder tube prevent loss of air and ingress of dust.

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Rodless cylinder

Double acting with adjustable cushions

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Rotary Actuators

Used for turning components, operating process control

valves, performing a wrist action in robotic applications.
Provide angular reciprocating rotation up to 360 o
Rotary vane types
Rack and pinion types

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Rotary vane

Double acting with 270o angle of rotation

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Rotary rack and pinion

Double acting rack and pinion

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Rotary rack and pinion

Double acting double torque

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Clamping Cylinders

For use in confined spaces where only a short

stroke is required.
Short axial overall dimension for their bore size.
Generally used in light duty applications
Mostly used in single acting versions, but also
available in double acting through-rod styles

Clamping cylinder

Normally sprung instroked

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Clamping cylinder

Double acting double ended piston rod

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Bellows

Bellows are durable single acting concertina like actuators.

Extend when inflated.
Provide powerful short strokes.
Have all round compliance allowing them to bend in any
direction.
Can be used as air springs and are ideal for insulating the
vibration of supported loads.
Caution: the maximum extension and compression of the
bellows must be limited by external restraints. The bellows must
never be pressurised while unrestrained as it will over extend and
the end plate is likely to be blown free and could cause serious
injuries. When the bellows is exhausted the load must be
prevented from crushing it.

Bellows

Double convolution type

Force

Cylinder sizing for thrust

The theoretical thrust (outstroke) or pull (instroke) of a
cylinder is calculated by multiplying the effective area of
the piston by the working pressure.
The effective area for thrust is the full area of the cylinder
bore D.
The effective area for pull is reduced by the cross section
area of the piston rod diameter d.

Cylinder sizing for thrust

In the formula, P is divided by 10 to convert bar to

Newtons per square millimetre (1 bar = 0.1 N/mm2)

Thrust F

D P Newtons
4 10

Where
D = Cylinder bore in millimetres
P = Pressure in bar
F = Thrust or Pull in Newtons

Cylinder sizing for thrust

Pulling force F will be less than the thrust due to the area
lost to the piston rod

Pull

2
(D -

d )P

40

Where
D = Cylinder bore in millimetres
d = Piston rod diameter in millimetres
P = Pressure in bar
F = Thrust or Pull in Newtons

Newtons

Cylinder sizing for thrust

Example; find the theoretical thrust and pull of a 50 mm

bore cylinder supplied with a pressure of 8 bar.

Thrust F

=
=

Pull

=
=

50 . 8
40
1571 Newtons
(502- 202 ) . 8
40
1319 Newtons

Opposing spring force

Calculating the thrust or pull of single acting

cylinders with a spring is more complicated. The
spring force opposing the thrust or pull will
progressively increase as more of the stroke is
achieved. This must be subtracted to find the
theoretical force.

Table of thrust and pulls s/a

Tables of cylinder forces

can be found in
catalogues
The values shown here
are for a working
pressure of 6 bar
For another pressure in
bar, multiply the thrust
value in the table by that
pressure then divide by 6

Cylinder bore
mm

Thrust N
at 6 bar

Min Pull of
spring N

10

37

12

59

16

105

20

165

14

25

258

23

32

438

27

40

699

39

50

1102

48

63

1760

67

80

2892

86

100

4583

99

Table of thrust and pulls d/a

Cylinder
Piston rod Thrust N at
bore mm
diameter
6 bar
(inches) mm (inches)
8
3
30
10
4
47
12
6
67
16
6
120
20
8
188
25
10
294
32
12
482
40
16
753
44.45 (1.75)
16
931
50
20
1178
63
20
1870
76.2 (3)
25
2736
80
25
3015
100
25
4712
125
32
7363
152.4 (6)
(1 1/2)
10944
160
40
12063
200
40
18849
250
50
29452
304.8 (12)
(2 1/4)
43779
320
63
48254
355.6 (14)
(2/14)
59588

Pull N
at 6 bar
25
39
50
103
158
246
414
633
810
989
1681
2441
2721
4418
6881
10260
11309
18095
28274
42240
46384
58049

The pull values are

lower due to the
annular area of the
piston
The values shown here
are for a working
pressure of 6 bar
For another pressure in
bar, multiply the thrust
values in the table by
that pressure then
divide by 6

Thrust

When estimating the relative thrusts of cylinders

with different bore sizes, it can be useful to
remember that thrust increases with the square
of the diameter. In other words if you double the
bore you will quadruple the thrust

2d
This is 4 times the area of this

Useable Thrust

When selecting a cylinder size and suitable

operating pressure, an estimation must be made of
the actual thrust required.
This is then taken as a percentage of the
theoretical thrust of a suitably sized cylinder.
The percentage chosen will depend on whether
the application requires static or dynamic thrust.
Static thrust at the end of movement for clamping.
Dynamic thrust during movement for lifting.

