How to choose the correct pneumatic cylinder for your application

Pneumatic cylinders come with a wide range of variable attributes, including size, load capacity, and speed, as well as options for port locations and mountings. There are also considerations regarding the design and type of pneumatic cylinder to choose, based on the application and its working environment. Below, Matara outlines some key considerations for selecting the types of pneumatic cylinders and provides guidance on which ones are suitable for specific applications.

Single- or double-acting cylinder?

One of the first considerations when evaluating pneumatic cylinders is determining whether a single-acting cylinder is the right choice for your application or if a double-acting cylinder would be more suitable. Single-acting cylinders have just one air port and use the pressure input at this point to move the piston to the predetermined final position. The piston is then returned to the starting position using an internal mechanism – usually a spring, though sometimes the weight of the load itself, combined with the effects of gravity. 

Double-acting cylinders have an air port at each end, allowing air to be alternately used at the two ends to push the load in the required direction. This means that a single-acting actuator can only do work in one direction, whereas double-acting cylinders carry a full load in both directions (up and down/forward and backwards). Double-acting cylinders require more energy but are suited for loads that require both pushing and pulling, such as opening a gate.

Other factors which determine the right pneumatic cylinder for your application:

How much work you need the pneumatic cylinder to do

The intended load for cylinders largely determines both the cylinder type and the piston size. The cylinder must be large enough to create the required force to carry the load while also compensating for friction and losses. If you oversize the cylinder, you will end up with increased energy costs and a larger, unnecessary outlay.

How fast do you need your pneumatic cylinder to move?

The speed at which a pneumatic cylinder carries a load depends not only on the load itself but also on the pressure available from the compressor, the bore size, the size of the piston rod and the distance which must be covered. There is a balancing act to be done here; higher travel speeds result in greater pressure losses, seemingly calling for increased pressure, but over-pressurised cylinders will suffer damage and increase energy consumption. Heavy loads and long stroke lengths also don’t mix well unless cylinders are large enough to cope, though the mounting position of the load can help in such cases.

Where will the pneumatic cylinder be working?

If space is tight, compact cylinders are often a good choice, as they fit into smaller spaces. However, they also tend to have shorter stroke lengths because their overall design does not facilitate carrying a load over a longer distance. If the pneumatic cylinder is likely to be working in extreme conditions, either in very high or very low temperatures or where it will come into contact with corrosive media, the manufacturing material may need to be carefully selected; cylinders are generally made of steel, aluminium, brass or engineered plastics, or a combination of materials – choosing a suitable material for your working environment is critical. Similarly, the sealing materials used for your pneumatic cylinder must also be ideal for the working environment to protect the internal workings and ensure the longevity of the equipment.

Find the right pneumatic cylinder type here at Matara

There is a wide range of variables to consider when selecting a pneumatic cylinder that is best suited to your application. Matara is a seasoned expert in pneumatic systems and will be happy to guide you in choosing the appropriate configuration from all the options available. 

If you need guidance on selecting the appropriate type of pneumatic cylinder for your application, please contact us or visit our technical articles and case studies, which provide comprehensive information on pneumatic cylinders.