Pneumatic Actuators

Features and Benefits of Pneumatic Actuators

Pneumatic actuators offer many advantages over hydraulic and electric actuators, including higher power density, lower weight, and a reasonable level of position control. Pneumatic actuators are the fastest on the market, and that allows for high cycle times. They are better for applications that require speed, operation in harsh or hazardous environments, and point-A-to-point-B linear motion. Pneumatic actuators have a very low occurrence of malfunctioning (no hazardous oil leaks, overheating, short-circuiting or risk of fire). Pneumatic actuators are used as mechanisms to create motion of an object or to clamp an object to prevent motion, at the best return on investment compared to hydraulic or electrical actuation.

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Types of Pneumatic Actuators

Compact Cylinders

Compact air cylinders are available in bore sizes from ½ inch to 4 inches, and offer short stroke lengths, providing excellent stroke and rod support in a small height package. These cylinders offer pressure ratings to 250 psi pneumatic and 500 psi hydraulic service, with a wide range of options, including a magnetic piston for cylinder position sensing or nonrotating versions to ensure proper rod orientation. Custom designs are also available. Each compact air cylinder comes prelubed with grease that resists corrosive moisture, water, and oil separation. Compact actuators are used where space is at a premium and are about one third the length of the equivalent standard tie rod or ISO profile cylinder. A large range of mountings, accessories and sensing fill out the application possibilities for these cylinders.

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Guided Thrusters

Guided Thrusters provide guided linear motion for a simple nonrotational single axis to complex multi-axis pick and place systems. Pneumatic guided slides provide greater stability and precision where a standard actuator might not, which is critical in many pick-and-place functions. We offer a wide range of slide styles, such as single and dual-bearing, pick-and-place, table, finger, block-type thrusters, linear thrusters and rodless designs. Compact sizes and low-cost models are also available to provide precise, repeatable operation and good load handling capabilities. Guided thrusters are also built tough with anodized aluminum toolbars, bearing blocks, and durable bearing materials, so users can expect smooth motion and a long operating life. We can provide a broad selection of linear slides that can accommodate many mounting configurations and includes a variety of accessories and sensing options.

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ISO Cylinders

Our ISO cylinders are interchangeable with the ISO 15552 Standard Cylinder, ISO 21287 Compact Cylinder, and ISO 6432 Round Body Cylinder standard. The ISO 15552 and ISO 21287 extruded body construction allows direct assembly with flush-mounted switches and gives a cleaner appearance. These cylinders give you the freedom to use internationally compatible mountings and accessories. Optional reed and electronic sensors can be mounted securely to an extrusion slot anywhere along the length of the cylinder. The cylinders come in bore diameters up to 125 millimeters, and standard strokes range from 25 to 1,000 millimeters for all bore sizes. ISO cylinders, like NFPA cylinders, can be single- or double-rodded.

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Rodless Actuators

Rodless cylinders offer light weight, high strength, aluminum extrusion with an integral switch rail and machine mounting grooves, giving great versatility. Several carriage styles, along with eight bore sizes, further this versatility for any application. Rodless cylinders come with fully adjustable air cushioning as standard and offer high-speed options to the linear actuator market, with speeds up to 15 meters per second being achievable. As an alternative to rod-style air cylinders, rodless cylinders offer both support and guide to the load in horizontal applications. This eliminates the need for other outrigger bearing rails and reduces costs, size, and design time.

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Round-Body Cylinders

Round-body cylinders offer durable construction features, such as a 304 stainless steel cylinder tube and 303 or 304 stainless steel piston rods that are ground, polished and roller-burnished on many models. Maximum air flow, fast cylinder response, and smooth rod movement are assured, thanks to their full, unrestricted porting design. These nonrepairable cylinders are interchangeable within all our brands. Round-body cylinders come in bore sizes ranging from 5/16 inch to 3 inches, and pressure is rated up to 200 psi pneumatic service. Pneumatic round-body cylinders are ideally suited to lighter duty, lower force applications, generally coming with buffer or fixed cushions, some ranges offer upgrading to adjustable cushioning. We offer round-body cylinders in both single-acting and double-acting versions. Additional features include pre-lubrication, using a special petroleum-based oil for maintenance-free operation, a rod bushing made with oil-impregnated sintered bronze for wear resistance and long life, and Buna-N U-cup rod and piston seals.