Clamping Applications

In a clamping application the force is developed

as the cylinder stops. This is when the pressure
differential across the piston reaches a
maximum. The only losses from the theoretical
thrust will be those caused by friction.
As a general rule, make an allowance of 10% for
friction. This may be more for very small bore
cylinders and less for very large ones.

Dynamic Applications

The thrust or pull developed in dynamic

applications is divided into two components
One for moving the load
The other for creating a back pressure to help
expel the air on the exhausting side of the piston
For a lightly loaded cylinder, most of the thrust is
used to expel the back pressure
As a general rule, the estimated thrust
requirement should fall between 50% and 75% of
the theoretical thrust

Piston rod buckling

Piston rod buckling

Some applications require very long stroke cylinders.

If there is a compressive axial load applied to the piston
rod, care must be taken to ensure that the system
parameters of rod length, diameter and load are within the
safety limits to prevent buckling.
Euler's Formulae for Elastic Instability is expressed by:

FK
Where
Fk = Euler Load (Force to buckle)
E = Modulus of elasticity
I = Second moment of area
lk = Equivalent free buckling length

2
=

E I

2
lK

Piston rod buckling

The equivalent free

buckling length lk used in
the formula is determined
by the installation.
For a pin jointed slender
column (Euler case 2) the
free buckling length lk is
the same as the length l
between joints. For a
slender column with one
end free and the other
end fixed (Euler case 1) lk
= 2l

lK = l

3
l K = 2l

Piston rod buckling

l

1,2 & 3, a worn rod

bearing will allow initial
buckling as if the rod
were pin jointed. assume
l k = l. (Euler case 2)
4,5 & 6, the end of the
rod is free laterally
assume l k = 2l. (Euler
case 1)
7 special case l k < 2l
8 special case l k < 1.5l

1
l
2
l
3
4
5
6
7
8

l
l
l
l
l

Piston rod buckling

Guide table to maximum

stroke lengths mm. Safety
factor "s" = 5 load is the
thrust developed at the
given pressure.

Cylinder
8032

8040

Bar

case
1,2,3

case
4,5,6

case
7

case
8

2
6

1000
860

450
390

960
530

1100
610

10
16

650
500

290
210

390
290

450
340

2
6
10
16

1200
1200
950
730

500
500
430
320

1370
760
570
430

1580
880
660
500

Bar

case
1,2,3

case
4,5,6

case
7

case
8

2
6
10
16
2
6
10
16

1300
1300
1100
920
1300
1200
920
700

450
450
450
410
500
500
410
300

1740
960
720
550
1360
750
560
420

1990
1110
840
640
1550
860
640
490

8080

2
6
10
16

1600
1500
1100
880

600
600
510
380

1680
920
690
520

1930
1060
800
600

8100

2
6
10
16

1500
1100
890
670

600
530
380
280

1320
710
520
390

1500
810
600
450

Cylinder
8050

8063

Speed control

Speed control

The maximum natural speed of a cylinder is determined by:

the cylinder size,

the ports size,
inlet and exhaust valve flow,
the air pressure,
the bore and length of the hoses,
the load against which the cylinder is working.

Speed control

From the natural speed it

is possible to increase or
reduce it.
Normally a smaller valve
reduces cylinder speed.
A larger valve might
increase cylinder speed.
A limiting factor will be
the aperture in the
cylinder ports

restricted aperture

unrestricted aperture

Speed control

Once a valve, cylinder, pressure and load are selected,

adjustable speed control is effected with flow regulators.
Speed is regulated by controlling the flow of air to exhaust
The front port regulator controls the outstroke speed and
the rear port regulator controls the instroke speed.

Pressure / Velocity graph

The behavior of pressure and speed during the stroke of a
typical cushioned cylinder fitted with flow regulators.

