SMC's range of actuators provides solutions to meet the industrial needs. These lightweight and compact pneumatic actuators and air cylinders are designed specifically for industrial applications, aiming to reduce costs while improving machinery efficiency.
Our catalogue of actuators includes a variety of products and components available for purchase in Norway, all engineered to ensure the optimal performance of your equipment and machinery according to your specific requirements.
Range of actuators offered by SMC
Linear Actuators
These linear actuators convert pneumatic energy into linear motion and can be classified into two main categories.
- Single acting cylinders: The piston rod's force is unidirectional, driven by a single source of compressed air.
- Double acting cylinders: The piston rod exerts force in both directions, during both the output and return strokes, as air is alternately supplied to the cylinder's two chambers.
Guided Actuators
Guided actuators are specially designed to resist external forces and perform movements with high precision. They are mainly divided into two categories:
Cylinders with guide rods: These cylinders have an internal guide system, providing a robust, compact, and accurate solution.
Slide tables: These compact pneumatic slides are ideal actuators for movements that demand high precision.
Rotary Actuators
Rotary actuators convert pneumatic energy into rotational motion and are specifically designed for industrial applications involving the rotation or turning of a workpiece.
Rotary cylinders can be classified based on their functional mechanisms into:
- Rack and pinion actuators
- Rotary vane actuators
Pneumatic grippers
Pneumatic grippers are mechanical components that enable the grasping and holding of a workpiece for subsequent manipulation.
The choice of a pneumatic gripper depends on the specific requirements and characteristics of each application, with the shape of the workpiece being a critical factor.
Based on this, grippers are classified into three types:
Parallel grippers: Primarily used for gripping flat and parallel surfaces.
Angular grippers (180° or smaller): Best suited for handling both convex and concave surfaces.
Concentric grippers: Ideally designed for grasping cylindrical and spherical surfaces.
Common applications for actuators
Actuators and air cylinders are used for multiple applications across various industries, such as:
Common applications for pneumatic cylinders include:
- Pressing
- Lifting
- Transferring
- Positioning
- Clamping
- Stopping
- Pick and place
- Sorting
How to determine an adequate actuator?
Several factors need to be considered when selecting actuators for your applications, including:
- Bore size: The bore size of the actuator depends on the required power and the pressure level of the compressed air.
- Load Stopping Impact: Choosing the right shock absorber is crucial to ensure a gentle impact and protect the workpiece. In high-speed environments, using a hydraulic shock absorber may be necessary to safeguard application components.
- External forces: The cylinder may encounter external forces such as bending or buckling, which should be considered when choosing an actuator. In some cases, the use of an external or integrated guidance system may be necessary.
- Required air flow: Understanding the operating speed of the cylinder is essential in designing a pneumatic circuit to determine the required airflow for optimal system performance.
- Moment of inertia: For rotary actuators, accurately calculating the moment of inertia is essential to avoid oversizing, undersizing, or selecting an inappropriate solution.
Taking environmental factors into account is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of pneumatic components. For instance, excessive moisture, oils, or other particles can cause malfunctions in industrial processes.
Improving the quality of compressed air, as recommended by experts, is vital for the preventive maintenance of pneumatic systems.
Use our pneumatic cylinder configurator, along with other engineering tools offered by SMC, to select durable actuators and accessories.
If you encounter any challenges or have questions or uncertainties regarding the selection or purchase of pneumatic cylinders, our specialists are available to assist in Norwegian or English.
