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
Airpot® Corporation
Norwalk, CT | 203-846-2021The Airpel® Anti-Stiction® instrument-quality air cylinders from Airpot feature ultra-smooth, lubrication-free clean operations over extreme temperature ranges, responding to as little as 0.2 PSI differential from full vacuum to 100 PSI. Ideal for precise control of sensitive mechanisms.
Custom Cylinders, Inc.
Cary, IL | 847-516-6467As our name implies, we will design/manufacture custom cylinders and valves for your application. We have in-stock low-profile round or square cylinders. Our NR Series features light-duty stainless steel cylinders. Our customers include automation, material handling, printing industries and others.
Huston Industrial Sales Co., Inc.
Warrendale, PA | 724-935-5666Since 1985, Huston Industrial Sales has specialized in service line products including cylinders and a full-line of air, oil, and water filtration systems. We provide you with the most advanced pneumatic and filer products in the world by selling for the largest pneumatic company in the world and top industry air filter manufacturers. Find what you need at affordable prices with expedient service!
Lebco Inc.
Manitou, KY | 270-821-0450Founded in 1972, Lebco has the ability to design, manufacture and rebuild air cylinders. Available types are: adjustable stroke, aluminum, heavy duty mill type and counterbalance, among others. We also manufacture hydraulic cylinders. Contact us today for more information.
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.