In industrial and automation systems, double rod cylinders are one of the indispensable components, where motion needs to be smooth and stable. They feature a unique design with rods on both sides of the cylinder that allow the cylinder to apply force in both directions. This makes them very useful in a wide range of applications including automated production lines, robotic systems, and material handling equipment.
The challenges for many industries of high speed and accuracy, therefore the double-rod cylinder becomes one of the must-have products. They are best for high-end machines that require precise and dependable linear displacement. This article is an overview of double rod cylinders, their mechanisms of action, types, advantages, and specific usage. So, stay connected!
Figure no 1 Double-rod cylinders
1) What is a double-rod cylinder?
“A double rod cylinder is a kind of pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder that has two ends from which two piston rods protrude.”
In contrast to single-rod cylinders that include just one rod on one side, double-rod hydraulic cylinders apply equal forces to both ends. In most situations, such as those that require precise and balanced movement of the dual rods in a cylinder. It helps make sure a load can be moved forward and backward without changing or misaligning the cylinder. This kind of symmetry works well to meet the situation’s demands.
Figure no 2 Twin rod cylinder
The dual rods aid in increasing the strength and stability of the cylinder. Hence, minimizing bending or deflection when load is applied. The cylinders’ stroke is efficient and effective due to equal stroke on both sides improving or enhancing the positional enhancement. They can be used in applications wherein working feedbacks are provided and such feedback devices as sensors are mounted directly onto the piston rods.
2) How does a double rod cylinder operates?
A double-rod cylinder operates using a high-pressure fluid medium to create linear actuator motion in both directions. It could be either a pneumatic or hydraulic fluid. A piston is enclosed in the cylinder and extends rod sections from both of its ends. As a result, force can be exercised in the forward and reverse direction which is particularly advantageous in cases when opposite directions movement is desired.
Thus, the procedure goes; the introduction of the fluid into one cylinder side creates pressure on the piston and both rods which move to the opposite end of the cylinder. The action extends out the rod from one side while drawing it in from the other providing linear movement. To change the movement direction, the first rod is further pushed out of its side. And, fluid on the other side of the piston or the second cylinder side is drawn in.
Figure no 3 Working of double-rod cylinder
You would expect that since both rods are connected to a common piston, the strain and angle displacement are symmetric. This sort of setup is better when it comes to the risk of bending torsional oscillation and offset during work even at full load. In addition, the construction of the cylinder allows the area of both sides to be equal, which equalizes the force in both directions, unlike a single rod cylinder which may have a different force during the return stroke.
A dual-rod air cylinder has a double set of rods and it is also called a two-direction thrust cylinder or an elongated barrel cylinder. In addition, many systems come with particular monitoring processes or movements in the form of rod positioning devices or sensors that are also integrated within the system. The dual rod design also resolves the issue of attaching limit switches and other motion feedback devices to both ends of the cylinder effortlessly. It gives better control over the motion of the cylinder.
3) What are the types of double rod cylinders?
There are different designs of double rod cylinders which have various features and applications that are unique to each of them.
i) Standard Double Rod Cylinder: This is a barrel shape that has its head on both ends having a rod on each end extending outward. Like all types of cylinders, this double rod cylinder is fitted into machines to perform various tasks by applying motions.
ii) Compact Double Rod Cylinder: Characterized by its small size, this cylinder is appropriate for areas with restricted dimensions. These are where ordinary sizes cannot be accommodated. Even with this compact dimension, the device functions at a hundred percent efficiency.
iii) CXSM Series Double-Rod Cylinder: The CXSM Series BLCH Pneumatic cylinder features an aluminum alloy body and is double-acting. It is powered by air, which is passed through a 40-micron filter and works to a maximum pressure of 0.7 MPa. It has rubber bumpers on both ends, an adjustable stroke, and a bore diameter ranging from 6 to 32 mm. It is ideal for steady and accurate movements on automated machines whether or not magnets are included.
Figure no 4 CXSM double-rod cylinder
iv) Dual-Piston Rod Cylinders: These cylinders are constructed with a dual piston design which is advantageous in boosting thrust making them capable of heavy-duty work.
v) TN Series Double rod cylinder: The double-rod cylinder of the BLCH TN Series is a strong, double-acting pneumatic cylinder built for clean and accurate movement in a straight line. It is made of a sturdy aluminum alloy, requiring filtered air within the pressure ranges of 0.1 to 0.9 MPa, and has cushioned ends for controlled motion. Compact in design, its dimensions allow it to be used in limited spaces with bore sizes of 10mm to 32mm and stroke lengths of up to 200mm Further this multi-purpose cylinder can be utilized in a variety of industrial applications for repeatable motion in balance.
All unit types have been chosen for their specific mechanical or spatial features. Thus, allowing a wide range of use in automated and industrial works.
4) What are the benefits of double rod cylinders?
Double rod cylinders have a number of benefits. Let’s discuss the most highlighting ones;
+ Balanced force: Commercial double cylinders have several superior features due to which they have strong utility in industrial processes. One of the important advantages is the force balance because double-rod cylinders provide a consistent thrust in both the forward and the reverse direction. It makes motion seamless and constant. This symmetry avoids problems such as misalignment and bending during operation despite the load being heavy.
Figure no 5 Benefits of Double-rod cylinder
+ High precision: Nonetheless, another benefit is enhanced accuracy. A double-rod configuration collects two rods that are more rigid. Thereby, minimizing vibrations and in turn improving precision, especially with tasks that require positional control. This is particularly helpful in automated systems or during robotic applications where movement has to be precise.
+ Space-limited setups: Double-rod cylinders are also suitable even when space is a constraint in the arrangement. So the CXSM series of cylinders incorporates the double-rod feature and compact design. Therefore, ideal in situations where available space is limited even with full operational strength.
+ Component mounting: The construction further helps with complications of the component mounting. With two rods, attaching feedback devices or sensors at both ends of the cylinder is made easy. It increases the movement control and movement monitoring of the position of the cylinder. This flexibility makes them well-suited for automated production lines, assembly works, and a variety of other activities where the Cylinders are required to endure tough and demanding conditions.
5) What are the applications of a Double rod cylinder?
Double rod cylinders find application in a variety of industries looking for controlled movement in both elements of the system.
➢ Automated Manufacturing: Stamping, lifting, and handling of parts are some of the repetitive activities powered by double rod cylinders.
Figure no 6 Applications
➢ Assembly Lines: Guarantees accuracy and repeatability for various positioning and assembly tasks in machine parts.
➢ Robotics: Machining arms and grippers perform motions with accuracy due to their seamless, smooth, coordinated movements.
➢ Packaging Machines: Employs the push and guide even on the products ensuring package efficiency.
➢ Material Handling Systems: Economically moves materials in linear motion which leads to a controlled hoist movement.
6) Conclusion
To conclude, balanced and controlled Twin rod cylinders are heavily effective in applications that require precise linear motion. This is particularly advantageous in tasks that require automation and duties distribution where vibration reduction is a target.
The BLCH’s CXSM Series double-rod cylinders show this cause-and-effect relationship where the design is quite effective, allowing various strokes and distances to be integrated with robust designing components. In industrial and automated systems, double-rod cylinders enable the amalgamation of precision, trustworthiness, and flexibility.
