Pneumatic Cylinders

A pneumatic cylinder converts the energy of compressed air into linear motion. Compared with a hydraulic cylinder it is faster, cleaner and cheaper; in exchange, because air is compressible, positioning accuracy is poor and the same bore carries far less force. Selection starts with where those two limits fall.

Bore is chosen from force. The table above gives the force each bore delivers at 6 bar: a 50 mm cylinder produces 1,180 N extending and 990 N retracting. Two margins belong in the choice — seal friction costs 3-10% of the theoretical value, and line pressure sags during the day. A practical rule is to pick the bore that gives at least 1.5 times the force you need. Where the application pulls rather than pushes, the binding figure is the retract column, which is why it is listed separately.

Stroke cannot be chosen independently of bore. A slender cylinder with a long stroke will buckle its rod under load. If 500 mm of stroke is wanted at 25 mm bore, either the bore goes up or an external rod guide is added; a long, thin cylinder that satisfies the force calculation on paper will still bend in service.

Magnetic-piston types report position. A permanent magnet embedded in the piston triggers a reed or PNP sensor clamped to the barrel, so the end positions reach the controller. On an automation line this is nearly always required, and it cannot be retrofitted — the piston has to be magnetic from the start.

Cushioning absorbs the impact at end of stroke. Without it the piston hammers the end cap and rod bearing at speed; life shortens and noise rises. Adjustable types have a needle screw at each end that sets how hard the deceleration is, and it needs resetting when load or speed changes.

An ISO size means brand independence. On ISO 15552 cylinders (formerly ISO 6431) the mounting holes, rod thread and body dimensions are standardised, so moving from one make to another leaves the mounting untouched. Compact (SDA) and pen-type cylinders fall outside that standard — compare dimensions item by item before substituting.

A cylinder does not work alone. Preparing, directing and carrying the air are links in the same circuit: the FRL unit removes moisture and dirt, the valve sets direction, fittings and hose deliver the flow. The Pemaks range we stock covers all four links, and completing a circuit from a single make leaves fewer surprises in sizing and spares than mixing brands.

These products are searched for in the field by the manufacturer's part number, not by our stock code. The code follows this pattern: TİP + HORTUM ÖLÇÜSÜ + DİŞ — for example EPV120P015NC-304. Every code in the lists below can be supplied; some are held in stock ready to ship.

Pemaks products are searched for in the field by the manufacturer's part number, not by our stock code. The code follows this pattern: SERİ-ÇAP-TİP-STROK — for example PK-063-SA-0020. Every code in the series below can be supplied; some are held in stock ready to ship.