Compact cylinders are precision pneumatic actuators built to maximize productivity within a limited amount of space. Like all air cylinders, these mechanisms utilize pressure differentials in order to convert compressed air energy into mechanical energy. This energy is put to work in a number of industrial and commercial applications. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
AIRTEC Pneumatics, Inc.
Addison, IL | 866-971-0958AIRTEC began in 1975 and gained a quick reputation for innovation with our "AIRTEC ring" sealing system. We have continued our history of innovation into today and remain committed to cutting-edge designs. We do this in order to provide our customers with the best possible products. Call us today for more information on all our products and services.
Cylinders & Valves, Inc.
Strongsville, OH | 440-238-7343Since 1958, Cylinders & Valves, Inc. has been a custom manufacturer and supplier of high quality air cylinders and accompanying valves. We service the U.S., Canada and International Markets.
Falcon Industries, Inc.
La Junta, CO | 719-582-2783Falcon Industries is a machine shop and manufactures hydraulic and air cylinders to your exacting specifications. Our air cylinders are lightweight and durable. We specialize in repairable air cylinders for end dump trailers and belly (bottom) dump trucks, as well as pneumatic cylinders.
C & C Hydraulics, Inc.
Terryville, CT | 860-582-0308For 30 years, C & C Hydraulics has been serving the hydraulic system needs of its customers throughout New England. We offer several product lines of hydraulic motors. We also repair hydraulic motors, cylinders and pumps, as well as steering gears and parts. Contact us for free pickup and delivery.
JWF Technologies
Fairfield, OH | 877-769-9611One stop for gas springs, hydraulic dampers, gas spring design assistance, replacement parts & entire systems for fluid power applications. Immediate delivery from our large inventory of Stabilus gas springs. Orders big or small. Standard or custom gas springs. The largest distributor for Stabilus. We offer off-the-shelf components or we can custom design a gas spring product solution.
Compact Air Cylinders - PHD, Inc.Automotive, building, construction, food processing and packaging, metal working, mining, construction, textile and forestry industries all utilize compact cylinders as actuators for valves, lift gates, hoists, machines, jacks, motors, doors and equipment components. Because these mechanisms use only compressed air to open, close, push, pull and lift variable loads, they provide an economic and environmentally friendly solution to many mechanical operations.
Compact cylinders provide even further benefits as they are often as much as 60% smaller than comparable traditional alternatives and are therefore easily integrated into pre-existing workspaces or areas where space is at a premium. The significantly smaller size corresponds to the stroke of the cylinder.
Compact Air Cylinders - PHD, Inc.Stroke is a measure of the difference in length between fully extended and fully retracted piston positions. Smaller strokes also result in increased speed and efficiency as the pistons travel a shorter distance. As this is such an influential measure, compact actuators are sometimes referred to as "short stroke cylinders."
While many compact cylinder models use traditional single acting and double acting cylinder designs, the majority are rodless cylinders. While traditional compacts are just miniaturized, rodless designs reduce size without decreasing capabilities by simply eliminating the need for room to fully extend the piston rod beyond the length of the shaft.
Rack and pinion or cable cylinders are among the most common types of compact actuators. Both types have circular or rectangular cylinder with an air valve, for inlet and exhaust, located at one or both ends. In a rack and pinion system, this shaft houses two pistons. A toothed rack and pinion are located between these pistons.
When air is introduced into either end of the closed cylinder, the corresponding piston pushes the rack in the opposite direction. The pinion rolls along the rack creating rotation. This movement is transferred from the pinion to a connected shaft that protrudes from the shaft and connects to the tooling or load. Four piston rack and pinion cylinders are available and function in the same manner but are cube shaped.
Alternatively, cable cylinders operate with a pulley system. A cable is connected to the central piston and extends out one end of the shaft where it winds around two or more pulleys before circling around through the other endcap. A carriage, to which the intended load is attached, is located in a fixed position on the exterior portion of the cable.
Compressed air forced into the cylinder moves the piston which in turn rotates the cable. As capabilities differ significantly, it is important to carefully compare compact cylinder capabilities to the requirements of a specific application.