Efficient material handling is critical in modern manufacturing. A century ago, moving materials from one place to another depended primarily on manual labor. It was cumbersome and time-consuming. Today, advanced technologies and equipment design innovations automate much of the work. To remain competitive, however, manufacturers must constantly search for ways to further streamline their operations. …

How Pneumatic Components Can Streamline Material Handling Read More »

The bore shape of a compact cylinder can make a big difference, in both performance and costs. With a traditional rod-style pneumatic cylinder, the rod is attached to a round piston inside a sealed tube, allowing the rod to extend and retract through a cap in one end of the tube with each stroke. The …

3 Advantages of Using an Oval Bore Compact Cylinder Read More »

Passenger train doors have to work smoothly, quietly, safely, and reliably. Often, they have to function in extreme conditions, where heat and/or humidity are very high, or temperatures are well below zero. They have to endure constant vibration and frequent shocks, no matter how well-maintained the railroad tracks. And passenger train doors are heavy. This …

Why Pneumatic Rodless Cylinders are Ideal for Passenger Train Doors Read More »

When we hear the familiar phrases “small but mighty” and “oldie but goodie” referring to fluid power, what comes to mind? Compact air cylinders, of course! Although they’ve been around since the 1950s, compact air cylinders have certainly stood the test of time. They have proven so versatile, they’re still the right solution for a …

Why Compact Air Cylinders Are Still A Big Deal Read More »

There is no doubt that when designing a complex piece of specialized equipment pneumatic rod cylinders have a lot of advantages. For one, there is no better way to pack a big punch in a small package when you need it. However, it’s not like one size fits all. You need to find the right …

What to Ask When Applying Pneumatic Rod Cylinders to a Mechanical Design Read More »

There is a wide variety of pneumatic products on the market that nicely suits almost any industrial purpose. But, in some cases, a hydraulic cable linear actuator may be the better choice. All linear actuators convert energy into straight-line motion, forward and/or back. Hydraulic actuators use fluid as a power source rather than compressed air, …

When Would I Use a Hydraulic Cable Linear Actuator? Read More »

Cylinders that convert energy into linear motion can be powered by hydraulic fluid or compressed air. Hydraulic cylinders are usually the go-to option for seriously heavy-duty lifting and moving because hydraulics are very powerful and can provide tremendous holding strength. But for most industrial applications, the more agile air cylinder is often a better choice. …

When is a Double-Acting Air Cylinder Right for Your Application? Read More »

Pneumatic cylinders used in industrial applications or in heavy machinery, for instance, often face extremely demanding working conditions. They are constantly moving, often fast and under tremendous force. Problems can vary according to the type of pneumatic cylinder and application, but there are some common signs you may see that indicate the need for air …

Most Common Pneumatic Cylinder Issues Read More »

What’s the Difference Between a Hydraulic and Pneumatic Linear Actuator? There’s a variety of types of actuators available. The energy source that operates an actuator can be hydraulic (fluid-based), pneumatic (air pressure-based), or even electric, and with each energy source comes distinct advantages or disadvantages for use in certain applications. Here’s a summary of the …

What’s the Difference Between a Hydraulic and Pneumatic Linear Actuator? Read More »

A lot can go wrong with air cylinders, and when any problem could lead to downtime, damage, or equipment failure, troubleshooting each issue can get complicated. Preventive maintenance can keep air cylinders running at optimum performance levels and reveal telltale signs that you might need to repair them. Look for these six telltale signs you …

6 Telltale Signs You Need Air Cylinder Repair Read More »