Sometimes when choosing an actuator that provides an application required output force and the limited space available for that actuator you may find that those two factors come into conflict leaving you with a difficult problem to solve. You might conclude there’s no other choice but to redesign everything to fit around a much larger actuator than originally planned to meet that required output force. You obviously need a better solution than starting over, right?
Fortunately, there is a simple solution available that will solve this dilemma that is both simple and cost effective. This is accomplished with a full range of high-power actuators that can supplement the standard range of actuators. Fabco-Air, in particular, offer the Multi-Power® actuators (designed with multiple pistons attached to a single rod to deliver tremendous thrust forces) as potential solutions for these type of applications. These actuators can meet NFPA mounting specifications providing the convenience of interchangeability.
What Are Multi-Power® Type Actuators?
Tie Rod Type
Tie rod type Multi-Power® actuators are an ideal choice when you need:
- Tremendous thrust from a modest amount of compressed air
- Designed with multiple pistons connected to a single rod, they provide greater force output while taking up less space than conventional cylinders with larger bore sizes
- Multi-Power® actuators require only one piston for the return stroke, economizing air volume
- Not only do Multi-Power’s® provide impressive thrust in a compact size, but they also typically use only 100 psi of shop air and do not require a high-pressure and costly hydraulic system
Some of the construction features of Multi-Power® cylinders include a clear-anodized aluminum outer diameter and a hard-anodized aluminum inner diameter, and hard chrome-plated stainless steel piston rods to ensure reliable operation and pre-lubrication with Magnalube-G® grease for long life. The piston rod-bushing is extra-long and rigid. Its non-metallic high-performance composite material ensures reliability and long life. The high-performance composite resists corrosion from moisture and temperatures up to 325° F while offering a high load capacity with very little friction. Multi-Power® air cylinders come in 10 bore sizes from 1 ⅛ to 12 inches, a choice of two, three or four stages and are available with strokes up to 12 inches.
Fabco-Air’s Multi-Power® Principle is a novel design concept in which multiple pistons are attached to a single rod that has integral air channels. The multiple pistons create a larger collective surface area for the air pressure to act on, while pistons are pressurized simultaneously. The end result of this engineering results in extraordinary thrust forces at the cylinder rod. Unlike other common methods of increasing the thrust forces of an air cylinder, the multi-piston design doesn’t require increased air pressure, or a larger cylinder bore size. This gives you maximum power from the smallest footprint possible. In fact, Multi-Power® cylinders can achieve forces up to 22 tons with only 100 psi of shop air. The cylinders also use just one piston to retract, which can allow up to 37% air savings.
These actuators are available in two, three or four stages at 150 psi, with additional stages at lower pressure. Front face-rear face-foot-extended tie rod mounts are all available for this product line. There are many additional options to choose from to enhance these units further to match you application needs such as magnetic piston sensing availability.
Compact Type
Fabco-Air also offers the Multi-Power® technology in certain of their Pancake® cylinder offering, specifically the PA and PB models.These cylinders are available in three bore sizes from 2 ½through 4 inches with standard 4-inch strokes, and its maximum pressure rating is 200 psi. When air pressure is applied to the retract port, only one piston is pressurized. The PB model is made with multiple retract and single extend cylinder action, making it well-suited for applications requiring high pulling force.
Press Type
The press type of Multi-Power® actuators combine tremendous output force and precision for the most demanding applications. These presses connect a tie rod type Multi-Power® cylinder to a single shaft. Due to the complexity and forces involved, the cylinder is housed in a frame that 
supports it in even the most demanding precision applications. The press type Multi-Power® technology results in bench presses that can achieve power factors from 19.6 to 93 times line pressure and deliver tool-saving, low-impact forces from 2,900 pounds to over 5 tons. Multi-Power® presses are lightweight, portable and save space, so they can be used anywhere tremendous strength and precision are essential. Press type Multi-Power® actuators are a great alternative to hydraulic solutions as they offer comparable force and accuracy without the hassle and risk of contamination from dirt and oil.
Closing Thoughts
Multi-Power® actuators are up to the challenge and are cost-effective, space-saving, and a cleaner alternative to hydraulic cylinders in applications where these attributes are valued. These types of actuators are great fits in the following types of environments and applications: riveting, blanking, marking, forming, bending, shearing, squeezing, clamping, punching, piercing, crimping, straightening, and embossing. Interested in seeing how your specific application(s) can benefit from Multi-Power® actuator technology? Find out more by contacting the technical experts at EFP today!