In a context where the industry is increasingly developing and requiring high automation, choosing the right equipment is extremely important. In particular, cylinders - linear motion devices widely used in many industrial applications - play a key role in improving efficiency and optimizing production processes. The three most popular types of cylinders today are pneumatic cylinders, electric cylinders and hydraulic cylinders. Each type has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages, suitable for different requirements and conditions. In this article, we will learn and compare these three types of cylinders to help your business make the right and most effective decision.
1. General introduction to cylinders
What is a cylinder?
A cylinder is a mechanical device in which a piston moves back and forth in a cylindrical tube to create reciprocating motion or force. Cylinders are widely used in industrial automation and control systems, such as manufacturing machinery, lifting equipment, and many other applications.
2. Compressed air cylinder
What is a pneumatic cylinder?
A pneumatic cylinder is a type of cylinder that uses compressed air to create movement. When compressed air is introduced into the cylinder, the pressure of the gas pushes the piston to move, creating a reciprocating motion. The main components of a pneumatic cylinder include the cylinder body, piston, piston rod, and air control valves.
Structure of pneumatic cylinder
Operating principle of pneumatic cylinder
Push cycle
• Compressed air supply: When compressed air is supplied to the inlet port (port A) of the cylinder, compressed air pressure will increase in the space behind the piston.
• Moving the piston: This pressure creates a force that pushes the piston to move along the cylinder body. The moving piston will push the gas in the space in front (in front of the piston) out of the exhaust port (port B).
• Piston rod motion: When the piston moves, the piston rod also moves, transmitting this motion outward to perform work, such as pushing or pulling an object.
Traction cycle
• Compressed air reversal: For the piston to return to its original position, compressed air will be supplied to the opposite port (port B), and the previous input port (port A) will become the exhaust port.
• Move the piston backward: Compressed air pressure from port B pushes the piston back toward port A, pushing the compressed air in the space behind the piston out through port A.
• Piston rod movement: The piston rod moves back with the piston, pulling the object back to its original position.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
• Fast response speed.
• Easy to adjust and control.
• Safe, not dangerous when leaking.
Defect:
• Needs complex compressed air system.
• High maintenance and operating costs.
Pneumatic cylinder application
Pneumatic cylinders are widely used in packaging systems, door controls, and industrial robots. They also appear in automated production lines with applications requiring light pushing or pulling.
3. Electric cylinder
What is an electric cylinder?
An electric cylinder is a type of cylinder that uses an electric motor to create movement. The rotating electric motor will move through transmission mechanisms such as gears and screws, creating forward motion of the piston. The main components of electric cylinders include motor, gear, screw, and piston.
Electric cylinder structure
Including 5 main parts, combined together to form a complete controller:
• Screw and nut: Converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion, increasing cylinder efficiency.
• Electric motor: Activates cylinder operation. Users can choose to connect 220VAC AC voltage or 24VDC DC voltage depending on the system application. Details on specific values are in the specifications.
• Gasket: Dustproof, shockproof, and supports the lever when the electric cylinder moves forward.
• Guide: Usually designed outside the cylinder shell to guide, preventing the nut from rotating when the screw rotates.
• Heavy bearing: Supports smooth, noise-free rotation and can withstand the force of the screw during work.
Working principle of electric cylinder
Rotational motion becomes translational motion
Starting the electric motor: When receiving a control signal, the electric motor will start and create rotational motion.
Motor Rotation: This rotation is transmitted through a transmission, usually a screw or gear.
Movement of Screw: The screw converts rotational motion into reciprocating motion of the piston. When the screw rotates, the piston will move along the screw, creating a reciprocating motion.
Moving the piston rod: The piston rod attached to the piston will move along, transmitting force to the outside to perform work such as pushing, pulling or lifting objects.
Control and feedback
Position Sensor: Position sensors are integrated to monitor and provide feedback on the current position of the piston.
Controller: The controller receives the signal from the sensor and adjusts the electric motor to achieve the desired position or force.
