Discover our wide range of Pneumatic Actuators for industrial applications
At SMC Latvija, our catalogue of actuators and pneumatic cylinders is crafted to address a wide array of industrial requirements. We are committed to ensuring that our actuators are not only lightweight and compact but also help in reducing operational costs and improving the energy efficiency of your machinery.
Within our selection of cylinders and pneumatic actuators, you'll discover products and components that allow your equipment to perform optimally according to your specific needs. Our mission is to deliver reliable and efficient solutions tailored to the demands of contemporary industrial applications.
Types of Actuators and Pneumatic Cylinders
SMC Linear Actuators
Linear actuators transform pneumatic power into linear motion and can be categorized into two main types:
- Single-acting cylinders: These utilize a single source of compressed air to produce force in one direction on the piston rod.
- Double-acting cylinders: This use alternating compressed air on both sides of the cylinder to generate force in both directions, enabling forward and backward movements.
Guided Actuators
Guided actuators are engineered to endure substantial external forces while delivering precise movements. They can be classified into two types:
- Cylinders with guide rods: These cylinders incorporate an integrated guide system, offering a compact, durable, and highly accurate solution.
- Slide tables: These compact pneumatic slides are perfect for achieving precise motions.
Pneumatic Rotary Actuators and cylinders
Pneumatic rotary actuators convert pneumatic power into rotary motion, specifically designed for industrial applications that require the rotation or flipping of components. Based on their operation, rotary cylinders can be categorized into two types:
- Rack and pinion actuators
- Rotary vane actuators
Pneumatic Grippers
Pneumatic grippers are mechanical devices used to pick up and securely hold workpieces for subsequent handling tasks. Choosing the right gripper depends heavily on the specific requirements and characteristics of each application, with the shape of the workpieces playing a crucial role. There are three main types of pneumatic grippers designed to accommodate various shapes:
- Parallel Grippers: Ideal for gripping flat and parallel surfaces, with two fingers moving parallel to each other during operation.
- Angular Grippers (180° or smaller): Well-suited for grasping convex and concave surfaces, operating by simultaneously opening and closing their fingers.
- Concentric Grippers: Equipped with multiple fingers that adjust inward or outward from the center, perfect for securely gripping cylindrical or spherical surfaces.
Main applications of Actuators and Pneumatic Cylinders
Pneumatic actuators and cylinders offered by SMC Latvija serve a variety of functions and are used across multiple sectors. Typical applications for pneumatic cylinders include:
- Pressing
- Lifting
- Transferring
- Positioning
- Clamping
- Stopping
- Pick and place operations
- Sorting
Choosing the right Actuator for your needs: What to consider
When selecting a pneumatic cylinder for your application, several key factors must be considered:
- Bore Size: The bore size of the actuator determines the power output and should be chosen based on the required pressure of the compressed air.
- Load Stopping Impact: Choosing the right shock absorber is crucial to ensure gentle impact and protect the workpiece. For high-speed applications, a hydraulic shock absorber may be necessary to safeguard components.
- External Forces: Consider potential external forces, such as bending or buckling, that the cylinder may encounter. An external or built-in guide system might be needed for stability in some cases.
- Required Air Flow: Understanding the operating speed of the actuator is essential for designing an efficient pneumatic circuit that ensures proper airflow and system performance. Here is the tool for calculating air flow.
- Moment of Inertia: For rotary actuators, accurately calculating the moment of inertia is crucial to avoid over-sizing or under-sizing, ensuring the right solution for the application.
Additionally, environmental factors significantly impact the lifespan of pneumatic components. Contaminants like moisture, oil, or particles in compressed air can lead to breakdowns during industrial operations. Maintaining high-quality compressed air is highly recommended to preventive industrial maintenance in pneumatic systems.
Explore our pneumatic cylinders configurator to select durable actuators and accessories, along with other engineering tools available in our website.
For any questions or assistance in Latvian or English during the selection and purchase of your pneumatic actuators, our experts are ready to help. Contact us!
