Pneumatic components

Frequently asked questions — Pneumatic Components

• Which pneumatic cylinder should be chosen for a heavy-duty industrial application compared with a compact machine?

  For heavy-duty industrial applications requiring universalised mounting, cylinders compliant with ISO 15552 with bores from 32 to 320 mm are the dominant models. Conversely, for packaging machines where space is limited, it is advisable to opt for compact short-stroke cylinders standardised to ISO 21287. For very precise positioning requirements, mini-cylinders from the CDQ or CMA series, available with bores from 12 to 25 mm, provide the technical solution suited to these reduced formats.
• What is the difference between a 3/2 valve and a 5/2 valve for controlling a cylinder?

  The selection depends on the type of cylinder used in the installation. A 3/2 NC valve, closed at rest, is specifically designed to operate a single-acting cylinder. For a double-acting cylinder, which represents the most common case, the use of a 5/2 valve, available in monostable or bistable versions, is required. Where a centred intermediate position is required, such as for an interrupted stroke, a 5/3 valve is needed to manage open or bilateral pressure configurations.
• Is it necessary to use a lubricator in an FRL unit for modern pneumatic components?

  No, lubrication has become optional and is now limited to manual tooling or very old equipment. Modern pneumatic components are not designed to withstand oil mist, which can impair their operation. The FRL unit should be configured to provide minimum filtration of 5 µm, or 40 µm for high flow rates, and to ensure pressure regulation accuracy of ±0.1 bar.
• How do you choose the type of connection for a pneumatic circuit?

  The bulk of installations use push-in fittings combined with polyurethane tubing with a diameter between 4 and 12 mm. These fittings are suitable for standard applications. By contrast, for installations requiring pressures above 10 bar or the use of steel tubing, it is essential to switch to threaded fittings compliant with BSP or NPT standards in order to ensure the sealing and mechanical strength of the distribution network.