Precision and reliability are critical aspects of any task in the domain of industrial automation. Guided cylinders are crucial in the provision of controlled, stable, and smooth movement even in situations when heavy loads are applied. To meet this requirement, these advanced components are built to move in a linear trajectory and prevent any twist.

Therefore, linear pneumatic actuators have the best applications in material handling and robotic assembly among many others. So, in this blog, we will explore guided cylinders completely covering their basics, components, working principles, types, advantages, applications, and more. So keep learning!

Figure no 1 Guided cylinder

1) What is a guided cylinder?

“Guided cylinders are pneumatic devices which have a special purpose to aid in precision linear motion in factories.” 

They are different from other cylinders since they have some guide rods to keep the piston from turning for linear and straight motion regardless of strain or weight unevenness. The use of these pneumatic actuators eases the performance of operations with high accuracy and steadiness. For example, material handling and assembly lines, as well as the robotization of automated systems.

Figure no 2 The Guided cylinders

In addition, guide rods along with bearings are used to minimize wear and tear. Therefore, ensuring the operation of the cylinder is reliable and effective for modern manufacturing and automation integration.

2) What are the components of a guided cylinder?

As with every succinct construct, a guided cylinder has the functional elements that enable its accurateness:

• Cylinder Body: The cylinder body is the main housing of the guided cylinder and is made up of materials with great tensile strength. Internally, it comprises movable parts like the pneumatic piston and rod.

• Guided Rods: These are key parts that enable the piston to be able to move in one direction. The rods are affixed at the two ends of the piston and they enable the piston to prevent any rotation during the movement.

• Piston: By pressing down against the piston it will move within the cylinder and this will provide the mechanical power needed to do braiding, depression, or pushing. The piston has a rod and when it moves, this linear motion is transferred to the guided cylinder and forms a linear motion.

Figure no 3 components of a guiding cylinder

• Guides and Bearings: Bearings around the guided rods help in decreasing friction and wear and tear. These allow the piston to move freely on the liner within the cylinder. They keep the rod and piston aligned with each other so that the piston does not move sideways.

• End Caps and Mounting Options: All these parts help in the accurate placement of the rotating parts. The internal structures are retained by the screw structures, while the various shapes of structures fitting permit the cylinder to be’ fitted’ in a variety of industrial contexts.

3) The working mechanism of a guided cylinder

Guided cylinders work following the same basic principles as that of cylinder pneumatic. The operation involves sending compressed air into a chamber of the cylinder such that it in turn pushes a piston forward. The piston is also directed right sintered guided rods mounted on its sides to prevent rotation. Seals are installed into the body of the cylinder to prevent loss of air. Hence, enhancing the efficiency of use.

Figure no 4 Working of a guided cylinder

With dual-rod construction, guided cylinders can withstand eccentricity or off-centred loads and leverage over single-rod construction. However, the conventional use is towards attaining a neutral center of the two rods.

4) What are the types of guided cylinders?

There are myriad guided cylinders available in the market, let’s discuss the most common types among them;

i) Single Rod: Having a single piston rod the system is well suited to installations where space is an issue. Moreover, these are effective where linear motion in a single direction is required to effect the desired outcome. Most often used in Simple tasks such as a clamping or lifting element.

ii) Double Rod: There are two rods each contributing to creating more equilibrium about a load. Thus, ensuring low levels of fluctuations in movement. This is best for tasks that require a high amount of force and precision in placement.

• FTN Series guided cylinders: These dual-action piston rod cylinders are made through fewer bodily movements to avoid deflection. Constructed strongly, the FTN cylinders require less control input because they are stable and move in a steady manner. Hence, these can be used in a wide range of applications that require stability, like material handling or assembly applications.

Figure no 5 FTN Foye guided cylinder

• FTR Series guided cylinders: FTR type which is again a dual piston rod cylinder type but in Heavy-duty applications. The FTR series type also focuses on durable and reliable components and applications enabling high-performance – automation and Industry. The double-acting cylinders increase effectiveness on tasks that require repetitive motion and coordination.

Figure no 6 FTR guided cylinder

• CXS Series guided cylinders: With numerous possible mounting positions, the CXS series is quite adaptable and can be employed in many industrial settings. It has precision, reliability, and efficiency. Thus, is a perfect device for more detailed and delicate active movements like in the assembly or for testing processes.

iii) Compact: They have been made for use in locations with space limitations and for light to medium-load applications. Most of the compact gills used in small automation applications are quite flexible.

iv) Standard: More strong-built standard guided cylinders have bigger cylinders. These are applicable where greater pulling loads are required.

v) High-Load Cylinders: These specialize in heavy-duty loads so they are made using gear and structures that can be able to support large forces or off-center load intensity. These types are focused on control to ensure high accuracy.

Such ‘control’ is vital in operations such as testing, inspection, and assembly that demand minute changes and perfect placement.

5) Advantages of a guided cylinder

Guided cylinders have some advantages which include the following:

+ Higher Accuracy: Guided cylinders have higher accuracy that prevents the internals from rotating as well as moving laterally. Thus, the piston is guided in a linear direction, under any load applied to it.

+ Effective Load Management: The guides and bearings provide assistance for load management when the cylinder is exposed to off-axis or odd-pitch loads. Thus, guided cylinders can be used for handling large and complex materials. Wherein, the accuracy of their movement will not be affected.

Figure no 7 Advantages of a guided cylinder

+ Lesser Friction: The incorporation of bearings and excellent material results in low friction. Yes! It leads to lesser wear and tear. Hence, over long periods of time, the operations will become more effective and also last longer.

+ Adaptability: Guided cylinders can be applied to various needs ranging from domestic to highly industrialized settings.

6) Applications of guided cylinder

Guided cylinders find applications in varied industries such as manufacturing and robotics. Some of the most frequent applications are:

• Material Handling: Guided cylinders are employed in automated sorting and packaging systems to ensure that objects are moved accurately and consistently to the right places.

• Assembly Lines: In manufacturing processes, these cylinders are normally installed in robotic arms to enhance the handling and assembly of parts.

• Automation Systems: The application of guided cylinders in factory automation is to enhance the operational accuracy and efficiency of machinery.

• Testing and Inspection: Guided cylinders are incorporated in precise testing equipment for applying force or movement, in order to guarantee reliable results.

7) How to select the best-guided cylinder?

In radial and non-radial systems, the following criteria rank in order of importance when selecting a guided cylinder:

? Load Requirements: You should choose a cylinder that can withstand the center of gravity as well as the weight of the load. For instance, the FTN and FTR series would be effective for large loads requiring a strong cylinder.

? Stroke Length: The stroke length is a factor that helps to determine the maximum distance moved by the piston within the cylinder. This becomes critical when movement is required to be made within a definite distance appropriately.

? Speed and Frequency: Evaluate the speed with which the cylinder must work, and the frequency with which it will be cycled. Higher speeds may lead to requiring response time for the cylinders to be quicker having robust designs.

? Environmental Factors: The operating environment is yet another factor that has an influence on the selection of the cylinder. Aspects such as temperature, moisture levels, and the possibility of being polluted will impact the operation of the cylinder. Hence, you are required to choose one that has the right degree of seals and protection.

8) Conclusion

Alright! So Guided cylinders are vital components that serve a critical function (which is the simultaneous incorporation of accuracy, stability, and reliability) during motion applications in pneumatic machines and automation systems.

Guided cylinders contribute to the efficiency levels in the improvement of the overall industrial applications and processes by minimizing wear and enhancing accuracy. Thus, they have become crucial implements in the present-day manufacturing, automation industries, and processes.