Vacuum Cylinders

Vacuum-Operated Cylinders

The cylinders described on this page are vacuum operated and are designed to provide reliable linear movement using differential air pressure.

When a vacuum is applied to the front chamber of the cylinder, the integrated piston rod extends by overcoming the opposing spring force. This movement is generated by atmospheric pressure acting on the rear face of the piston, with air entering the rear chamber through the hollow piston rod. The greater the pressure difference between the evacuated front chamber and the atmospheric rear chamber, the greater the piston thrust force.

The piston rod returns to its initial position in one of two ways:

1. Maintaining the vacuum while blocking the air inlet through the hollow rod removes the pressure differential inside the cylinder. The return spring, assisted by atmospheric pressure, retracts the piston rod to its starting position.

2. Releasing the vacuum restores atmospheric pressure to both chambers of the cylinder. With no pressure differential acting on the piston, the return spring retracts the rod to its original position.

The first method represents the cylinder's intended operating principle. When vacuum is applied, a vacuum cup mounted on the piston rod is quickly brought into contact with the workpiece. Once contact is made, the object is automatically gripped and remains securely held for as long as the vacuum is maintained.

These vacuum cylinders, when combined with vacuum cups, are ideal for gripping and handling machined, moulded, or thermoformed components. They are also well suited for separating and lifting sheets of paper, plastic films, sheet metal, printed circuit boards, and thin plastic panels.

Features and Benefits

• Fast operating cycles controlled by a single vacuum valve.

• Automatic compensation for variations in workpiece height without applying compressive force.

• Non-rotating piston for accurate positioning.

• Simple and versatile mounting.

• Manufactured entirely from anodised aluminium for durability and corrosion resistance.

• Fitted with a self-lubricating technopolymer guide bush for long service life and minimal maintenance.

Product Codes

• 250510

• 251010

• 251510