Pneumatic Automation - Linear and rotary pneumatic drives

The pneumatic cylinder is a key component in industrial automation. Using the power of compressed air, it enables fast, powerful movements. Thanks to its simple design, the pneumatic cylinder is low-cost compared with other power transmission technologies, and is particularly light, making it suitable for mobile or on-board applications.

The basic concepts and terms used in this article define the principles of operation, use and activation of pneumatic cylinders. This article covers the various designs and operating principles.

We can distinguish between different types of cylinders on the basis of the following criteria:

• design: cylindrical, profiled, tie-rod, compact, bellows, or other types of design,

• type of movement: linear, rotary, or a combination of both,

• function: gripping, handling, moving heavy loads, etc.

In addition to these criteria, it is possible to add other ways of differentiating cylinders, such as speed (low-speed cylinders), specific environments (cleanroom production, cylinders used in the mining industry...). In these cases, generalizations remain difficult, as users express divergent points of view.

For this article, the first distinction is made between linear and rotary actuators. Each type of function and design is then described in detail.

At the end of the article, readers will find a glossary and a table of symbols used.