Differential to maintain velocity

against load and friction

10

bar
8

1.0
0.8

P1

Load

0.6

P2
4

0.4

Velocity

2
0

movement starts

0.2
0

Time

valve switched

V
m/s

movement ends

P1 pressure driving the piston forward

P2 back pressure on the annular side of the piston

Flow regulator

Uni-directional, line mounted adjustable flow regulator

Free flow in one direction

Adjustable restricted flow in the other direction

Banjo flow regulator

Designed to fit directly in

to the cylinder port, so
placing adjustment at the
appropriate cylinder end.
Select the type to give
conventional flow
restriction out of the
cylinder and free flow in.

Guide to cylinder speed

Rodless

2,000

Speed mm / s

1,800

Piston rod
Cylinder

1,600
1,400

Cv 0.4 & 25 dia

1,200

Cv 1.0 & 32 dia

1,000

Cv 4.0 & 80 dia

800
600

Cv 0.4 & 50 dia

400

Cv 0.35 & 25 dia

Cv 6.0 & 250 dia

200
0
100

80

50

30

Load %

10

As an approximate guide,
the graph shows the likely
maximum speeds that can
be achieved with typical
combinations of valve Cv
and cylinder bore against
percentage loading.

Increasing speed

In some applications
cylinder speed can be
increased by 50% when
using a quick exhaust
valve.
When operated, air from
the front of the cylinder
exhausts directly through
the quick exhaust valve.
Built in cushioning will be
less effective.

Quick exhaust valve

Air flows from the control valve in to the cylinder past a

poppet lip seal.
When the control valve is operated the falling pressure from
the valve allows the poppet seal to snap open.
The air in the cylinder rapidly exhausts through the large
exhaust port and silencer.
2

Response times

Likely time of one cycle.

overall response time of

the valve and cylinder.

Table of guide times for

double acting cylinders.

150-mm stroke.
one cycle out and
instroke
5/2 solenoid / spring
valve.
6 bar pressure supply.
1m of tubing between
valve and cylinder.
no load on the piston rod

Bore

Valve
ports

Cv

Time
m secs

20

1/8

0.3

225

50

1/8

0.4

700

63

1/4

1.0

525

100

1/4

1.0

1100

160

3.5

950

200

3.5

1560

200

7.8

650

320

7.8

1280

Air consumption

Cylinder air consumption

There are two parts to the air consumption of a

cylinder.
One is the volume displaced by the piston
multiplied by the absolute working pressure.
Two is the unswept volume such as cavities in
the end cover and piston, the cylinder ports,
tubing and valve cavities, all multiplied by the
gauge pressure.
The unswept part is likely to be a small
percentage and will vary with individual
installations. A general allowance of around 5%
can be added to cover this.

Cylinder air consumption

For a double acting cylinder the volume of free

air displaced by the piston in one complete cycle

Push stroke

Pull stroke

V=

V=

D . S . ( Ps + Pa) . 10
4
2

-6

-6

( D -d ) . S . ( Ps + Pa) . 10
4

Where
D = cylinder bore mm
d = rod diameter mm
V = volume in dm3 free air
S = stroke mm
Ps = supply gauge pressure bar
Pa = atmospheric pressure (assumed to be 1 bar)

Cylinder air consumption

To estimate the total average air consumption of

a pneumatic system make a calculation for each
cylinder in the system. Add these together and
add 5% .
It is important to understand that the
instantaneous flow requirement for a system
will be higher than the average and in some
cases very much higher.

Table of consumption
Bore Rod Push stroke
Pull stroke
mm mm consumption consumption
dm3/mm of
dm3/mm of
stroke at 6 bar stroke at 6 bar
10
12
16
20
25
32
40
50
63
80
100
125
160
200
250

4
6
6
8
10
12
16
20
20
25
25
32
40
40
50

0.00054
0.00079
0.00141
0.00220
0.00344
0.00563
0.00880
0.01374
0.02182
0.03519
0.05498
0.0859
0.14074
0.21991
0.34361

0.00046
0.00065
0.00121
0.00185
0.00289
0.00484
0.00739
0.01155
0.01962
0.03175
0.05154
0.08027
0.13195
0.21112
0.32987

Combined
consumption
dm3/mm of
stroke/cycle
0.00100
0.00144
0.00262
0.00405
0.00633
0.01047
0.01619
0.02529
0.04144
0.06694
0.10652
0.16617
0.27269
0.43103
0.67348

Take each
figure and
multiply by the
stroke in mm.
For pressures
other than 6
bar multiply by
the absolute
pressure
divided by
seven.

