In order to properly specify a Numatics air cylinder for any application, it requires that two main questions be answered before moving into the heart of the design. The first question is: what do I need the  air cylinder to do (what type of work will it be performing)? The second is: what types of  air cylinders do I have to select from? As previously mentioned, there are many standard air cylinders types available to fit most applications, but often times there are design issues that keep a standard unit from meeting your specific requirements.

The use of Air vs. Electrical or Hydraulic cylinders/actuators is application specific, site specific, and a cost specific decision. Additional contributing factors when determining the cylinder/actuator median include issues such as safety, reliability, maintenance schedule, etc. Due to the fact that air cylinders can operate without electricity, there is no chance of spark generation. This makes pneumatic actuators ideal for hazardous environment use, i.e., methane or natural gas applications.

Numatics air cylinders are offered in a variety of shapes, sizes, and types as well as with a multitude of standard options. At first glance, the number of permutations can be a bit overwhelming. The good news is that each cylinder type and configuration has a place in today’s motion-centric automation environment.

Air cylinders are selected by their ability to do work. To ensure maximum production, proper cylinder selection is vital. Cylinder application lives are often predestined long before the product is ever applied. The most common contributing factor that limits productivity is using an undersized cylinder.

Below are a couple of critical cylinder selection practices that should be considered when selecting the perfect air cylinders for the task at hand.


Determine the force
Subtract the piston rod area, if applicable
Know the true operating pressure
Allowance of internal actuator friction, i.e., seals, bushings, etc.
Know the true load
Add speed requirements
Be sure to consider the angles
Design for slight future productivity requirement additions
Consider the kinetic energy
Test


These simple steps in the beginning will ensure that your air cylinder will keep your production levels at a pinnacle.

The Numatics EG Series offers quality solutions for a multitude of air gripping applications. The Numatics "EPG" (two jaw) and "ETG" (three jaw) parallel gripper lines utilize a double acting piston and rocker arm design. The piston has a radial groove to which the rocker arm engages. As the piston moves up or down, the rocker arms pivot moving the gripper jaw open or closed. All jaw motions are synchronous.

Introducting Air Bellows. Numatics new Air Bellows product line is an ideal pneumatic solution for short-stroke and high load combination air cylinder applications. They are also able to provide a safe, quiet, and consistent suspension system for vibrating and noisy machinery. The Numatics Air Bellows is a single-acting, low cost air actuator that is both maintenance and lubrication free.