Rodless Cylinders

Rodless cylinders are linear devices that use pressurized fluid to move a load within power transfer operations. They are made of aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or plastic and driven by an electric motor, pneumatic or hydraulic assembly, or electrohydraulic pump. Guided cylinders are directed by attached rods or rails. Unguided cylinders are directed by external hardware associated with the application. There are several basic coupling styles for rodless cylinders. Band cylinders or direct-coupled cylinders are connected to the cylinder flange with a table, stage, or other moving element. Plastic or stainless steel sealing bands are used along the axis of travel. Magnetically-coupled rodless cylinders are moved by a magnetic field and enclosed to prevent the ingress of contaminants. Cable cylinders pass cables from the ends of a gland seal to a pulley that connects to the moving element. In turn, this moving element is attached to the cable from the opposite cylinder end.

Specifications for rodless cylinders include maximum stroke, carriage load, operating pressure, operating temperature, bore size, breakaway pressure, and mounting style.  Maximum stroke is the maximum distance that the shaft travels from the fully retracted position to the fully extended position. Carriage load is the load carrying capacity. Operating pressure and operating temperature are full-required ranges. Bore size is measured in English units such as inches (in) or fractions of an inch, or metric units such as millimeters (mm) or centimeters (cm). Breakaway pressure is the pressure at which rodless cylinders slip or break away. Some rodless cylinders mount with flanges, standard brackets, floating brackets, or foot brackets. Others mount with lugs, short blocks that attach to the side of the cylinder and another surface. Threaded cylinders are attached with bolts. Nose-mounted and rear-mounted devices are also available. 

Rodless cylinders are suitable for long-stroke applications because they are protected from bending, piston binding, and uneven seal wear. They are used in a variety of material handling, loading, feeding, lifting, and web cutting applications. They are also used in sliding carriers, conveyors, and spraying equipment. Many products provide special features. For example, rodless cylinders with bumpers can cushion the impact at the ends of a stroke. Products with analog or digital linear position feedback and home, limit, or position switches are also available. Pneumatic cylinders that use an air/oil tandem provide smooth, hydraulic-like motion.

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Part Numbers for Rodless Cylinders