Pneumatic tensile actuators have a lot of pull on the assembly
line
The
Problem:
Automobile assembly lines require controlled, tensile force to
bend automotive door-frame profiles.
 
Its
Solution:
A new pneumatic tensile actuator provides the pulling force
required for this application. The design is relatively
simple. Rubber core tubing is enclosed in two layers of
material whose fibers are aligned in different directions to
produce a rhomboidal pattern. Metal end caps are bolted on to
complete the unit. When compressed air fills the tubing, it
expands radially and contracts axially-generating very high
axial force compared to a conventional pneumatic cylinder.
For example, a tensile actuator
with a 20-mm diameter develops as much force as a conventional
cylinder with a 63-mm diameter at the same pressure. Both
actuators develop a force of 1.5 kN at 6-bar, even though the
cylinder has almost ten times the cross-sectional area and
about eight times the weight. And the air consumption of the
tensile actuator is correspondingly lower.
Related
Applications:
Any application which requires a pulling force. Can be used at
extremely high cycle rates and/or to provide smooth, accurate,
controlled positioning (via adjusting the pressure and
therefore the length).
How
Pneumatics Improved this Application:
- Smooth power delivery
- Can operate in high
temperatures
- Easy to service
This application was developed
by Festo Corporation. To visit the Festo web site, click here.
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