WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN SELECTING YOUR Exploring the configurations, sizes and internal components that can make or break your cylinder in short-stroke applications A member of Festo Group

A member of Festo Group Compact air cylinders are critical to a wide range of applications, including printing, palletizing, robotics, automotive assembly, semiconductor processing and more. This type of pneumatic actuator provides short strokes in a compact, low-profile design—enabling you to use it in very tight spaces. With bore sizes from 0.5–4 inches and a maximum standard stroke of 4 inches, these cylinders typically feature the longest possible stroke for the smallest package size. In light of their value and widespread use, it’s important to remember that not all compact air cylinders...

A member of Festo Group COMMON WAYS TO MOUNT YOUR AIR CYLINDER Compact air cylinders come in a variety of mounting options: • Centerline mounting. Because the mounting plane is the cylinder’s centerline, this option provides the best support for your air cylinder. • Pivot mounting. In many applications, the cylinder must pivot through an arc. Eye, clevis and trunnion mounts are available on many models. • Non-centerline mounting. Though generally rugged, this option may be less rigid than other mounting types. This is because the mounting plane is not through the cylinder’s centerline— creating...

A member of Festo Group DURABLE ROD BUSHINGS IMPROVE SERVICE LIFE The better the bearing, the more cycles you can expect from your air cylinder. Look for compact cylinders with superior rod-bearing materials. Pancake® cylinders, for example, incorporate a fluoropolymer-based composite that is bonded to a supporting filament-wound fiberglass and epoxy resin shell. This material resists corrosion, moisture and temperatures up to 325°F, enhancing the bearing’s load capacity and reliability in harsh environments. Many cylinders on the market feature oil-impregnated bronze bushings, which tend to...

A member of Festo Group PANCAKE CYLINDERS AT A GLANCE Here’s an overview of the key design features of a high-quality Pancake® II cylinder. PISTON ROD • Chrome-plated stainless steel • 8–12 RMS finish ROD BUSHING • Self-lubricating • Zero slipstick • 60,000 psi load capacity ROD SEAL • Internally-lubricated O-ring CYLINDER WALL • Nonmetallic composite • Impact resistant • Self-lubricating PISTON-TO-ROD CONNECTION • Three-piece assembly • High strength