How pneumatic cylinders improve manufacturing efficiencies

Across many industries, pneumatic systems are implemented to create linear motion during an operation sequence. One of the main reasons for using a pneumatic system is that it is a relatively safe option compared to electrical solutions and can be used in various hazardous working environments. Furthermore, pneumatic systems often offer a lower upfront set-up cost and are relatively easy to maintain and use. A key component of many pneumatic systems is the pneumatic cylinder.

What are pneumatic cylinders?

Pneumatic cylinders, often known as pneumatic actuators, are mechanical devices that convert compressed air energy into linear motion. Standard pneumatic cylinders use an extending piston rod that can be single- or double-acting. Single-acting cylinders have air applied to one side of the cylinder, meaning the piston moves in one direction and is returned by using a spring. In a double-acting cylinder, the air is applied to chambers on either side of the piston. This means the piston can be moved in both directions, allowing the user more control.

Another common type of pneumatic cylinder is the rodless pneumatic cylinder. Rodless cylinders move the required load alongside the piston. This allows for more excellent space savings as there is no added length from an extended piston rod. Furthermore, linear guides can be fitted to the body of a rodless cylinder, meaning that higher load ratings can be achieved without running the risk of rod buckling.

How to improve your manufacturing efficiencies

Where manual tasks can be automated, or loads are too great for humans to move, pneumatic cylinders can be installed as a cost-effective solution compared to human labour. As a result, pneumatic cylinders are abundant across many manufacturing facilities.

By automating repetitive manual tasks, many factories can allocate their employees to other business areas, allowing for greater scalability and efficiency of the company in the long run. Furthermore, pneumatic cylinder efficiency plays a key role in optimising these systems, as they can be tailored to reproduce performance with the highest levels of precision and repeatability. As a result, accurate production output rates can be calculated, and production forecasts can be easier to compute.

Due to their adaptability and robust nature, pneumatic cylinders carry out various functions in different machines across many industries. These include clamping, gripping, positioning, lifting, pressing, shifting, sorting, and stacking. In manufacturing industries, pneumatic cylinders will often be used to open valve doors, take things on or off conveyor belts, and lift heavy objects.

How Matara can help

As a manufacturer of pneumatic cylinders for over 28 years, Matara can offer a genuinely bespoke cylinder building service. At the click of a button via the Matara website, you can specify the size of your cylinder and your stroke length, up to mm, up to 2.8 metres. Furthermore, we can offer a wide range of pneumatic accessories, to accommodate the wide variety of applications cylinders can be fitted in.

If you would like to discuss your next project with our team, be sure to contact us, and our technical experts will be on hand to help. For all the information you need on a wide range of solutions, consult our technical articles and case studies.