BHC™ (Black Hard Coating) on the cylinder bodies helps prevent scoring and scratching. After years of use, cylinder removal is easier because BHC™'s corrosion resistance is better than black oxide or chrome plating.
Proprietary seal designs reduce leakage and increase seal life for longer lasting, more dependable cylinders.
Threaded models use positionable, G Series fluid ports.
Cartridge models are supplied with an appropriate gasket to seal against the cavity bottom.
Chromed and hardened alloy steel pistons won't "mushroom" even when used without grippers.
Special wipers keep chips and contaminants out.
Positive piston stop shoulder keeps the spring from "bottoming out" guarding against premature spring failure which can plague other cylinder brands.
NOTE: For maximum spring life, single acting cylinders should not be run to the end of stroke regularly.
Why use them?
They are the most common and least costly form of hydraulic clamping available. They can be sized adequately to allow you to clamp across or against cutter forces. We always recommend that cutter forces be transmitted into fixed stops.
Why are these cylinders more expensive than "standard industrial grade"?
Standard industrial grade cylinders are typically made from standard ends with cylinders and rods cut to length and made from many parts. Clamping cylinders typically use a one piece piston and one piece body. The grade of materials, seals and finishes are higher due to the long life and frequency of use required. We strive to produce the finest quality cylinders for the specialty clamping industry. We welcome any head to head run-off. Compare for yourself and see the difference in quality.
What are their intended applications? What should I avoid?
Clamping cylinders are intended for pushing up against a part and holding it in place. They are not intended for use in power cylinder applications where punching, bending or forming are performed. The special seals used in clamps are not designed to lubricate well in power applications, nor are the cylinders cushioned against "break through" forces. Questions about your application? Call us.
I need a custom end effector. What do I need to be aware of in designing it?
Most of the required dimensional information is located in the dimensions table for each individual product. Be aware that single acting cylinders are not designed to carry heavy weights. Their threads are primarily intended for installation of contact points. Double acting cylinders ensure retraction of properly designed special end effectors. If you must use single acting, contact us in the design phases to be sure your cylinder will return.
What choices do I have when manifold mounting block cylinders?
You have the choice of standard porting, side or rear for manifold porting. Recent additions to the product line give huge advantages in manifold placement. One new unit even has both manifold and standard porting in the same unit. By manifolding the fluid to your block cylinder (or any other device), you reduce the chips trapped by tubing and streamline your fixtures for high grade "chip shedding." Note: Vektek is the leader in surface mount manifolding of devices, accessories and valves helping you avoid the costly manufacture of cavities and frequent installation problems common to "cartridge" devices.
How do I use my hollow cylinder to draw a bolt that runs my mechanism?
This will involve mounting your hollow cylinder on the side of your fixture plate opposite where it is to draw the bolt. Using the bottom mounting holes draw it back against the fixture. Run the bolt through the fixture and cylinder. When the cylinder extends, it will draw the bolt.
I am tired of buying cartridge mount double acting cylinders from other companies that leak when installed. They always seem to leak past their external body seals and are very hard to diagnose problems. How can I avoid these problem cylinders?
Cartridge cylinders have always required a special cylinder wall or end finish adequate to seal against. The most common sources of cartridge cylinder leakage are from bad finishes or external seals getting damaged when screwed into a poorly made cavity. This cylinder uses an easy to make upper flange O-ring port to avoid the need for smooth cavity walls. Bore the clearance hole, mill the flange recess and drill the ports to connect. This dramatically reduces chances of leakage as all active sealing surfaces are Vektek BHC™ cylinder walls.
I love your single acting cartridge cylinders. How can I get the positive return of double acting and still "bury" my cylinders? The Easy Mount double acting cylinders let you hide the cylinder body and O-ring manifold mount... The best of all solutions!
Metric Threaded Mini-Cylinders
Metric Threaded Cylinders
Metric Block Cylinders
Metric Manifold Block Cylinders
Metric Easy Mount Cartridge