Pneumatic cylinders are components that perform a movement using compressed air as the medium, which is why they are also referred to as compressed air cylinders. Pneumatic drives are a particularly cost-effective solution for a wide range of applications – even for the most difficult ambient conditions – and are characterized by particularly simple commissioning. Speeds of between 10 mm/s and 3 m/s can be achieved. Pneumatic cylinders are sturdy and flexible thanks to the compressibility of the air, which makes them resistant to the effects of high external forces.
Pneumatic cylinders are primarily classified into two types: single-acting cylinders and double-acting cylinders.
The single-acting cylinder generates movement in one direction. It uses compressed air to move the piston, while an internal spring or the force of gravity returns the piston to its original position once the pressure is released.
On the other hand, the double-acting cylinder is designed to generate movement in both directions. In this case, compressed air is applied for both extending and retracting the piston, allowing for bidirectional movement control. This type of cylinder offers greater versatility in automation applications, as it enables active tasks in both directions.
Pneumatic cylinders are used in numerous applications in automation technology/factory automation. Typical applications for pneumatic drives are tensioning, lifting, countersinking, pushing, pulling, feeding, turning, gripping, clamping and holding, joining, stopping, stamping, embossing and others.
At Festo, the range of pneumatic cylinder drives includes piston rod cylinders and rodless cylinders (linear drive), swivel cylinders, tandem, multi-position and stopper cylinders as well as clamping and tensioning cylinders, drives with linear guidance, and bellows and diaphragm cylinders. In the range, we offer many standards-based cylinders with standardized dimensions and mounting interfaces. With regard to these dimensions, standards-based cylinders of the same standard are identical. There are standards for piston rod cylinders in round design (ISO 6432), in compact design (ISO 21287) and for profile and tie rod cylinders (ISO 15552).
Festo piston rod cylinders are pneumatic drives for carrying out linear movements. The energy applied to the piston is transmitted to the parts to be moved via a piston rod. Piston rod cylinders are available round cylinders, profile cylinders, compact cylinders, short-stroke cylinders, flat cylinders, miniature cylinders, cartridge cylinders or stainless steel cylinders.
Rodless cylinders are pneumatic cylinders and – as the name suggests – do not require a piston rod. But even without a piston rod they perform a linear movement, which is why they are also called linear drives. Rodless cylinders are used primarily in applications with relatively long travel distances, e.g. as the basic drive in a multi-axis gantry or for feeding tasks.
Pneumatic semi-rotary drives/rotary drives from Festo enable rotary movements up to a swivel angle of 270°. Whether with vane drive or gear rack drive: highest precision is just as characteristic as the high performance and variety of the drives. Our pneumatic drives are used in a wide range of industries for factory automation, for example.