Pneumatic cylinders are components that carry out a movement using compressed air, which is why they are also known as compressed air cylinders. Pneumatic drives are an especially cost-effective solution for a number of application areas – even in extremely tough ambient conditions – and stand out for being really simple to commission. 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 also makes them resistant to 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 application areas for pneumatic drives are clamping, lifting, countersinking, pushing, pulling, feeding, turning, gripping, clamping and holding, joining, stopping, stamping, embossing and many others.
The range of pneumatic cylinders drives at Festo includes piston rod and rodless cylinders (linear drive), rotary cylinders, tandem, multi-position and stopper cylinders, as well as clamping cylinders, drives with linear guides, and bellows and diaphragm cylinders. As part of the range, we offer many standards-based cylinders with standardized dimensions and mounting interfaces. Cylinders that comply with a specific standard have identical dimensions. There are standards for piston rod cylinders with round design (ISO 6432), compact design (ISO 21287) and for profile and tie rod cylinders (ISO 15552).
Festo piston rod cylinders are pneumatic drives for executing linear movements. The energy applied to the piston is transferred by a piston rod to the parts to be moved. Piston rod cylinders are available as 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 have a piston rod. But even without a piston rod they execute linear movements, which is why they are also known as linear drives. Rodless cylinders are primarily used in applications with longer travel distances, e.g. as a basic drive in a multi-axis gantry or for feeding tasks.