What is meant by the 'stroke' of a pneumatic cylinder?

In this article, we will explain everything about the stroke, also known as the stroke length, of pneumatic cylinders. We focus on the basics of stroke lengths, look at how to calculate the stroke length of a cylinder yourself and see which stroke lengths fit the different types of pneumatic cylinders.

The stroke length is the maximum distance that the piston can travel/move in a pneumatic cylinder. You have pneumatic cylinders with a long stroke and a short stroke.

What exactly is the stroke length of a pneumatic cylinder and are there any differences?

A pneumatic cylinder makes a 'stroke'. A stroke often refers to the stroke length. The stroke length is the maximum distance that the piston can travel/move in a pneumatic cylinder. You have pneumatic cylinders with a long stroke and a short stroke.

Long-stroke cylinder: A long-stroke cylinder can move the load over a long distance, such as moving parts over a conveyor. But also where accurate positioning is required.

Short-stroke cylinder: A short-stroke cylinder moves the load over a small distance. This includes movements such as clamping, pushing or pushing. Short-stroke pneumatic cylinders are also compact and designed for confined spaces.

Not only the stroke length is an important factor for the performance of a pneumatic cylinder, but also the entire stroke time and speed are important factors.

The full stroke time is the time it takes for the cylinder rod to move from the fully extended position to the fully retracted position or vice versa.

The importance of the correct stroke length of a cylinder

It is important to know which stroke length you need. Because if you use a cylinder with a stroke length that is too short, it will not be able to bring the load into the desired position. While a cylinder with a stroke length that is too long can cause the target position to be exceeded. A heavy load at the end of a fully extended piston can cause the piston rod to bend due to the extra load.

A stands for the stroke length

Calculate cylinder stroke length yourself

To calculate the stroke length, the following formula is used:

Stroke length = Fully extended piston length - Piston length when not extended

The stroke length values are indicated in mm: 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, etc.

Stroke length of different pneumatic cylinders

There are different types of pneumatic cylinders: single-acting cylinders and double-acting cylinders. These also have different specifications when it comes to stroke lengths.

The correct stroke length of a single-acting pneumatic cylinder

The stroke length of a single-acting cylinder with built-in return spring is limited. This is due to the installation length of the spring. As a result, the stroke length of a single-acting cylinder is usually limited to 100 mm.

The correct stroke length of a double-acting pneumatic cylinder

With a double-acting cylinder, the stroke length is unlimited because there is no built-in return spring. The stroke length is only limited by the length of the double-acting cylinder and the available air pressure. In practice, for example, the stroke length of a double-acting cylinder can be longer than 1500 mm.

Pneumatic cylinders with the right stroke length can be found at Pneuparts

Are you looking for an air cylinder with a certain stroke spring for your organization? Then you've come to the right place at Pneuparts. We have an extensive range of air cylinders with different stroke lengths.

If you have any questions or need advice about this, please feel free to contact us and we will be ready to help you further.

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