Pneumatic Cylinder

Pneumatic Air Cylinders for Your Application

Different machines require different cylinder configurations based on available space, required force, stroke length, operating pressure and working conditions.

For general machine automation, select a cylinder based on the required bore, stroke, mounting and load. Where installation space is limited, a compact design can help reduce the overall machine footprint. Magnetic cylinder configurations can support position sensing in automated systems, while heavy-duty cylinders are better suited to more demanding operating requirements.

Airmax offers pneumatic cylinders across different bore sizes, strokes, body constructions and mounting configurations. If a standard model does not match your application, customized cylinders can also be developed based on your technical requirements or drawings.

Need help choosing a cylinder? Request Technical Assistance

Pneumatic Cylinders by Configuration

Airmax manufactures pneumatic cylinders in different designs to meet specific machine and automation requirements.

Heavy-Duty Pneumatic Air Cylinder
For demanding industrial applications requiring robust construction and larger operating capacities.
View RMS Model

Magnetic Pneumatic Air Cylinder
For automated applications where piston position sensing is required.
View DGS Model

Round Body Pneumatic Air Cylinder
A cylindrical body design suited to a variety of machine automation applications.
View AX102 Model

Single & Double Ended Pneumatic Air Cylinder
Available for applications requiring different piston rod and motion configurations.
View AX103 Model

Square Pneumatic Air Cylinder
Square-profile cylinder configuration for industrial automation and machinery applications.
View ANC Model

Pneumatic Cylinder Applications

Pneumatic cylinders provide controlled linear motion across industrial machinery and automated systems. Airmax cylinders are used for operations such as pushing, pulling, clamping, lifting, positioning, feeding and material movement.

Common application areas include:

• • Packaging Machinery — positioning, pushing, sealing and repetitive machine movements.
  • Textile Machinery — material handling and automated machine movements.
  • Automotive & Assembly Equipment — clamping, positioning and production automation.
  • Pharmaceutical Machinery — controlled actuation in processing and packaging equipment.
  • Food Processing Equipment — repetitive actuation and machine automation.
  • Material Handling & OEM Machinery — lifting, transferring, positioning and other linear-motion operations.

How to Select a Pneumatic Cylinder

Selecting the right pneumatic cylinder requires more than choosing a bore and stroke. The cylinder should match the required force, machine movement, operating pressure, available installation space and working environment.

Consider these factors during selection:

• • Required Force: Calculate the force needed to move, push, pull or hold the load.
  • Bore Size: Select the bore according to the required output force and available air pressure.
  • Stroke Length: Determine the total linear travel required by the machine.
  • Operating Pressure: Check that the selected cylinder is suitable for the available pneumatic pressure.
  • Mounting: Select a mounting arrangement that suits the direction of movement and machine design.
  • Operating Environment: Consider temperature, dust, moisture, cycle frequency and other working conditions.
  • Cushioning & Speed: High-speed or repetitive applications may require suitable cushioning and airflow control.

For applications outside standard configurations, Airmax can develop a customized pneumatic cylinder according to technical requirements or drawings.

What Is a Pneumatic Cylinder?

A pneumatic cylinder, also called an air cylinder, is an actuator that uses compressed air to create linear motion. The compressed air moves a piston inside the cylinder, transferring force through the piston rod to push, pull, lift, clamp or position a load.
Pneumatic cylinders are widely used in industrial automation because they provide fast and repeatable linear movement with relatively simple pneumatic control.

How Does a Pneumatic Cylinder Work?

A pneumatic cylinder converts compressed air into controlled linear motion. Compressed air enters the cylinder chamber and acts against the piston, causing the piston rod to extend or retract.
The operating principle differs between single-acting and double-acting pneumatic cylinders.

Single-Acting Pneumatic Cylinder

A single-acting pneumatic cylinder uses compressed air to move the piston in one direction. A spring or external force returns the piston to its original position when the air pressure is released.
This configuration is suitable for applications where powered movement is required in only one direction.

Double-Acting Pneumatic Cylinder

A double-acting pneumatic cylinder uses compressed air on both sides of the piston. Air supplied to one chamber extends the piston rod, while air supplied to the opposite chamber retracts it.
This allows controlled movement in both directions and makes double-acting cylinders suitable for repetitive industrial automation and machine operations.

Need more detail? Read our guide to Double-Acting Pneumatic Cylinders

Production & Quality Assurance

Airmax maintains in-house manufacturing supported by an experienced engineering team and a dedicated quality department. Pneumatic cylinders undergo quality checks before dispatch to verify manufacturing and performance requirements.

Every Airmax pneumatic cylinder is backed by a 4-year warranty.

Need Help Selecting the Right Pneumatic Cylinder?

Share your application requirements, including bore, stroke, operating pressure, load, mounting arrangement and working conditions. The Airmax technical team can help identify a suitable cylinder model or discuss a customized configuration.
Request Technical Assistance