How to choose the type of SMC cylinder?

SMC cylinders are often used, and there are many types of cylinders. How to choose a cylinder? The selection of cylinders involves two aspects: 1. the choice of cylinder type; 2. Selection of cylinder diameter and stroke;

Before explaining how to choose, let me first introduce the types of cylinders:

From a functional perspective (more in line with the design situation), there are many types of cylinders, such as standard cylinders, free installation cylinders, thin cylinders, pen shaped cylinders, dual axis cylinders, three-axis cylinders, slide table cylinders, rodless cylinders, rotary cylinders, gripper cylinders, etc. These types of cylinders are more commonly used.

From the perspective of action, it can be divided into single acting and double acting. The former is further divided into spring compression (the extension of the cylinder relies on air pressure to press out, and the retraction relies on the elastic force of the spring) and compression (the retraction of the cylinder relies on air pressure to press back, and the extension relies on the elastic force of the spring), which are generally used in situations with short stroke and low requirements for output force and motion speed (low energy consumption). Double acting cylinders (the extension and retraction of the cylinder rely on air pressure) are more widely used.

Types, characteristics, and uses of commonly used cylinders

1. SMC cylinder (or micro cylinder, miniature cylinder), made of stainless steel and aluminum alloy materials;

The characteristics of mini cylinders: compact structure, beautiful appearance, front and rear threaded installation and fixation, can effectively save installation space, suitable for high-frequency use requirements, applied in industries such as electronics, medical, packaging machinery, etc.

Precautions for use:

1. A magnetic switch installation bracket is required, and the installation methods of magnetic switches are divided into steel strip installation and track installation.

2. The cylinder piston rod and moving parts should be connected through a floating joint to ensure smooth and stable movement of the moving parts and prevent jamming.

2. Characteristics of SMC cylinder:

1. Compact structure, light weight, and small space occupation

2. The cylinder body is square and can be directly installed on various fixtures and specialized equipment without the need for accessories;

3. The cylinder output connecting rod is divided into internal and external tooth types;

3. Characteristics of SMC cylinder:

1. Short stroke, rectangular cylinder body;

2. The cylinder output connecting rod is divided into internal and external tooth types;

3. The cylinder can be fixed in four directions from the body, with multiple installation methods.

4. Dual axis cylinder

A dual axis cylinder is a parallel connection of two single rod thin cylinders. The characteristics of a dual axis cylinder are:

1. Embedded body installation and fixing form, saving installation space;

2. It has certain guiding, anti bending and anti torsion performance, and can withstand certain lateral loads;

5. Guide rod cylinder

The guide rod cylinder is divided into linear bearing type and copper sleeve type. The linear bearing type is suitable for pushing action and low friction motion occasions, while the copper sleeve type is suitable for radial load and high load occasions.

The characteristics of the guide rod cylinder are compact structure, which can effectively save installation space. It has its own guiding function and can withstand certain lateral loads. There are multiple installation methods. Can be used for blocking, feeding, pushing, stamping, clamping and other occasions.

6. The SMC cylinder is guided by a cross ball guide rail, which has low friction and can achieve smooth motion without looseness.

Characteristics of SMC cylinder:

1. Compact structure, saving installation space;

2. High guidance accuracy, torque resistance, and strong load capacity;

SMC cylinders do not have the rigid piston rod of ordinary cylinders, they use pistons to directly or indirectly achieve reciprocating motion. Divided into mechanical coupling and magnetic coupling, this type of cylinder saves installation space and is particularly suitable for small cylinder diameters and long strokes.

Precautions for use:

1. The middle slider cannot be fixed and must be used to fix the front and rear seats at both ends.

2. Avoid direct force on the cylinder, which may cause the cylinder pipe to bend, and then use a floating link.

8. Air Claw

Pneumatic gripper is a key component of modern pneumatic robotic arms that can achieve various grasping functions.

Divided into: parallel air claw, swinging air claw, rotating air claw

The characteristics of this cylinder are:

1. All functions are dual acting, capable of achieving bidirectional grasping, automatic centering, and high repeatability accuracy;

2. The gripping torque is constant.

9. Swing cylinder

Swing cylinders are divided into two types: gear rack type and blade type. The gear rack type is more commonly used for object rotation, flipping, classification, etc.

10. Rotate the downward pressure cylinder

The rotary compression cylinder is used to achieve the function of rotary compression, and the rotation direction is divided into left and right directions. It is usually used for compact structures to achieve rotary compression action.