A pneumatic cylinder is a type of
mechanical device that is used to generate force and is powered by using
compressed gas or air. It is also known as an air cylinder. These devices are
used to perform a lot of important functions in electronics, automotives,
packaging industries, as well as in domestic households. Among their various
functions included are the control and regulation of pressure in the air brakes
as well as closing certain door types. They also help the car engines to push
the pistons and facilitate spinning of the car tires. Although air cylinders
are utilized in a diverse range of functions, their basic mode of operation
remains the same. In these devices, air pressure is converted into linear
motion with the help of a metal piston. Air pushes the piston back and forth,
leading to a constant supply of force.
Air cylinders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they typically range between 2.5 mm and 400 mm in diameter. Some models of air cylinders have a diameter of 1000 mm, and are intended to be used as a replacement for hydraulics. The air cylinder models that are most commonly used have a tube shaped body with a shaft, a plunger and a rod. The rod fits perfectly into the cylinder shaft, and can be easily moved in and out, and the plunger is attached to the end portion of the rod. The purpose of the plunger is to withstand the impact of air pressure that streams within the air cylinder.
As a way of functioning, a pneumatic cylinder delivers a force by
generating kinetic energy from the potential energy present in compressed gas.
The kinetic energy thus produced is of scalar quantity and has magnitude but
lacks direction. The direction is attained with the help of electrical or
manual valves that helps in controlling the direction of the movement. A hand
lever or electric solenoid is used to maneuver the directional control valves
for keeping adjustable travel rates.As a greater air pressure than atmospheric
pressure creates a force which expands the compressed gas, the air expansion
propels the piston into moving in a preferred direction. Certain models of
cylinders are equipped with cushions on either or both the port ends. The
cushions restrict the flow of air to reduce the air travel speed to a lower
level.
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| Pneumatic and its internal structure |
There are two main variants of
air cylinders, namely single acting air cylinders and double acting air
cylinders. The two variants are discussed below in brief:
Single acting air cylinders
The single acting air cylinders are
comprised of a single port that is used for compressed air. The port moves in a
single direction only, i.e. the cylinders do not retract their pistons after
the removal of the air pressure. With the use of spring return hookups, the
piston is pushed back to its original position by the spring. However, the
device then requires additional air pressure to operate as both the load as
well as the spring has been pushed.
Double acting air cylinders
Doubleacting air cylinders are
comprised of two ports that are used for compressed air; one of them serves as
the instroke and the other one serves as the outstroke. These devices use the
force generated by air to expand as well as to withdraw like a vacuum which
pulls the rod again inside the shaft, thus needing more air as well as a more
complex model of solenoid valve than what is required by thesingle acting air
cylinders.
In order to keep the level of
performance of these air cylinders intact for many years, it is essential to
maintain them regularly. The valves should be checked regularly to make sure
that they are inserted properly in the desired positions. If not inserted
properly, they may glide over each other and result in a loss of pneumatic
pressure. Do not freeze the pneumatic system either, as this can ultimately damage
the control as well as the seal functions.
A large number of manufacturers
and suppliers deal in high quality air cylinders, and one can get in touch with
them from online resources. While buying a cylinder, it is important that a
user keeps in mind the motives for which he or she is planning to use an air
cylinder.
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