Seals

Seals

Identification of seals in a double acting

adjustable cushioned cylinder

1
1
2
3
4
5
6

Cushion screw seal

Cushion seal
Wear ring
Piston seal
Barrel seal
Piston rod/wiper seal

O' Ring piston seals

An O'-ring piston seal is

a loose fit in the groove,
with the outer diameter
just in contact with the
cylinder bore. When
pressure is applied the
O'-ring is pushed
sideways and outwards
to seal the clearance
between the outer
diameter of the piston
and the cylinder wall.

Cup seals

Used on medium and

large bore cylinders.
Seal in one direction only.
One for single acting
Two for double acting
Low radial exertion to
reduce the static break
out friction
High compliance

Z Rings

Used for piston seals on

smaller bore cylinders
Seals in both directions
Take up less space
Z shape acts as a light
radial spring providing
low radial exertion and
high compliance.

O' Ring barrel seals

These are static seals

and will be a tight fit
in their groove
locations
Butt joint seal for tie
rod construction.
Screwed barrel and
end cover

Cushion seals

These seals perform a

dual role of seal and non
return valve.
Sealing on the inside
diameter and one face
when cushioning.
Air flows freely around
the outside diameter and
grooves in the other face
when the piston is driven
out.

Piston rod seals

One piece seal serves the

dual role of pressure seal
and wiper seal.
Outer body of the seal is
a pressure tight fit within
the bearing housing.
Cleaning action removes
abrasive particles that
can settle on the rod
when outstroked.
Special seal for harsh
environments

Piston rod bellows

Alternative to special wiper seals, also referred to as

gaiters.
Specify as original equipment, as the cylinder requires a
slightly longer than standard piston rod.
Ideal solution where the outstroked piston rod is likely to
be scratched or abraded by falling debris.

Extreme operating temperatures

Standard seals are generally recommended for

continuous running in the range +2oC to +80oC.
Higher temperatures will soften the seals so that
they wear quickly and produce more friction.
Lower temperatures will harden the seals which
make them brittle and liable to splitting and
cracking.
For high temperature applications with
continuous running at an ambient up to 150oC,
cylinders fitted with "Viton" seals should be
specified.

Wear ring

A wear ring is an open

band fitted around the
piston.
It is made from a hard
plastic material.
In the event of a high side
load, it becomes a
bearing that prevents
excessive distortion of
the seals.
Protects against scoring
of the barrel from the
piston.

Cushion design

Cushion design

Cushioning protects a cylinder and load by

absorbing the energy at the end of stroke. This
results in progressive deceleration and gentle
contact between the piston and end cover.
Fixed cushioning with shock absorbing pads is
applied to small light duty cylinders which have
low mass in the piston, rod and load.
Larger cylinders have adjustable pneumatic
cushions which function over the final 2 cm of
stroke.

Fixed cushion design

Shock absorbent discs set into the end covers cushion the
impact of the piston

Adjustable cushion design

Adjustable cushion design

The piston is moving to the left at speed.

Air is venting through the centre of the seal.

Adjustable cushion design

The cushion seal is pushed to the left and seals against its left
hand edge and inside diameter.
Air can only escape past the cushion screw. The pressure builds up
and cushions the piston.

Adjustable cushion design

The screw is set to bring the piston, rod and load to a

gentle halt against the end cover.

Adjustable cushion design

A valve has been operated to power the piston out.

The cushion seal is pushed to the right. Grooves in the
right hand edge and outside diameter bypass the screw.

Adjustable cushion design

The piston is started in the other direction un-restricted by

the cushion screw setting.

Shock absorbers

Shock absorbers

For smooth
deceleration of very
high mass and
velocity.
Supplement or take
over a cylinder's built
in cushioning.
Non adjustable self
compensating units
Adjustable units in
two sizes

Self compensating
0.9 to 10 Kg
2.3 to 25 Kg
9 to 136 Kg
105 to 1130 Kg
Adjustable
5 to 450 Kg
10 to 810 Kg

Self compensating units

The principle of operation is progressive flow restriction.

The piston is pushed in easily at first, oil is displaced
through a large number of graduated metering orifices.
As the stroke progresses fewer and fewer metering
orifices are available.

Adjustable units

Internal accumulator containing closed cell elastomer

foam as fluid displacement reservoir.
Orifice sizes can be regulated by operating an adjusting
ring. This allows precise deceleration to be achieved over
a wide range of mass and velocity characteristics.