Precise Adjustment: Thanks to the control and feedback system, the electric cylinder can adjust the movement accurately and stably.
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
• High precision: Ability to control position and force accurately, suitable for applications requiring high precision.
• Easy Control: Can be easily integrated with programmable and automatic control systems.
• No need for auxiliary systems: No need for complex pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
• Low maintenance: Maintenance costs are lower than with pneumatic or hydraulic systems.
Defect:
• Slower speed: Movement speed is slower compared to pneumatic cylinders.
• High cost: Initial investment costs are higher.
Electric cylinder applications
• Manufacturing industry: Used in CNC machinery, automatic assembly systems.
• Medical industry: Used in medical devices requiring high precision.
• Building automation: Used in automatic door and curtain control systems.
• Industrial robots: Used in robotic systems that require precision and complex control.
Electric cylinders offer many benefits thanks to precise control and easy integration into automation systems, making them a suitable choice for many modern industrial applications.
4. Hydraulic Cylinders
What is a hydraulic cylinder?
A hydraulic cylinder is a type of cylinder that uses fluid (usually hydraulic oil) to create movement. When fluid is pumped into the cylinder, the high pressure of the fluid pushes the piston to move. The main components of a hydraulic cylinder include the cylinder body, piston, piston rod, and hydraulic pump and valve system.
Hydraulic cylinder structure
Mastering the structure of hydraulic cylinders will help users use the equipment effectively and minimize problems. Below is a detailed description of the structure of a hydraulic cylinder.Cylinder pipeHydraulic cylinder tubes, also known as cylinder barrels, are designed in the form of a seamless circular cylinder. Its main function is to contain and hold the pressure of the cylinder. The inside of the tube is also where the piston is and is polished to a finish of 4 to 16 microinches.
Cylindrical base or lid
The base is connected to the pressure chamber at one end of the cylinder, attached to the cylinder body via bolts, tie rods or welding. Between the base and the cylinder there is a static seal. Cylinder cap size depends on stress parameters.
Cylinder head
The cylinder head is located at the other end of the cylinder, connected to the cylinder body via a tie rod or bolt. Between the cylinder head and the cylinder tube there is an o-ring and may contain a sealing rod or sealing gland depending on the type of hydraulic cylinder.
Piston
Piston is an important component in the hydraulic system, responsible for separating pressure areas in the cylinder. Pistons are designed to accommodate elastomeric seals, seals and metals, with seals being either single or double. The piston is connected to the piston rod through a bolt, and the pressure difference on both sides of the piston causes the cylinder tube to expand and retract.
Piston rod
Piston rods are made from steel or chrome-plated steel to ensure hardness and corrosion resistance. The piston rod's job is to connect the actuator to the machine components. The piston rod is machined smooth and has seals attached to prevent leaks. In double-ended cylinders, the piston rod extends from both sides of the piston to the ends of the tube.
Seal
Seals are manufactured based on parameters such as ambient temperature, oil temperature, application and cylinder working pressure. There are different types of seals such as low temperature resistant Elastomer seals and higher temperature resistant Viton Fluorocarbon seals. The heat resistance of the seal depends on the manufacturing material.
Other ingredients
In addition to the main parts, hydraulic dumpers also include details such as bolts, bearings, locking screws, flange plates, etc. All of these details are assembled and connected together to create the dumping system. complete hydraulics.Types of hydraulic cylinders
Currently, hydraulic cylinders are very diverse and divided into 3 main groups. First, classify according to the type of cup handle; second, according to the direction of impact and third, according to the type of welding or joining. Each of these classification groups includes many different types. As follows:
Classified according to cylinder rolling type
• Single rolling hydraulic cylinder
• Multi-stage hydraulic cylinder
Classification according to direction of impact
• One-way hydraulic cylinder
• Two-way hydraulic cylinder
Classified by welding or joining type
• Gudded hydraulic cylinder
• Welded construction hydraulic cylinderAdvantages and disadvantages
Advantage:
• Strong force, can create great force.
• Stable and durable during use.
