Latest News from Cylinders & Valves, Inc. | Custom Cylinders

How Flow Control Systems Operate Within an Air Cylinder

To understand how to flow is controlled within an air cylinder, you must first understand the air cylinder and the compressed air within it. First of all, air cylinders, pneumatic cylinders and, occasionally, pneumatic actuators, are industrial machines that use compressed air to power various manufacturing processes. Compressed air can be defined as explosive, inflammable gas that travels quickly from a high-pressure chamber to a low atmospheric pressure area. This is all brought about rapidly by a position shift of the air valve, the release of air or gas through said air valve and the resulting movement of the cylinder piston and/or rod.

With this knowledge in hand, it is easy to understand that airflow, piston and rod speeds all must be measured and controlled for a safe and successful process. Since fast-moving rods are difficult to measure, one way that technicians measure airflow is through the installation of mechanisms known as air flow controller systems. They’re usually installed in air lines between the valve and cylinder, in the cylinder port and the exhaust port. Talk to your supplier to find out whether or not it’s necessary for you to install a system in the exhaust port. Note that when you introduce an airflow controller system into your cylinder, you need to observe cylinder control reaction time.

A second way to regulate cylinder airflow is through a needle bypass, a feature of some cylinder flow control systems that allows air to pass through a needle that controls airflow.

Similar to the needle bypass is the needle valve, which controls airflow inside and outside the cylinder. While this method can drastically reduce airflow, it may also cause an issue with energy or heat transfer within your process equipment.

To get the most out of your flow control systems, aka a full air supply, optimal cylinder speed, smooth piston movement and minimal waste, make sure that they’re properly installed. You can do this by checking schematics along the side of your control systems, which offer flow paths to direct installation. Follow these guidelines, and you’ll be in business in no time!

How to Reduce the Repair and Replacement Costs of Hydraulic Cylinders

Many modern industrial machines, such as pumps and motors, are run on energy generated by hydraulic cylinders. Hydraulic cylinders, while a great source of energy, can be costly to repair and maintain. Research finds that one in ten industrial machines do not operate at optimal levels because of specific design factors, design factors that can be avoided by making sure your machine and its energy source match your production and capacity requirements. With a mismatched machine, you will find yourself impacted by the stressors of repair and replacement, driving up costs for yourself and your customers.

Contain these costs by performing regularly scheduled maintenance. Meticulous and timely maintenance is the only way to strengthen the efficiency and durability of your industrial equipment. However, in this effort, do not handle your machines roughly. Careful handling is incredibly important. Read on for tips on machine handling that will reduce your expenses during maintenance.

Look for Twisted Rods

Air cylinder rod twists are undesirable abnormalities associated with poor construction and low quality materials. Twists may also be a sign of incorrect cylinder or rod installation or unsuitable rod diameter. Bent rods contribute to deficient load balancing, which in turn may lead to additional issues, such as leakage and unpredictable application performance downtime.

For these reasons, it’s important to check that rods and cylinders are mounted properly, per the instructions of your hydraulic cylinder provider.

Check Rod Quality

In addition to the quality discussed above, the rod’s finish quality must also be noted. To work seamlessly with its application, a rod needs superior finishing. Superior finishing is neither overly smooth nor overly rough, and it should complement the object for which it is being used. To prolong the life and increase the durability of a rod, some specialists recommend alternating its coating or finishing.

Finally note that a wearing area will cause seal warping if it doesn’t have enough load bearing support. To avoid this and subsequent adverse impact, carefully select your bearing or wearing area.

How to Select the Most Efficient Industrial Air Cylinder

Commonly called pneumatic cylinders, air cylinders use engineering and mechanical principles to generate force and movement. Said force and movement are compelled by compressed, high-pressure air that is then converted into kinetic energy for the consumption of a machine motor. This energy source regulates the production and performance of process equipment. To maintain regulation, attain machine speed goals and high quality processes, you must employ a machine that is appropriate for your application. For best results, consider the following points when selecting your next air cylinder.

1. Cylinder Type: Before you select what type of air cylinder works best for you, think about the conditions in which and the application with which it will be used. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and get input from your supplier. Cylinder types include: reusable, non-reusable or repairable, NFPA, rod-based, metal cylinders and more.

2. Diameter of the rotation or movement: Take into consideration the size of your object as well as the size within the cylinder. Also, make sure that the diameter of the cylinder rod is as long as or longer than the space taken up by your object’s movement.

