Brass cylinders are pneumatic actuators built of specific copper alloys that resist corrosion and wear allowing their use in a number of harsh industrial environments. Also known as air cylinders, actuators of this nature convert compressed air energy into mechanical energy within an enclosed shaft. This energy is used to facilitate a number of industrial operations.
Related Categories
Automotive, building, construction, food processing and packaging, metal working, mining, construction, textile and forestry industries all employ brass cylinder systems as actuators for valves, lift gates, hoists, machines, jacks, motors and doors. Because these mechanisms use only compressed air to open, close, push, pull and lift products and equipment, they provide an economic and environmentally friendly solution to many mechanical operations. While several other materials may also be used in the manufacturing of air cylinders, brass is particularly well suited to many industrial applications. Brass is a non-ferrous, ductile and strong alloy. Additionally, brass components are easily hygienically cleaned, allowing their use in food processing and medical industries where air cylinders are commonly employed. Although brass is not as strong as some metals, aluminum is often added to cylinder components to improve strength while also increasing already high corrosion resistance. This is an important aspect as air cylinders are often exposed to oil and other lubricants needed even within an actuator to provide consistent piston movement. Specific alloy and lubricant exposure should be taken into consideration when selecting a brass cylinder for a given application.
Brass is formed through a long process that begins with melting together metallic powders. Composed primarily of copper and zinc, other elements may also be used to enhance the physical and chemical properties of these metals. After melting, casting and a series of hot and cold rolling processes are used to create stock shapes that become cylinder components. Extrusion and die-casting may also be used. While some parts require secondary processes, the main body of a brass cylinder is formed as an extruded tube. A valve in one or both, depending on the specific system in use, ends of the cylinder allows the flow of air both in and out of the main shaft. Single acting or unidirectional cylinders have one inlet, while double acting cylinders, which provide powered motion in two directions, have two valves. No matter the directional capabilities, one or more pistons are located within the shaft. The piston is attached to a cable, rack or rod. The introduction of compressed air into one end of the enclosed shaft pushes the piston towards the opposite end. The piston in turn acts upon the rod or other implement creating linear motion. This motion is transferred to the tooling or load being handled in a specific application. As manufacturers offer a number of designs and styles it is important to carefully compare brass cylinder capabilities to the requirements of the industrial process at hand. Important considerations include alloy grade, stroke, operating temperature, bore size and operating pressure range.
