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Pneumatics: Cylinders, Fittings, Speed Controllers and Valves

Pneumatic systems use compressed air to move, clamp, position and sort. They are common on packaging lines, assembly machines, material handling and process valve actuation because they are fast, simple and tolerant of harsh conditions.

Pneumatics

Application-first selection

Tell us the medium, range and conditions — we match the product type to the duty.

Multi-category sourcing

Instruments, valves, filters, pneumatics and pumps on one enquiry.

Quotation against your specs

Every quote references the parameters you sent, so comparisons are like-for-like.

Engineer-to-engineer support

Ask a technical question before you commit to a model.

Product types

Pneumatics — categories

Flotronics supplies pneumatic cylinders, push-in fittings, speed controllers, high-pressure pneumatic valves and related components for machine builders, maintenance teams and plant engineers. Good performance depends on correct sizing of force and speed, sound air preparation upstream, and compatible connections. Share your application and air supply details and we will help identify suitable components and prepare a quotation. Our team can also review an existing datasheet or nameplate and suggest equivalents, so you do not need a full specification to begin. Choose a category to see the range, specifications and quotation details.

How it works

Types and how to choose

A pneumatic circuit has four parts: an air supply, air preparation, control valves and actuators. Compressed air is cleaned and regulated, a directional valve routes it, and an actuator turns that pressure into force and motion.

The most common actuator is the cylinder. Force depends on bore area and supply pressure, so a larger bore gives more force at the same pressure. Single-acting cylinders use air in one direction and a spring to return; double-acting cylinders use air both ways and give controlled force on extend and retract. Stroke, mounting style, rod end and cushioning at the end of travel complete the choice.

Speed is set with flow control (speed controller) valves. Fitting them to meter exhaust air from the cylinder, called meter-out, usually gives smoother, more stable motion than metering supply air. Reliable operation also depends on push-in fittings and tubing sized to the flow, and on dry, filtered, lubricated or oil-free air as the components require. Upstream treatment is covered under compressed air treatment; see also pneumatic cylinders, push-in fittings and speed controllers.

Type Best suited for Consider when
Single-acting cylinder Clamping, ejecting or simple push/return tasks Force is needed on both strokes
Double-acting cylinder General positioning and pushing/pulling Spring return failsafe is wanted
Push-in fitting Fast, tool-free tubing connections Vibration is severe or tubing is not of the specified type
Speed controller Setting cylinder speed smoothly Fixed speed is acceptable
High-pressure pneumatic valve Higher-pressure air circuits such as blow-moulding Standard pressure circuit is sufficient
Solenoid-operated directional valve Electrically switching air to actuators Manual or mechanical operation is enough

Selection guide

Parameters to specify

Send these with your enquiry for an accurate, like-for-like quotation.

Force required
Drives cylinder bore; consider load, friction and a safety margin.
Stroke length
Sets cylinder size and mounting; account for any cushioning.
Operating pressure
Supply pressure and its stability influence force and speed.
Speed and cycle rate
Determines flow capacity, port size and speed-controller choice.
Mounting style
Foot, flange, clevis or trunnion must suit your frame.
Tubing size and fitting thread
Match tube outer diameter and port thread to avoid restricted flow.
Air quality
Dry, filtered air extends seal life; say whether oil-free is needed.
Environment
Washdown, heat or dust may need special materials or seals.

Typical applications

  • Packaging and filling machines
  • Clamping and fixturing
  • Material handling and sorting
  • Process valve actuation
  • Assembly and pick-and-place
  • Door and gate operation
  • Bottle blowing and moulding with high-pressure air

Industries

  • Packaging
  • Automotive and engineering
  • Food and beverage
  • Plastics and PET
  • Textile
  • Process plants

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the questions buyers most often ask before requesting a quotation.

How do I size a pneumatic cylinder?

Work out the force the load needs, add a margin for friction and acceleration, then pick a bore whose area times your working pressure exceeds it. Remember that force on the retract stroke of a double-acting cylinder is lower because the rod occupies part of the piston area. Send the load, stroke and pressure and we can suggest options.

Should I use meter-in or meter-out speed control?

Meter-out, restricting exhaust air from the cylinder, is generally preferred for double-acting cylinders because it keeps back-pressure on the piston and gives steadier motion. Meter-in suits single-acting cylinders and some lifting cases. The right choice depends on load direction, so tell us the orientation. Using flow controls on both ports gives separate speed settings for each direction where the process needs it.

Are push-in fittings reusable?

Most push-in fittings can be released and reused if the tube end is clean and square-cut and the fitting has not been damaged. Use the tube type and outside diameter the fitting is designed for. Fittings in vibration-prone or high-temperature locations should be checked at maintenance intervals. Check the tube material compatibility and use tube cutters rather than knives to keep the end square and the seal reliable.

Do pneumatic components need lubricated air?

Many modern cylinders and valves are pre-lubricated and run on non-lubricated air, and adding oil later can wash out the factory grease. Others are designed for lubricated supply. Follow the component data and keep the supply consistent. Clean, dry air matters either way; see compressed air treatment. Tell us the supply condition you run and any existing lubricators so compatible components can be proposed.

What do you need to quote pneumatic components?

Share bore and stroke or the load, mounting style, operating pressure, port thread, tube size, voltage for any solenoid valves, and the working environment. If replacing, send the model number or a photo of the existing part. With these details we can suggest matching cylinders, fittings, speed controllers and valves together as one package to reduce mismatches.

Looking for pneumatic cylinders or fittings?

Send the load, stroke, pressure, port and tubing sizes, and we will suggest suitable components and quote.