What Are Rodless Cylinders?
Rodless cylinders are cylinders that operate without an external extending rod. Unlike traditional cylinders that have a rod extending outside the cylinder body, rodless cylinders achieve linear motion through the movement of the cylinder body itself, making them ideal for applications where space is limited. They are commonly utilized in air cylinders and are known for their compact and slim design, which saves space in confined or restricted environments.
By eliminating the need for a rod, rodless cylinders also avoid the issues of rod deflection and vibration, ensuring high motion accuracy. This makes them suitable for applications requiring precise position control and positioning. Additionally, guided models allow for easy integration by simply connecting air piping.
Applications of Rodless Cylinders
Rodless cylinders find applications across various industries and functions, including automation systems, packaging equipment, and industrial robot arms. They are particularly beneficial in processes requiring accurate positioning, such as assembling, transporting products, and controlling the movement of robotic arm joints and end-effectors. Their high motion accuracy and suitability for clean environments make them invaluable in food and pharmaceutical packaging, as well as factory automation.
Operating Principles of Rodless Cylinders
Rodless cylinders can be categorized as magnetic or mechanical joint:
- Magnetic Cylinders: Uses magnetic force to move the cylinder in tandem with the slide table without a direct connection, offering a sealed, low-leakage operation with high heat resistance.
- Mechanical Joint Cylinders: Features a direct connection between the cylinder tube and slide table, providing durability against large loads but limited to high-speed operations.
Choosing a Rodless Cylinder
Selection criteria for rodless cylinders include cylinder bore diameter, determined by required thrust, and specific model characteristics like load capacity, piston speed, and moment. Considerations should also include the mass of the moving object and its speed, with adjustments made for mounting posture to accommodate the weight of the moving object in vertical installations.
Additional Information on Rodless Cylinders
Using rodless cylinders, especially for long strokes, requires attention to installation restrictions and how the moving object is secured to the slider. Proper mounting techniques are critical to prevent cylinder or guide breakage due to non-parallel motion between the linear guide and the slider. Strategies often involve fixing the slider to the moving object only in the thrust direction and ensuring the slider is properly aligned to prevent misalignment and potential damage.