The size of the air cylinder also plays an important factor on a system and should be chosen correctly in order to perform its function in industrial automation systems. If the cylinder is selected inappropriately either large or small the efficiency of the system decreases, costs increase, and there is a possibility of system failure. For companies that employ the use of industrial automation, issues of dimensioning are critical in system configuration. For this article, readers will learn about choices of air cylinder size, factors to consider, and how the industrial automation solution providers and prominent air cylinder manufacturers can assist.
Why Proper Air Cylinder Sizing Matters
As for the air cylinder, its dimensions directly determine the effectiveness of the automation systems in question. A size that is too big would just be energy-consuming while a small size would just be ineffective in providing the needed force or motion. Sizing is very important in order to avoid the problems connected with it, such as increased requirements for maintenance work and decreased productivity.
Selecting the correct size of air cylinder for a particular application is another important aspect that industrial automation solution providers need to ensure to their clients to get the maximum from their solution. A well-sized cylinder means that the operations are smooth and in equal measure, they are affordable, an essential attribute for B2B businesses, especially for those targeting high returns on investment.
Key Factors in Air Cylinder Sizing
Force Requirements
This is arguably one of the most important criteria when choosing an air cylinder since it will directly determine the force needed within that application. An air cylinder force depends on the air pressure inside it and the area of the piston’s base.
Larger force applications may be achieved by selecting a larger bore or increasing the pressure that the cylinder is operated at. Numerous air cylinder manufacturers provide sizing tools and charts for people to estimate the amount of force required for their uses.
Stroke Length
Stroke length of an air cylinder simply means the distance that the piston has to move to accomplish its cycle. The choice of stroke is critical in order to prevent mechanical shock and ensure the normal functioning of the mechanism is important. Total travel distance has been identified to be relevant in the application together with any extra clearance for end positions.
Original stroke lengths can however be ordered from most of the air cylinder manufacturers hence it is easier for a business to get air cylinders that meet its needs.
Space Constraints
In most industrial uses, space is a premium, and the dimensions of the cylinder have to conform to the confines of the allotted space. Miniature air cylinders are ideal for applications where space is a major concern, and provide functionality without compromising on force.
When it comes to the industrial automation solution providers tend to design the solution keeping in mind the space constraints for the business while ensuring the best performance.
Choosing the Right Bore Size
Standard and Non Standard Bore Hole Diameter
Another major parameter that defines the cylinder force output is the bore size meaning the diameter of the cylinder piston. Standard bore sizes are easily obtainable and they are appropriate for most applications. However, for specific applications, where non-standard bore sizes are desirable, the required force can be precisely delivered.
In choosing a bore size one has to take into account the working pressure and the load to be handled. Most air cylinder manufacturers have a specification and bore size chart that may be used in identifying the right product to buy.
The Relationship between Bore Size and Load Requirements
In high load applications, more bore diameter is needed to produce the necessary force for an actuator. But when the cylinders are made excessively large they become inefficient energy hogs and costly. To overcome these problems, it is desirable to select the bore size as close to the required load as possible.
Load calculations can be handled by industrial automation solution suppliers, while an idea about the right bore size for a specific application can also be suggested.
Special Considerations for Cylinder Sizing
Operating Environment
The industry context has a great influence on cylinder sizing. As it has been described previously temperature, humidity and exposure to contaminants can influence the performance of cylinders. For instance, an application that is to be used in high temperatures, it will call for high-temperature products, and another that is to be used in a corrosive environment will require stainless steel products.
Through choosing air cylinder brands that have additional materials and coatings the firms will be in a position to get the cylinders to work effectively in the harsh environments.
Cylinder Mounting Options
The position at which an air cylinder is fixed also has an impact on the size of the air cylinder and the application that it will best serve. Again, depending on the way the cylinder is mounted, for instance, flanged, trunnion or clevis mounted cylinder, this may have repercussions on the dimensioning or installation mechanism of the cylinder. When choosing the size of the cylinder it is recommended to consider the type of the mounting to match with the automation system it is going to be used with.
Most industrial automation solution providers provide consultancy in providing the right mounting technique to suit the required environment.
Working with Air Cylinder Brands
Expertise Utilisation and Tools
Popular air cylinder manufacturers offer a lot of material to guide industries to determine the most suitable cylinder size. In addition to the sizing calculators and engineering support, these brands serve the best tools when it comes to the selection process. When it comes to B2B providers the reliable air cylinder manufacturers are sourced to guarantee quality air cylinders and proper advice is provided.
Customization Options
If standard sizes cannot be used for a particular application, then the size of the particular part is adjusted. Most premier manufacturers of air cylinders provide standard and non-standard sizes and setup to meet specific applications, such as longer strokes, non-standard bores or material.
Manufacturers operating in this industry can liaise with industrial automation solution providers to achieve the best results possible.
Air cylinder sizing plays an important role in defining the efficiency of automation systems and therefore should be done correctly. Through force requisite consideration, stroke length, space limitation and operating environment, enterprises can choose the most appropriate cylinder sizes that are suitable for their applications.
Working with a professional industrial automation solution supplier as well as selecting the most outstanding air cylinder brands guarantee that enterprises obtain the highest quality products and services. Regardless of whether it is a general or a special air cylinder, a well-selected air cylinder is bound to have a major impact on the success of industrial automation solutions. The effort put into sizing air cylinders can therefore increase reliability, lower cost and effectively meet the automation objectives of the businesses.