| The air cylinder, which is also referred to as a | | | | Based on the design of the cylinder system, pneumatic |
| pneumatic cylinder is a device that works mechanically | | | | cylinders can be used for a multitude of operations. |
| to produce force combined with movement that is | | | | Examples include having the ability to perform multiple |
| powered by high pressure compressed air. The | | | | strokes without the need for intermediate intervention, |
| scientific function at work within these cylinders can be | | | | to perform a full stroke with intermediate stopping |
| described as force being imparted by the conversion | | | | points, to be adjusted so as to control the amount of |
| of potential energy of compressed air into kinetic | | | | extension and/or retraction of the piston rod once |
| energy, or the energy of movement. | | | | actuated. |
| The mechanic energy produced by the pneumatic | | | | As air cylinders are used for such a variety of |
| cylinders is achieved because the compressed gas is | | | | functions, the market place is very competitive. Bimba |
| able to expand, without external energy input. The | | | | Manufacturing specialise in bespoke solutions for |
| expansion, which is the main aiding factor in the | | | | companies and have years of practical experience. In |
| creation of kinetic energy, occurs due to the pressure | | | | addition to a broad line of standard catalogue products, |
| gradient established by the compressed gas being at a | | | | nearly half of Bimba's business consists of custom and |
| greater pressure than the atmospheric pressure. The | | | | semi-custom products designed for specific customers |
| air expansion is also what finally forces the piston of | | | | with unique applications. In 2007, Bimba took another |
| the cylinder to move in a certain direction. | | | | step as leader of air cylinders when the company |
| Air cylinders are devices that use air pressure to put | | | | acquired Mead Fluid Dynamics Inc. to expand |
| air into linear motion, such as in an air compressor. A | | | | capabilities even further. Mead is a leader in the design |
| typical air cylinder has a rod and piston that operates | | | | and development of valves, cylinders, and pneumatic |
| the cylinder. Types of air cylinders include: Single acting | | | | components for the industrial automation market. |
| cylinders (SAC); Double acting cylinders (DAC), and | | | | Air cylinders are available in a variety of sizes and can |
| 'other types', including rodless linear air cylinders | | | | typically range from a small 2.5 mm cylinder, which |
| (actuators that use a mechanical or magnetic coupling | | | | might be used for picking up a small transistor or other |
| to impart force). A rodless cylinder has no rod outside | | | | electronic component, to 400 mm diameter cylinders |
| of the cylinder but rather a piston connected to a | | | | which would impart enough force to lift a car. Some |
| carriage inside the cylinder. The different types of | | | | pneumatic cylinders reach 1000 mm in diameter, and |
| airless rod cylinders include cable cylinders, magnetically | | | | are used in place of hydraulic cylinders for special |
| coupled air cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, and band | | | | circumstances where leaking hydraulic oil could impose |
| cylinders. | | | | an extreme hazard. |