3. Machine Weight: Another important element to consider during the selection process is the weight of the machine that will encase the air cylinder. Because it consumes energy released by the cylinder, this machine’s performance depends on pressure from compressed air. Consequently, your motor, specifically the starter motor, should be paired with a compression cylinder that is 75% of its weight.

4. Correct Cylinder Installation: Finally, to ensure the safety and efficiency that comes with proper installation, make sure your supplier offers installation services. Cylinder installation procedures are based on size and type, and they frequently have integrated design options meant to make installation easier. Such options include: threaded holes for tightening bolts, mount, rod-cap thread, rear-cap, rear tang and the like.

Cylinders & Valves Inc. Has A New Distributor In China

At Cylinders & Valves Inc., we manufacture high quality products for customers in a wide range of industries around the world. As our reputation for excellence in cylinder and valve manufacturing has grown, we’ve seen demand for our products rise. From our state-of-the-art facility in Ohio, we now supply distributors and companies across the US and in other major global markets.

It’s natural that a large industrial economy like China would have a steep demand for the kind of products that we manufacture. Because of this, we’re excited to announce that we’ve just formed a partnership with a new distributor in Shanghai, China. Shanghai HangOu Mechanical and Electrical Equipment Co. Ltd. is a large supplier of mechanical parts to major industrial clients across southern China. Established in 2006, Shanghai HangOu specializes in importing mechanical replacement parts from worldwide brands.

Any customers looking for products from Cylinders & Valves Inc. in China should contact Shanghai HangOu, our official supplier. The company’s contact information is as follows:

Shanghai Hang Ou Mechanical and Electrical Equipment CO.,LTD.
Address: Room 905, Building 1,Guoson Center, No.388 Zhong Jiang Road, Putuo District, Shanghai,China 200062
Tel: 0086-21-51085161 | 0086-21-52391901
Fax: 021-51870910 | 021-52391837
Email: sales@shhangou.com | sales@shhangou.com.cn
Website: www.shhangou.com | www.shhangou.com.cn

Visit Shanhai HangOu’s website today: www.shhangou.com

About Cylinders & Valves Inc.

Since 1958, Cylinders & Valves Inc. has been manufacturing high quality small bore hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic valves. Our family owned business is committed to craftsmanship that ensures parts will perform well over the long term and be easier to replace than our competitor’s products.

The quality parts that we manufacture include 3-way valves, compact air cylinders, spool valves and valve replacement kits. With our advanced engineering capabilities, we are also able to offer custom cylinders and valves for unique applications. Contact us today to learn more.

Understanding the Different Types of Air Cylinders

Also known as gas-driven cylinders, air cylinders are appliances that enliven industrial machines, aided by the linear motion of energy/force generated by compressed air/gas. Some air cylinders that are also considered pneumatic cylinders, from the Greek pneuma, for air, are very similar to hydraulic cylinders, both applying kinetic energy for movement using pistons. Pneumatic cylinders, however are a much safer alternative to hydraulic cylinders because they are much less likely to have fluid or gas leaks, and perform much more reliably. There are many types of air cylinders, meeting many industry and application specifications. See below for details on frequently used air cylinders (rotary, single piston, double-action, telescoping, rodless and high-pressure) and their functions.

Rotary Cylinders

A rotary cylinder is a motor with a rotary, or a rotating piston, that rotates on the unit’s outer border in either circular or semi-circular motions.

Single Piston Cylinder

Single, or straight-line, piston cylinders are the most commonly used type of air cylinders. They are activated by a piston pushed by energy created by compressed air. To reset the cylinder piston, a spring draws it back into place. From there, the same energy pushes the piston forward again to continue the process.

Double-Action Cylinder

A double-action cylinder uses the same functioning principles as single piston cylinders, but instead of using a spring to return the piston to neutral, it uses the force generated by airflow. Because double-action cylinders deliver piston transfers back and forth with such ease, it is not necessary for airflow or gas to flow inward.

Telescoping Cylinders

A type of motor that can work in both single and double-action cylinders is the telescoping air cylinder. A motor with (somewhat expensive) advanced technology, it can be set in accordance with individual application specifications.

Rodless Cylinders

A rodless cylinder circumvents the need for a rod or piston through the independent movement of the cylinder itself, and, depending on your application, it can be programmed to work like a single or double-action cylinder unit.

