The air cylinder, which is also referred to as a pneumatic cylinder is a device that works mechanically to produce force combined with movement that is powered by high pressure compressed air. The scientific function at work within these cylinders can be described as force being imparted by the conversion of potential energy of compressed air into kinetic energy, or the energy of movement.
The mechanic energy produced by the pneumatic cylinders is achieved because the compressed gas is able to expand, without external energy input. The expansion, which is the main aiding factor in the creation of kinetic energy, occurs due to the pressure gradient established by the compressed gas being at a greater pressure than the atmospheric pressure. The air expansion is also what finally forces the piston of the cylinder to move in a certain direction.
These cylinders are devices that use air pressure to put air into linear motion, such as in an air compressor. A typical air cylinder has a rod and piston that operates the it. Types of cylinders include: Single acting (SAC); Double acting (DAC), and 'other types', including rodless linear air cylinders (actuators that use a mechanical or magnetic coupling to impart force). A rodless cylinder has no rod outside of the it but rather a piston connected to a carriage inside the cylinder. The different types of airless rod cylinders include cable cylinders, magnetically coupled air cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, and band cylinders.
Based on the design of the cylinder system, pneumatic cylinders can be used for a multitude of operations. Examples include having the ability to perform multiple strokes without the need for intermediate intervention, to perform a full stroke with intermediate stopping points, to be adjusted so as to control the amount of extension and/or retraction of the piston rod once actuated.
As air cylinders are used for such a variety of functions, the market place is very competitive. Bimba Manufacturing specialise in bespoke solutions for companies and have years of practical experience. In addition to a broad line of standard catalogue products, nearly half of Bimba's business consists of custom and semi-custom products designed for specific customers with unique applications. In 2007, Bimba took another step as leader of air cylinders when the company acquired Mead Fluid Dynamics Inc. to expand capabilities even further. Mead is a leader in the design and development of valves, cylinders, and pneumatic components for the industrial automation market.
Air cylinders are available in a variety of sizes and can typically range from a small 2.5 mm cylinder, which might be used for picking up a small transistor or other electronic component, to 400 mm diameter cylinders which would impart enough force to lift a car. Some pneumatic cylinders reach 1000 mm in diameter, and are used in place of hydraulic cylinders for special circumstances where leaking hydraulic oil could impose an extreme hazard.
