Round Body Cylinders Overcome Harsh Conditions and Limited Space
Designers whose machines call for actuators typically have two constant demands: integrate cylinders into smaller spaces and work with a tighter budget. Machines intended for use in harsh or washdown-intensive environments are no exception, and they have the added factor of requiring a robust air cylinder to stand up to the tough conditions. Round body cylinders can check off all these boxes and offer versatility for use in a wide variety of applications.
The Basics of Round Body Cylinders
Round body cylinders are typically used for moving, holding, lifting and pushing low or medium loads in applications with limited installation space. They are also appropriate for applications where minimal lateral forces act on the rod. Round body cylinders are characterized by their light weight and small widths. They’re also desirable for applications with a tight budget thanks to their economic, non-repairable design and easy replacement. In fact, many round body cylinders are directly interchangeable and dimensionally compatible across other popular, compliant brands.
And when it comes to harsh environments and food production applications, round body cylinders offer exceptional durability. Though most are constructed with aluminum heads and caps, many manufacturers offer variants with anodized end caps or are made with Delrin® or other polymer materials that are lightweight, cost-effective and typically resilient to chemicals. Stainless steel is a more robust option, and it is well-suited for acidic applications. Fabco offers two round body cylinder families that are robust and effective options for harsh environments and food production applications:
Fabco Round Body Lines: F Series and H Series
Fabco’s round body cylinders come with a 304 stainless steel body and feature a 303 stainless steel ground, polished and roller-burnished cylinder rod and high-strength aluminum piston, making them appropriate for light-duty applications in food and beverage or packaging equipment.
F Series: These cylinders are designed to be directly interchangeable with the leading competitors in the industry. They feature quick response and full flow port performance, pre-lubrication for maintenance-free operation and a rod bushing made with oil-impregnated sintered bronze for wear resistance and long life. Bore sizes range from 5⁄16 through 3 inches with stroke lengths up to 60 inches, standard. Standard variants constructed from either Delrin or stainless steel are also available.
H Series: This non-repairable actuator is interchangeable with the previous version offered by Humphrey, and interchanges as well as those from a wide range of competitor units. The H Series’ unrestricted porting design results in maximum air flow, fast response and smooth rod movement. Bore sizes range from ½ to 2 ½ inches, and standard stroke lengths go up to 60 inches. The H Series includes options for anodized heads and caps for a cost-effective washdown solution.
Round Body Cylinders Offer Peace of Mind
Machines used in harsh environments or food zones are not exempt from space and budget constraints. Round body cylinders such as the interchangeable F Series and Humphrey Interchange H Series are designed to overcome both space limitations and challenging environments. Their combination of performance, reliability and customization options will give you peace of mind over a long operating lifetime.
For more information about Fabco-Air Round Body Cylinders, visit our actuators page.
