Keywords
Citation
(1998), "New ultra-compact pneumatic cylinders designed for long life", Industrial Robot, Vol. 25 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1998.04925fad.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1998, MCB UP Limited
New ultra-compact pneumatic cylinders designed for long life
New ultra-compact pneumatic cylinders designed for long life
Keywords Actuators, Cylinders
As mechanical functions become increasingly automated and compact, the need for actuators to meet these requirements is growing. The EFi and EF2 pneumatic cylinders from Bimba Manufacturing Company target this need in metric machine applications (see Plate 5). Both models have bore sizes of 12mm to 100mm, with stroke lengths of 5mm to 100mm. Each is based on an identical precision extrusion that features integral mounting grooves for flush installation of miniature sensing switches.
Plate 5 Bimba's compact EF1 and EF2
pneumatic cylinder actuators incorporate advanced materials for increased
performance and service life
Key to the improved durability is the cylinder's low friction, PTFE impregnated, aluminum extruded body, combined with long-lasting bearings and seals, that result in an expected service life of 2,500km of stroke travel. Also contributing to the extended operating life are chrome-plated steel guide shafts, self-lubricating nylon bearings and nitrile seals.
Pneumatic actuation of mechanical functions varies from basic, non-critical applications such as material handling, to more precise uses in robotics, office automation and machine tools. The company reports that the metric, EF1/EF2 models are ideal for new or replacement installation in confined spaces, and will appeal to designers of automation systems and machinery. The EF2 cylinder is double-acting and non-rotating with guide shafts and a tooling plate for guided motion tasks.
The Bimba Manufacturing Company, located in Monee, Illinois, USA, manufactures a full range of pneumatic and electro-pneumatic actuators. The company has three manufacturing facilities in the USA and one in the UK, each of which maintains a full inventory to provide rapid customer support. To assist design engineers, CAD drawings are available from Bimba's Web site at www.bimba.com
Bimba's products were exhibited at the Mexican Manufacturing Week in Mexico City in September 1998 and will also appear at Hannover Messe, 19-24 April 1999 in Hannover.
Information about other exhibition venues is posted on the company's Web page at www.bimba.com.htm
For further information for readers and all sales leads, please contact Mr William Kokum, Bimba Manufacturing Company, Monee, IL 60449-0068, USA. Tel: +1 708 534 8544; Fax: +1 708 534 5767.