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NFPA Cylinders

NFPA pneumatic cylinders combine rugged construction and versatility. Available in a variety of versions and 17 mounting styles, these interchangeable NFPA cylinders allow users to directly replace other manufacturers’ NFPA units of the same type and dimensions for greater design freedom. The cylinder tube is built with a high-strength aluminum barrel, and users can also choose all-stainless steel, tandem, three-position, and back-to-back models. Featuring many rugged construction elements, these NFPA-standard cylinders deliver high performance and stand up to harsh environments. Each pneumatic NFPA cylinder comes pre-lubricated with Magnalube-G® grease for long life. This series is rated to 250 psi max, offers a -10° to +165°F temperature range, and is available with bore sizes up to 14 inches and standard strokes to 99 inches.

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Rotary Cylinders

We offer pneumatic rack & pinion and vane-type rotary actuators designed to fit even your tightest industrial installations. Each model includes various bore sizes to choose from, as well as a wide range of standard and optional features to meet your unique application requirements. No matter your rotation angle, pressure, or sensor requirements, we have a rotary actuator that will get the job done. Rotary cylinders integrate high-quality, durable materials, like stainless steel and anodized aluminum, guaranteeing their reliability in demanding conditions. These actuators feature a high torque-to-size ratio, as well as accurate positioning. Adjustable angle devices are available, as well as multi-position options for clockwork-type movement to several exact positional movements.

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Why Choose Our Pneumatic Actuators

Product Availability

The depth and breadth of EFP’s pneumatic actuators offering is unrivaled in both the completeness of our product portfolio, as well as the number of world-class manufacturing brands that we offer. In today’s difficult supply chain environment, having a supplier partner that can provide multiple solutions quickly is of the highest importance.

Reliability

With the ability to offer multiple pneumatic actuators solutions from some of the most respected brands in the industry, we can best ensure the long-lasting operation of your pneumatic applications. Our pneumatic actuator portfolio includes the best in American, German, and Japanese engineering technology. No matter the demands of the application and environment, we can offer a best-in-class pneumatic actuator solution in terms of reliability.

Efficiency and Productivity

Our pneumatic actuator solutions can be trusted to deliver the efficiency that is desired for the equipment being designed or the component being replaced. With our multiple brand solutions and stocking programs, we are best positioned to help you reduce product lead time and avoid costly manufacturing downtime.

The EFP Edge

We recognize that the heart of your machinery’s smooth and prompt functionality lies in proficient pneumatic actuators. Ensuring that your automation projects are both budget-friendly and time-efficient is paramount, particularly when you are facing tight delivery schedules or tackling unexpected downtime due to a malfunctioning component. EFP stands as your trustworthy partner, facilitating prompt deliveries and accurate quotes to keep your operations running smoothly.

Our dedication towards your success is deeply personal. That’s why we offer a Rapid Response Guarantee, where we commit to answering your online chats within 60 seconds and your web inquiries within 60 minutes during our active business hours. Should we falter, we are prepared to offer a $60 discount on your next purchase. Upholding an unparalleled standard of customer service has been our mission since our inception in 1975.

Located in Ohio and extending our services to customers in Kentucky and Indiana, we are equipped to offer you the kind of personalized assistance that only a team with decades of experience can provide. We are here to ensure that all your prerequisites, desires, timelines, and budgets are addressed throughout your project’s lifespan. Entrust us to be your partners, where our collaboration will be marked by swift action, expert guidance, steadfast responsibility, and integrity, all paving the pathway to your success.

Embrace the EFP Edge today.

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