High-Pressure Air Cylinders

Finally, we come to the most power air cylinder, the high-pressure air cylinder. These customizable air cylinders can perform extensive tasks while taking up very little, because they are so small and efficiently designed.

Where Small Hydraulic Cylinders Are Used

Although hydraulic cylinders are used in large, heavy duty machines and industrial equipment, the same technology is also employed in much smaller applications. We may be used to thinking of hydraulic cylinders as powerful lifting tools (which they can be) but sometimes they are used for very small and basic operations. The interesting thing about small hydraulic cylinders is that they operate on the very same principles as large ones, but the size of the cylinder and the piston limits the strength, making it possible to manufacture cylinders for literally hundreds of different uses based on the necessary force.

One very common example of this is found in the trunk of almost every car. It’s usually two small hydraulic cylinders fixed to the frame that allow someone smoothly open and close the trunk without it falling. The pressure of someone pushing down on the door is enough to compress the cylinders, but they are strong enough that the trunk won’t slam shut when it is left open. The diameter of these particular cylinders is less than an inch, but they exert all the force that is necessary for their function.

Specialized technology companies who are in the process of developing and manufacturing robotic equipment often use small hydraulic cylinders to add greater functionality to their units. On a small moving robot, miniature hydraulic cylinders can power legs that lift the unit up and down or move it from side to side in some fashion. For a stationary piece of robotic machinery, hydraulic cylinders can be very good at accomplishing linear movement if and when necessary. Although hydraulic technology is not new or complex like some emerging technology, it is still highly useful for advanced equipment that is currently being developed. You can imagine that small hydraulic cylinders could even be useful in drone technology as companies continue to explore the functional possibilities of drones.

At Cylinders & Valves Inc., we offer cylinders of all sizes for a wide variety of industrial clients. From small hydraulic cylinders to large heavy duty ones, we can provide you with whatever you need for your equipment.

Hydraulic Cylinders And Their Many Applications

In the 21st century, hydraulic cylinders can be found in the machinery of almost any industry. Because a hydraulic cylinder can create so much power, it can be utilized for many different purposes and ultimately make almost any job much easier and more efficient. Variations of hydraulic technology have been used for centuries. In fact, way back in 1648 it was the French physicist Blaise Pascal who observed that pressure exerted on confined fluid is transmitted equally throughout the fluid and creates a unified force. This would later become known as Pascal’s Law. While this realization was still far away from the invention of hydraulic cylinders as we know them today, it was foundational to our understand of pressurized fluid and its amazing capabilities.

Today you don’t have to look far to see hydraulic cylinders being used for processes that would be almost impossible to accomplish otherwise. Think about backhoes on construction sites, for example. Imagine how difficult it would be to dig holes and move tons of dirt of a backhoes didn’t exist? It’s a series of hydraulic cylinders in the backhoe that gives it such tremendous lifting capabilities. Imagine how quickly a large backhoe can dig out the foundation for a new home or office building. Or what about snow removal equipment? You’ve probably noticed large plow trucks driving down the highway in the winter to clear the roads. Many of these have a plow on the front that can be raised and lowered right to the ground because of the hydraulic cylinders that they are connected to. And then there’s the waste management industry! Hydraulic cylinders make it possible for garbage trucks to dump material, and for compactors to crush material into a more compact form. Without these tools, waste removal would be a much more difficult process.

At Cylinders & Valves Inc., we’re proud to provide hydraulic cylinders to so many important industries so that they can keep up with their important work. We’re a family-owned business with professional service that can’t be beat. If you need hydraulic cylinders or valves, contact us today to request a quote!

Innovative Website Design from Cylinders & Valves, Inc.

With a company history dating back to 1958, we at Cylinders & Valves, Inc. have been providing top of the line, high quality small bore hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic valves to our customers. Over the years we have been committed to providing exceptional products that are manufactured to last longer and perform better through the use of better materials and superior craftsmanship. We are excited to announce a new feature of our website that will enhance the user experience greatly.

Now on cylval.com you are able to view and interact with both 2D and 3D CAD drawings of all of our cylinders and valve products. This means that you will be able to see the product before you even pick up the phone to talk to us, making your experience that much quicker. The process to get to these CAD files starts with knowing what type of product you desire, so if you’re still unsure please contact us at (440) 238-7343 and we would be happy to find the right solution for your unique application. If you have a specific product in mind, you can find the CAD drawings at the bottom of our product pages along with different options and styles that you can choose from to better fit your application.

