TECHNICAL HUB – STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
In harsh, challenging environments, stainless steel pneumatic cylinders offer a durable and robust solution. Whether faced with aggressive CIP/SIP washdowns in a food and beverage setting or amid the challenging environs of a marine-based application, stainless steel cylinders keep on delivering linear and rotary motion in all conditions. API Pneumatic UK is one of a handful of pneumatic cylinder suppliers to provide our own line of stainless steel pneumatic cylinders that are constructed from the highest-grade 316 stainless steel.
WHY CHOOSE STAINLESS STEEL?
Stainless steel is strong, durable and versatile. The addition of chromium also makes it extremely resistant to corrosion and high temperatures (it’s also useful in cryogenic applications). Stainless steel is also a sustainable choice of material, owing to the fact that it is typically made from around 70% scrap metal. In its original form, sustainable steel is fully recyclable, making it the ultimate closed loop material.
Of the two common types of stainless steel available, 304 and 316 stainless steel, 316 is considered a purer and higher-quality steel. This is why we only construct our stainless steel cylinders from AISI 316L stainless steel. Stainless-steel cylinders can be used wherever normal pneumatic drives simply couldn’t withstand the surrounding media. This makes them the preferred choice for pharmaceutical, food, marine and oil and gas applications.
BENEFITS OF STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
Stainless steel pneumatic cylinders offer a more durable alternative to standard aluminium cylinders. Constructed from corrosion-resistant 316 stainless steel, this type of cylinder excels in challenging environments that either require the highest standards of hygiene or reliable performance in the face of aggressive media. Stainless steel pneumatic drives are less prone to rusting or staining and operate perfectly in extreme temperatures.
TYPES OF STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
There are two main types of stainless steel pneumatic cylinders: single-acting cylinders and double-acting cylinders. A single-acting cylinder uses the force of a single pressure to move the piston in one direction (usually away from the cylinder), whereas double-acting cylinders have two ports to control each stroke. This means that the air pressure is used in the extension and the retraction strokes, providing high force in both directions.
STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS FROM API UK
API Pneumatic UK offers the following models of stainless steel pneumatic cylinders. Please note that all of the stainless steel cylinders that we currently offer are double-acting cylinders.
AMX SERIES STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
Our AMX Series of 316L stainless steel double-acting pneumatic cylinders conforms to ISO 15552 and offers reed switch mounting options. With end caps, barrel, and piston rod manufactured from high-grade 316L stainless steel, AMX stainless steel cylinders feature a polyurethane piston rod seal for low friction and long service life.
MDMX SERIES STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
Our MDMX Series of stainless steel 316L double-acting cylinders conforms to ISO 6432 and allows for reed switch mounting. With 316L stainless steel end caps, barrel, and piston rod (plus polyurethane piston rod seal) the MDMX Series performs optimally at pressures of to 10 bar and within a temperature rating of -20°C to +80°C.
MDX SERIES STAINLESS STEEL CYLINDERS
Our MDX Series of double-acting stainless steel cylinders conform to ISO 6432. Combining AISI 316 stainless steel end caps and piston rod with an AISI 304 stainless steel barrel, these stainless steel cylinders also benefit from a durable polyurethane piston rod seal and deliver comparable performance to our AMX and MDMX cylinders.
WHY CHOOSE API PNEUMATIC UK?
API Pneumatic UK has been supplying high quality pneumatic cylinders since 1996. We are one of just a few pneumatic cylinder suppliers to provide our own line of stainless steel pneumatic cylinders. Built from the highest grade 316 stainless steel, API stainless steel pneumatic cylinders offer the highest level of corrosion resistance for the pharmaceutical, food, marine and oil and gas industries.
For more information about our full range of stainless steel pneumatic cylinders, or to discuss your application requirements in more detail, talk to the technical team at API Pneumatic UK today. Call us on 01782 206 995 or email [email protected].