Shock absorbers

Calculate the equivalent mass using this formula

2
W
3
me =
v2

Where

W3 = total energy W1 + W2 (Nm)

me = equivalent mass (kg)
W1 = kinetic energy = m.v2 (Nm)
W2 = energy of the force = F.s (Nm)
m = mass (Kg)
v = velocity (m/s)
F = propelling force (N)
s = stroke of shock absorber (m)

Example

Mass of 10 kg, force 100 N, will contact the shock

absorber with a velocity of 1 m/s. The stroke of the self
adjusting unit is a nominal 0.025m.

W1 = 10 12 2 = 5 Nm
W2 = 100 0.025 = 2.5 Nm
W3 = 5 + 2.5 = 7.5 Nm
me = 2 7.5 12 = 15 kg
s = 0.025 m

F=100N
v = 1 m/s

Standards

Standards

ISO 6431 and 6432 standardise the installation

dimensions of specified pneumatic cylinders and
their fitted mountings. Mountings from one
manufacturer however may not fit with the
cylinder from another.
VDMA 24562 is a refinement of the above
standards further defining dimensions,
particularly tie rod centres and the attachment of
mountings to them.

Standards

ISO 6009 relates to the dimension codes used in

manufacturers dimension data sheets
There are additional mountings beyond the
scope of this standard.

Non standard dimensions

There are many ranges of cylinder designs not

bound by the dimensional restrictions of a
standard.
These cylinders incorporate the latest
innovations in manufacturing technique to
provide neat and compact designs resulting in
smaller overall sizes.

Types of construction

Types of construction

The factors controlling the type of construction of a

cylinder are

Sealed for life types

Size, duty, cost, style, standards and compatibility of materials

Low cost, light duty, small to medium bore cylinders. The
piston is pre-greased for life on assembly and can be operated
with non lubricated or lubricated air.
Types: micro cylinders, round line, small bore compact

Serviceable types

It is economical for the user to extend their life by replacement

of worn seals and re-greasing. Also the replacement of
accidentally damaged parts may be possible.
Types: small bore ISO, large bore compact, ISO/VDMA range,
heavy duty.

Micro cylinders

Very small bore 2.5 mm to 6 mm diameter, mainly single

acting sprung to the instroke.
For use in light duty miniature assembly and
manufacturing
For operation in the pressure range 2.5 bar to 7 bar.
Sealed for life

Round line cylinders

Low cost, light duty, small to medium bore cylinders in the

range 8mm to 63mm diameter.
The cylinders are sealed for life by rolling the barrel ends
and end covers down to make a pressure tight seal.
For operation in the pressure range 1 to 10 bar.

Compact cylinders 12 - 40 mm

Short overall dimension that is approximately one third of the

zero stroke length of a comparable ISO design.
A magnetic piston is standard on the single acting versions
Non-magnetic and magnetic types in the double acting
pressure range from 1 bar to 10 bar. Sealed for life.

Serviceable

Light and Medium Duty

These designs can be dismantled and
reassembled by the user. It can be economical to
service these cylinders and extend their life by
replacing worn seals and re-greasing.
Typical types of construction are:

screwed barrel and end covers

end covers retained by circlips
end covers clamped by tie rods

Small bore ISO

ISO dimensioned cylinders in the range 10 mm to 25 mm

bore both single and double acting screwed barrel
construction.
A threaded rear end cover provides a choice of mounting
by clamp nut or built in rear eye.
For operation with non-lubricated or lubricated air in the
pressure range from 1 bar to 10 bar.

Compact cylinders 50 - 63 mm

Removable front end

cover retained by a
circlip.
This allows for the
replacement of seals

ISO / VDMA cylinders

Conforming to ISO and VDMA dimensions and with a wide

range of mounting options.
Lightweight profile, double acting cylinders with integral
tie rod construction in magnetic and non-magnetic
versions.
Bore sizes range from 32mm to 125 mm diameter.

ISO / VDMA

Large bore double acting range external tie rod design

125 mm to 320 mm diameter
Magnetic version up to 200 mm non magnetic in all sizes.
Wide range of mountings.
1 to 16 bar (up to 200 mm) 1 to 10 bar (250 to 320 mm bore).

Heavy duty

Extremely rugged, hard wearing, heavy weight tie rod

construction. Bore sizes 2" to 12" diameter
Large diameter piston rod and long adjustable cushioning.
arduous work in mines, quarries, steel plants, foundries
and other demanding applications.

Mountings

Cylinder rigidly fixed

to the machine or
allowed to swivel as
part of a linkage in
one or more planes.
Fixing points will be
the cylinder body and
piston rod end.

