Industrial automation is an area that is characterized by the need to achieve high efficiency, reliability and performance. That is why as organizations continue to improve their operations, upgrading the automation systems with quality pneumatic cylinders can be of great value. In this article, the reader will learn about the benefits of using the best pneumatic cylinders in automation and learn what to expect when upgrading.
Benefits of High-Quality Pneumatic Cylinders
Pneumatic cylinders are used in the industrial automation systems where they are used to perform certain movements in applications. The upgrading of the high quality pneumatic cylinders will result in several benefits that have a direct effect on the efficiency of your operations and the profits.
First, the high-quality pneumatic cylinders are developed to provide high levels of durability and long service life. These cylinders are made from the most modern materials and boast rather resistant construction to perform in industrial conditions. This makes for less replacements and maintenance hence cutting overall costs.
Second, the pneumatic cylinders of high quality cannot be matched by any other type of cylinders. They deliver constant force output and smooth stroke, thus making your automation operations to be continuous without any hitches. This is especially so in industries where accuracy and consistency is paramount in order to sustain product quality and production schedules.
Last but not the least, the use of premium pneumatic cylinders ensures the improvement of safety and reliability of the automation system. These cylinders are usually designed with improved safety measures and enhanced sealing systems which minimizes chances of breakages and leakage. It also serves the purpose of safeguarding your employees and your equipment.
Choosing the Right Cylinder for Your Needs
In case of an upgrade of the automation system, the right pneumatic cylinder has to be chosen. Below are some considerations that need to be made in order to select the most appropriate cylinder for a given application.
1. Application Requirements
The first and most important criterion that needs to be taken into consideration when selecting the right pneumatic cylinder is to be able to identify and analyze the need of the application. This consists of the load that the cylinder has to handle, the rate of operation and the accuracy needed. Depending on the application, there may be a need for single acting, double acting or rodless cylinders. It is advisable to seek advice from other industries that use industrial automation manufacturers in an effort to arrive at the most suitable cylinder type.
2. Size and Force Output
The size and the force output of the cylinder are two very important issues that should correspond to your application needs. Overestimating the force will result in wastage of energy since more force is applied than is needed while underestimating the force will lead to the cylinder not performing well as it is supposed to. Source pneumatic cylinder parts from manufacturers who can give details of the parts and also help in determining force and size of cylinder for your system.
3. Environmental Considerations
When it comes to choosing the right design of the pneumatic cylinder, the environment in which it is going to operate is of utmost importance. The cylinder can be influenced by many factors including temperature, humidity and exposure to chemicals or dust. In extreme conditions you may require that the cylinders are coated or made of materials that can withstand wear and corrosion.
Installation and Integration
However, once you have made the right choice of the pneumatic cylinder, the next important factor that should be considered is how to install it and incorporate it into your existing automation system. Correct installation is very important in order to get the most out of your cylinders as well as to ensure that you will be able to use them for a longer period of time.
1. Alignment and Mounting
Misalignment or improper mounting may cause wear and tear, resulting in low efficiency and a short service span of pneumatic cylinders. Proper alignment should be done according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the mounting hardware should be compatible with the size and type of cylinder being used. This will avoid problems like misalignment whereby the cylinder seals and other parts wear out unevenly.
2. System Compatibility
Pneumatic cylinders that are to be installed should be checked to ensure that they are compatible with the current automation system. This involves inspecting the cylinder for areas that are connected as well as the control systems and power supply. The industrial automation manufacturers can help in making sure that the cylinders will fit well in the current system and therefore, there will be little time that will be wasted during the change of the cylinders.
3. Testing and Calibration
As with any system that is installed, the next step is to test and calibrate the system. This way, it becomes possible to check that the pneumatic cylinders are in good condition and offer the desired performance. Some of the tests that should be conducted include leak test, force output test and the cyclic test which tests the cylinders throughout their stroke. Calibration may extend to the tweaking of the system’s controls with the aim of enhancing the performance of new cylinders.
Maintenance and Longevity
However, the most important aspect that you need to bear in mind is that you need to take proper care of your upgraded pneumatic cylinders so that it can be made to have a long lasting durability and efficiency. Cylinder is one of the highly developed products that are supposed to have a long life but needs to be checked and lubricated often.
1. Regular Inspections
A systematic check is crucial to determine areas that may have developed some problems that may cause a system breakdown. The inspections should therefore be aimed at identifying such signs of wear on seals, bearings, and other such components. If any of these parts appear to be worn out then they should be replaced before the problem worsens.
2. Lubrication and Cleaning
The lubrication is one of the critical aspects that determine the efficiency of pneumatic cylinders. It is also important to use the right kind of lubrication and the right frequency as recommended by the manufacturer. Also, the cylinders should be clean to allow them to work without any interference from dust and other particles. This is especially important because of the presence of contaminants in the environment and for this reason.
3. Working with Suppliers
It is important that you work with quality pneumatic cylinder parts suppliers in order to sustain your cylinders. These suppliers can supply quality replacement parts for your cylinders and also give you professionals advice on how to maintain your cylinders. If you are using an automation system for your business, you can always rely on your trusted suppliers for the maintenance of the system.
Conclusion
Purchasing better pneumatic cylinders to replace your existing automation system means getting better value for your money as it will mean improved performance, durability and productivity. When selecting cylinders, when properly installing them, and how to maintain them and their advantages, B2B businesses should be aware of them.
The most important factor when upgrading is to maintain close relations with industrial automation manufacturers and suppliers of pneumatic cylinder parts. These professionals can guide you on the issues of choosing, integrating and using pneumatic cylinders so that your automation system will give you good performance for as long as you want.
In conclusion, it is possible to achieve a great number of advantages that can be of great importance for the further development of your business, including the increase of productivity, the decrease of the time that is spent on the repairs and the improvement of the safety levels, if you upgrade your current pneumatic cylinders with the high-quality ones.
