In modern automation, an accurate and constant linear motion is necessary to complete the job. Operations are only possible with pneumatic slides that handle, lift, and align the material according to your needs and work requirements. 

Every pneumatic slide performs different functions and is specific to its tasks. They come with different features; therefore, it’s necessary to understand pneumatic slides for your automation projects. 

This article provides a detailed guide for you on how to choose pneumatic slides and some important notes about their application. 

Why Pneumatic Slides Are Important for Automation?

Pneumatic slides make smooth and controlled linear motion possible in automation systems. That is why pneumatic slides are the foundation of many industrial processes. They are the go-to option for many industries, such as manufacturing, robotics, packaging, and many others, because they provide the most reliable performance.

Key Benefits of Pneumatic Slides

Simplicity 

They are easy to handle and maintain. Besides that, they work with compressed air pressure, which makes them an effective choice for most industries.

Precision

Pneumatic slides can act repeatedly without making a single error. 

Cost-effectiveness 

Due to their perfection, pneumatic slides require less maintenance and save a lot of money on repair costs.

Versatility 

They are flexible and can adjust the slides the way you want them to. They can perform different tasks, from handling light-weighted items to lifting heavy loads. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing Pneumatic Slides

With the benefit of making work easier and more effective, pneumatic slides are also beneficial in multiple industries. However, the question here is how to choose pneumatic slides that meet your needs. Therefore, we sorted out a list of factors a buyer must consider when choosing pneumatic slides.

Force Requirement 

Ensure the pneumatic slide generates enough force to move or hold objects in your applications. Also, consider the weight of the load and any additional resistance, such as friction or gravity. Always choose a slide with the force higher than you need. If the output is low, it can result in delays or malfunction. 

Load Capacity 

Loading more than the force the slide can generate can lead to wear and tear or complete failure. It can also reduce the lifespan of the slide. Therefore, ensure the slide can lift the heaviest weight that it could ever encounter into your application.

Stroke Length 

The distance the slide needs to cover to perform a task is stroke length. Measure that distance carefully to avoid any inconvenience in the task. A slide with insufficient stroke length cannot complete the task. Longer stroke lengths will waste energy and space by going a bit farther. 

Operating Speed 

High-speed slides will be a perfect option for fast-paced tasks like packaging and assembling. But you can choose slow-paced slides in places where accuracy is more important than speed, such as delicate material.

Types of Pneumatic Slides for Automation Projects

Pneumatic slides can easily move items of various sizes and weights. Depending on the task, multiple kinds of pneumatic slides are there, which are specific to each purpose. 

Rodless Slides 

These types of slides don’t have an external rod that slides from the standard cylinder. Instead, they have a piston internally that allows the slide to move without occupying extra space. Rodless slides are the best option for longer strokes with limited space for the equipment. Their installation is easy and flexible.

Compact Slides

Compact Slides are very lightweight and common in areas without space for the machine. They are fit for installation in tight spaces. These slides are an ideal option for lifting lightweight loads. 

Guided Slides

They are best for maintaining stability and avoiding any misalignment during the movement. They come with additional features that help their parts to move in an aligned and stable way. It can lift heavy weights if that requires lifting side forces as well. 

Precision Slides

These slides are 100 percent accurate at doing repeatable movements. Manufacturing high-end components allows them to be extremely accurate in each task no matter how many times it repeats. They are quite useful in applications that require exact positioning.  

Dual-Action Slides

As obvious from its name, dual-action slides have the ability to move in both directions. They can move the load forward and backward as well by using compressed air. They are best for complex tasks that need to run in both directions.

Selecting the right type of slide depends on many factors, such as constraints, load size, movement, and the task. Choosing the right one can make the operation smooth and efficient. 

Applications of Pneumatic Slides for Automation  

Pneumatic slides work best for every kind of automation application. They can help move, position, or even handle sensitive items carefully in a controlled manner.

Following are some common applications and the perfect kind of slide for each task.

Material Handling

This includes moving the material from one place to another in an assembly line. Rodless slides would be a good option for these kinds of applications because they move along a long way without taking up extra space. However, for heavier materials, guided slides can also be used as they ensure accuracy and smoothness in tasks, even with side loads or heavier weights. 

Pick and Place Operations

In Pick and Place operation, the Pneumatic slide takes an item from one place and places it on another. This usually happens in packaging and sorting.

Precision slides are recommended for this operation because they are designed to do repeatable and accurate movements. They also ensure that the item is placed in the right place. But if the materials are small and the space is less, compact slides are another option as they can handle light and delicate weights efficiently. 

Multi-Axis Robotics

They add linear motion to Robotic arms so that they can perform complex tasks. Since the Robotic arm requires back-and-forth movements, dual-action slides will work perfectly for it. 

Besides that, if there’s a need for precise control, guided slides can be another option for maintaining stability, lifting heavy weights, and performing complex tasks. 

Practical Tips for Optimizing Slide Selection

Before choosing a slide, there are several factors that you should consider to have the best outcomes. Following are some practical tips to help you make the right decision. 

Use Manufacturer Data 

• While making a purchase, always ask the pneumatic actuators manufacturer for the technical data sheet. They contain important information about the maximum load capacity, strike length, and the force the slide can handle 
• By going through the sheet, you can ensure that the slide you choose meets all the requirements of your project and the task you want to be done. 

Pre-Packaged vs. Custom Slides

Pre-packaged slides are ready to use, and they don’t need any modifications. They can be a good choice for general applications. But they can’t be specialized based on your needs. 

Custom slides will meet your needs, and you can easily customize them to fit your needs. However, they are typically expensive and take a lot of time to be manufactured. 

Energy Efficiency Consideration 

• Pneumatic systems work with compressed air, and the air efficiency can lead to malfunction or even complete system failure.
• Some slides have energy-saving features like optimized airflow. So, choose the slide that can minimize air consumption. 
• If you select an energy-efficient slide, it saves the extra maintenance cost, and your system can run for a longer period. 

Get the Right Pneumatic Slide from FOYE. 

Getting the right pneumatic slide to get your job done can be a bit frustrating, but working with a trusted supplier can elevate your experience and give you the best outcomes. FOYE is the most trusted and reliable supplier of high-quality pneumatic products for industrial automation. 

They offer components to meet the standards of all modern industries. FOYE’s pneumatic slides will provide accuracy in tasks while making sure that the products last longer. Their slides use energy efficiently, which helps you reduce the operational cost. 

Final Thought

As important as it is to choose a pneumatic slide to make your operation easy, it is also important to select the right one; otherwise, it can affect the task and longevity of the system. 

Choosing the perfect kind of slide depends on factors like force requirements, load capacity, stroke length, and operating speed.

Besides that, for different kinds of operations, there are different slides like rodless, compact, guided, and precision slides. Each has different features and can give a reliable performance if chosen carefully. 

FAQs

What is the difference between rodless and compact pneumatic slides?

Rodless slides are used if the operation requires long strokes in less space, whereas compact slides can handle lightweight objects in tight spaces. 

Are pneumatic slides suitable for high-speed operation?

Yes, pneumatic slides can be used for high-speed operations. If speed is a priority, you can choose the one with fast motion, but make sure that it generates enough force to lift the required weight. 

What key factors increase the life of pneumatic slides?

Pneumatic slides are sensitive to dust, compressed air, extraneous matter, and corrosion. To increase the life of a pneumatic slide, one must ensure its filtration system and lubricate its parts for efficient working. 

What causes air leakage in pneumatic slides?

In the vacuum area, the pneumatic slide can be affected. There might be a high chance of leakage, and the slides will fail to manage the outer pressure.