Isotech Inc., a supplier of precision linear motion products, has introduced the Isotech AB air cylinder, a unique new air cylinder designed to provide "friction-free" air-powered motion for applications requiring precision motion from a pneumatic driver or air bearing.
The new Isotech AB air cylinder's friction-free design uses a technology called "force without friction." This frictionless technology is made possible by a specially shaped stainless steel piston that is precisely fitted to a borosilicate glass cylinder. The introduction of pressurized air into the air bearing's cylinder creates a true air bearing airflow effect around the piston.
"With as little as 5 psi of air applied to the cylinder, a stiff cushion of air is generated to support the piston and prevent it from contacting the cylinder wall," said Joe Casillo, president of Isotech, Inc. "The same air that provides this cushion is also used to drive the cylinder."
The result is an air cylinder that delivers virtually unlimited piston life, requires no lubrication and provides clean operation. In addition, the output force of this friction-free air cylinder is reduced only infinitesimally by movement of ultra-low friction ball joints used to connect the rod.
"The Isotech AB air cylinder is similar to the stiction-free, low friction air cylinder model we introduced earlier this year," said Casillo. "However, through the use of a zero friction air bearing piston, friction has been reduced by a factor of 1000."
Casillo noted that the Isotech AB air cylinder is designed to fill a niche in the air cylinder industry where friction, contamination, wear, and extreme temperature vulnerability of typical air cylinders is not tolerated.
Applications may include, precise tensioning, positioning mechanisms supporting delicate materials, sensitive force control for holding or clamping fragile materials, counterbalancing and safety support for vertically positioned linear motor driven masses, or precise laboratory test equipment.
Isotech AB air cylinders are offered in metric models with four bore diameters and ten standard strokes to provide precisely repeatable driving or supporting forces from 2 grams to 58 kg. Suitable operating temperatures range from -20 C to +90 C.
Isotech AB air cylinders are in stock and available for delivery. Isotech personnel are available to assist in choosing the proper air cylinder for any application. Custom air cylinder configurations may be available.
About Isotech Inc.
Isotech Inc., specializes in the supply of linear motion control products and proprietary mechanical and electromechanical products including ball and crossed roller slides and tables, linear bushings and shafting, pneumatic, micrometer and motorized tables, linear actuators, air cylinders, dashpots/actuators, noise control materials, vibration mounts and isolators, laser marking systems and automation software training.