• High performance, less affected by environmental temperature.
Defect:
• Large size, requires large installation space.
• Requires complex hydraulic systems and high maintenance costs.
Hydraulic cylinder applications
Hydraulic cylinders are commonly used in lifting systems, presses, and construction equipment. They are also used in applications requiring high force and high durability.
5. Comparison between pneumatic cylinders, electric cylinders and hydraulic cylinders
Performance and versatility
• Pneumatic cylinder: Fast speed, flexible but not large force.
• Electric cylinder: Precise control, medium speed, suitable for applications requiring high precision.
• Hydraulic cylinder: Strong and stable force but slow speed and large size.
Cost and maintenance
• Pneumatic cylinders: Low initial cost but high operating and maintenance costs.
• Electric cylinder: High initial cost but low operating cost, easy to maintain.
• Hydraulic cylinders: High initial and operating costs, complex maintenance.
Appropriate application
• Pneumatic cylinder: Suitable for applications requiring high operating speed and frequency.
• Electric cylinder: Suitable for applications requiring precision and complex control.
• Hydraulic cylinder: Suitable for applications requiring large force and high durability.
6. Popular cylinder brands today
Parker cylinder
Parker Hannifin Corporation, commonly known as Parker is one of the world's leading manufacturers of motion and control technologies and systems. In the field of hydraulic cylinders, Parker stands out with high quality products that meet many strict requirements of industries.
• High quality and reliability: designed and manufactured to high quality standards, ensuring stable and durable performance under harsh working conditions. Parker products are made from premium materials and use advanced technology, providing reliability and longevity.
• Product diversity: Standard hydraulic cylinders, Custom cylinders, Specialized cylinders...
• High performance: Parker cylinders are known for their outstanding performance, high load capacity and smooth operation. These products are optimized to deliver powerful and precise force, helping to increase productivity and efficiency.
TPC cylinder
TPC pneumatic cylinders are famous for their high quality, reliability and outstanding performance. TPC products are manufactured according to strict international standards and thoroughly tested to ensure they meet all customer requirements.
Below are some outstanding advantages of TPC pneumatic cylinders:
• High durability: TPC cylinders are made from high quality materials, ensuring durability and long life in harsh working environments.
• Stable performance: TPC cylinders operate smoothly, accurately and efficiently, improving productivity and saving costs.
• Diverse range: TPC offers a wide range of cylinders in a variety of sizes, designs and strokes to meet every application need.
• Competitive pricing: TPC cylinders are reasonably priced for the quality and performance they deliver.YPC cylinder
YPC pneumatic cylinders are highly appreciated for their good quality, high reliability and outstanding performance. YPC products are manufactured according to strict international standards and thoroughly tested to ensure they meet all customer requirements.
Below are some outstanding advantages of YPC pneumatic cylinders:
Durability: YPC cylinders are made from high-quality materials, ensuring high durability and long life in harsh working environments.
Stable performance: YPC cylinders operate smoothly, accurately and efficiently, helping to improve productivity and save costs.
Diversity of types: YPC offers a variety of cylinders with different sizes, designs and strokes to meet all application needs.ConcludeChoosing between pneumatic cylinders, electric cylinders and hydraulic cylinders depends on many factors such as the specific requirements of the application, environmental conditions, and the business's budget. Pneumatic cylinders stand out for their flexibility and high speed, suitable for applications requiring fast movements. Electric cylinders provide precision and easy control, suitable for modern automation systems. Meanwhile, hydraulic cylinders are strong and have a large load capacity, making them an ideal choice for heavy applications.
Understanding the characteristics and benefits of each type of cylinder will help businesses make smart decisions, optimize production processes and improve work efficiency. Regardless of the type of cylinder chosen, regular maintenance and proper use will ensure maximum equipment life and performance. Hopefully this article has provided you with useful information to choose the best solution for your business.EpilogueIn case you need to learn, need technical advice and order Cylinders, please contact Amazen immediately via:Hotline: 0934 399 068 - Sales: 0938 072 058
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