Mountings for small bore

AK

F
G

UF

NUT

Mountings
Mountings for tie rod cylinders

AK

D2

SS

SW

UF

UH

UL

US

NUT

UR

Rigid mountings

A Tie rod extension

G Front Flange

B Rear Flange

C Foot

Articulated mountings

D Rear Clevis

H Centre
Trunnion

F Rod Clevis

L Rear Hinge

M Front Hinge

R Rear Eye

UF Universal rod Eye

UR Universal
rear Eye

Installation

Installation

A cylinder should be installed so that side loads

on the piston rod bearing are reduced to a
minimum or eliminated.
A side load is a force component acting laterally
across the axis of the bearing.
Five typical installations that produce a side load
follow with their possible solutions.
Side loads can rarely be eliminated completely,
but by employing good engineering practice they
can be reduced to an acceptable level.

Side load one

Avoid attaching an
unsupported load to the
piston rod.
Wherever possible
support the load on slide
or roller guides

Side load two

The weight of a long outstroked piston rod alone can

produce a high bending moment.
It may be possible to hang the rod end from a roller track.

Side load three

Misalignment of the cylinder and a guided load can

easily jamb the cylinder completely.
Installation of a front fork and slot will eliminate this type
of side load.

Side load four

An offset load is a
common source of
bending moment acting
on the end of a piston
rod.
Install external heavy
duty bearings to relieve
the side load on the
cylinder bearing.

Side load five

A horizontally mounted rear hinged cylinder will have the

weight of the cylinder body creating a bending moment.
Fit a central trunnion at the point of balance

Non rotational guiding

Non rotational guiding

For applications where

loads attached to the
piston rod end need
guiding to maintain
orientation
Guided compact
cylinders incorporate
twin guide bars running
in bearings within the
extruded cylinder body

Non rotational guiding

ISO 32 to 100 bore cylinders with non rotating piston rod.

Feature continuous flats running the length of the rod which
run in a matching bearing.
For resisting light torsional loads only.
twist in an outstroked rod can occur at higher torque.

Non rotational guiding

Add on guide block units

with slide or roller

guides.
provide non rotational
guiding and greater
support against higher
loads.
For low friction and best
support use the version
with twin roller guides
These units can be fitted
with twin passive or
active locking
cartridges.

Non rotational guiding

Linear slide units.

For precise actuation

high quality slide
bearings
provide exceptional
torsional rigidity with
a twin through-rod
layout
magnetic piston
choice of port
connection positions.

Locking and braking

Locking and braking

For safety in the event of

air failure or as part of a
machine sequence.
Stop and hold a load at
any position in the stroke.
Passive or active piston
rod locking unit
A range of these add on
units is designed to suit
ISO cylinders from 32 mm
to 125 mm bore.

LINTRA Rodless Cylinders

LINTRA Cylinders
Rodless cylinders for:

Limited spaces

Simple installation

Long strokes

Neat attractive styling

High speed

Precision control

Large range:
Variants in structural
strength
Twin stroke
Active braking
Passive braking
Curved design
Electric drive
Corrosion resistant

Operating principle

A full length slot in the

barrel joins the piston and
external carriage
The slot is sealed against
pressure and dust with
self holding inner seal and
outer cover strips
Strips are continuously
parted and re-sealed by
the piston
The slot is only unsealed
in the un-pressurised
space between the piston
seals
Click the illustration to start and stop animation

Operating principle
The sealing strips are parted and closed as
the piston moves through the stroke
Adjustable cushions
Dual connection ports at the left hand end

Click the illustration to start and stop animation

LINTRA applied

For action across a

strip process
No overhang or
mechanism required
compared to a
conventional piston
rod cylinder
The application shows
a flying knife typical of
use in the paper
production industry

Click the illustration to start and stop animation

LINTRA applied

Lifting in places with

limited headroom
Actuation contained
within the length of the
cylinder body

Click the illustration to start and stop animation

LINTRA Overview

Extruded aluminium alloy

cylinder barrel with
integral bearing guides
Internally or externally
guided carriage
Roller guided carriage
Double carriages
Integral valve option
Bore sizes 16 to 80mm
Strokes up to 8.5 m
Adjustable cushion
Single end connections

Magnetic piston option

Dual integral grooves for
sensor mounting

Guiding variants

The internally guided

carriage is suitable for
light duty applications