We even allow you to download our CAD drawing models in a wide range of formats such as SOLIDWORKS, ACIS, ANVIL and many other formats. While our products continue to look great and now you have more ways to look, they still work even better than they look. Contact us today for more information about this new feature on our website or for any other inquiries you may have on hydraulic cylinders and valves.

How A Double Acting Cylinder Works

A double acting cylinder is one of the most basic forms of a hydraulic cylinder. The piston rod is caused to retract when pressurized fluid is directed into the end of the rod. In a similar way, when pressurized fluid is released into the cap end, the piston extends. During either retraction or expansion, fluid is flowing out of the opposite end and back into the hydraulic reservoir of the mechanism. Generally speaking, expansion always requires more force than retraction, so the piston can be retracted more quickly than it can be expanded.

So what applications should a double acting cylinder be used in? Machines like forklifts, tractors and construction equipment use double acting cylinders to generate the necessary force for lifting heavy objects using a pressurized hydraulic flow. The result is the ability for the pistons to steadily lift heavy loads, and they can also lower them in a steady and controlled manner, usually at a faster rate. Because of their efficient use of force and hydraulic fluid, double acting cylinders are one of the most commonly used cylinders in an industrial machinery. If you have a double acting cylinder from Cylinders & Valves Inc., you can be sure that it is built to last. Not only that, but we make all of our parts so that they are easy to service and replace.

Cylinders & Valves Inc. is proud to manufacture high quality double acting cylinders for use in many different industries. We have been in the business for over 50 years, so you can trust us to build quality products that are easy to service and will stand the test of time. We can provide you with a quote for your equipment needs, and help to create a customized cylinder that works perfectly with your machinery. Sometimes older machines are difficult to find the right parts for, but we can take that difficulty away with our parts engineering capabilities. All we need are a set of specifications or a drawing to work off of. Browse through the products listed on our website today, or pick up the phone and call us to learn more!

An Introduction to Back to Back Cylinders

A back to back cylinder setup is created by combining two cylinders with the same bore size. Both cylinders operate with the same tie rods, creating a four piston cylinder. Various cylinders can be selected for different stroke lengths. Back to back cylinders use standard materials and parts, but they can be fully customized to meet the output needs of a specific application. Because the parts used to construct back to back cylinders are standard pieces, these cylinders are easy to repair and service, and they are not as expensive as other configurations. At Cylinders & Valves Inc., we use a non-corrosive brass construction on all of our cylinders to maximize their durability.

Our series BC and TBC back to back cylinders are designed specifically for pneumatic and hydraulic applications. Sizes and dimensions vary, and threaded rods are standard but non-threaded rods can be provided upon request. Both rods operate simultaneously through a single center input port. Our TC and TTC series are also design for pneumatic and hydraulic operation, and there are six different bore sizes available. We can provide “O” ring and “U” ring seals based on the customer’s request. Products in both of these series are fully customizable to meet the needs of the customer.

Because of their ability to efficiently generate force, back to back cylinders are used in many different industrial and commercial applications. These cylinders can be used in various types of equipment and machinery to process materials or lift heavy loads and objects. The interchangeable parts that make up a back to back cylinder make repairs quick, easy and cost effective. This is very important in heavy duty industrial setting where the work is fast-paced and any downtime means less production and less profit.

To learn more about how our back to back cylinders could be fitted to your application, or to find out more about our other products, give us a call today. We can give you a quote for a project and share our technical expertise to answer any of your questions. Cylinders & Valves Inc. has been committed to quality materials and craftsmanship for over 50 years, so you can trust us to provide you with exceptional products and customer service every time you do business with us.

We Manufacture Top Quality High Pressure Cylinders

At Cylinders and Valves Inc., high pressure hydraulic cylinders are just one of the products that we manufacturer for industrial equipment and systems. High pressure cylinders are important in heavy duty hydraulic equipment that is made to lift large amounts of weight in a single motion. In the agricultural industry, high pressure cylinders are fitted to the loaders of tractors to make them capable of lifting heavy objects. In the construction industry, cranes and backhoes also use high pressure cylinders to pump hydraulic fluid through the machine. We manufacture high pressure cylinders for use in a variety of industries, with a range of diameters and sizes.

Our high pressure cylinders are rated for up to 1500 PSI and they range in diameter from ⅝” to 2”. This variety means that you will be able to find whatever high pressure cylinder you need at Cylinders and Valves Inc. Because most high pressure cylinders are installed in equipment that is exposed to the elements on a regular basis, all of our cylinders are made to be non-corrosive. We also have several different mounting options for each cylinder so that you can easily install a new or replacement cylinder in your application. The piston rods of our high pressure cylinders are all made using stainless steel to resist corrosion and provide a strong, durable shaft under extreme pressures.

Although we do offer a range of cylinder sizes and mounting options, we know that high pressure cylinders can be used in hundreds of unique industrial applications. Because of this, we pride ourselves on offering custom modifications to suit your needs. Our goal is always to find an effective way to help our customers by designing solutions with them in mind. Durable construction, quality components and optional customization make our high pressure cylinders the perfect fit for your equipment. Contact us today if you would like to learn more about our high pressure cylinders, or other products in our lineup. Our experts would be happy to speak to your and begin working a customized solution for your industry.

Serving the Military

We are proud to say that in our 58 years of business we have built a reputation of providing outstanding products and services to a wide range of clientele from the military to the bottling industry. By meticulously manufacturing high quality small bore hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic valves, we are able to strengthen these relationships through a common goal; an outstanding final product. We understand that the more value we are able to contribute to our customer’s final process the more success our business has. Essentially, your success is our success. We carry this over into every business relationship we have along with every aspect of our business. Our attention to detail is in place in order to give you the best possible product for your final process to ensure that your final process adds the most value to your operation.

As stated earlier we work with a wide range of industries and clients, one of these industries happens to be in the military sector as we supply the military with a number of different cylinders and valves for various applications. These applications can range from cylinders and valves in automobiles, boats or even in submarines. The military turns to us to provide these highly important components because they know that Cylinder & Valves, Inc.’s products hold up in the toughest environments. As a small, family-owned business we are able to provide a level of personal service that ensures that the final product we ship is one that will function properly in the desired application as well as be reliable in even the harshest environments.

We pride ourselves on having some of the best customer service in the business whether that be dealing with military applications or a one-time job that calls for a unique compact air cylinder. Whatever your application may be, request a quote today or contact us for further information on all of our products and services.

Cylinders & Valves Inc. - Solenoid Valves

A solenoid valve uses an electro mechanic current passing through solenoid to open and close the valve. Depending on the type of valve, the flow can be switched off or redirected to another outlet. This kind of control is most often used in industrial applications where fluids and chemicals need to be mixed with precision. Even domestic washing machines and dishwashers use solenoid valves to turn the water on and off during the cleaning process. At Cylinders & Valves Inc., we manufacture and sell top-quality solenoid valves for a wide variety of applications.

Our solenoid valve product lineup includes micro solenoid valves and 3 and 4-way spool valves, as well as larger solenoid valves for heavy duty applications. As the name indicates, our 3 and 4-way spool valves allow for controlled flow in multiple directions. A spool valve is activated when energy passes through an inner solenoid coil, causing the valve to open or close. Our micro-solenoid valves are reliable and can easily be serviced to outlive other valves and operate in compact spaces.

To manufacture solenoid valves that will provide long-term performance in a variety of applications, we use strong materials and a through quality-controlled production process. If one of our standard solenoid products does not meet the needs of a client, we can partner with them to engineer and manufacture a solution that will be perfectly suited to their industry. Our solenoid valves can be adapted to match your mounting and plating specifications.

Major clients like military suppliers trust Cylinders & Valves Inc. to create dependable solenoid valves for their vehicles. These machines need to function in the harshest environments, so the components used to build them must be dependable.

Cylinders & Valves Inc. has been manufacturing cylinders and valves for over 50 years, so we know how to produce a high quality product that will stand the test of time. Unlike many of our competitors, our valves are fully serviceable and repairable, so you can avoid the costly process of replacing them every time something goes wrong. We want to serve our customers by connecting them with the products that they need to make their business run smoothly. You can request a quote for solenoid valves through our website, or call us directly and we would be happy to assist you.

Our Products Work Even Better Than They Look!

We have been in the business since 1958, and our family owned business remains a leader in the industry to this day. Our specialty lies in high quality small bore hydraulic cyl