No matter how small the space, if movement is required then there is an air cylinder tiny enough to get the job done. What is amazing about these little cylinders is that their lack of mass does not mean they lack in capabilities. Small air cylinders often pack the same energetic punch as their big brother cylinders, even though they are significantly smaller. This is partly possible because of the extreme power produced by a blast or blasts of compressed air. Even a small model is able to produce large amounts of energy.
Used as actuators for valves, engine components, machine components and lift gates, small air cylinders are utilized in the forestry, automotive, food processing and material handling industries, to name just a few. Like the larger models, small air cylinders are environmentally friendly because they are energy efficient and do not emit harmful toxins into the atmosphere every time they are used. Also, they are a cheaper source of energy then electricity or gas. The only downside to this smaller design is that it is more difficult to fix when a problem occurs. Because of this disposable small air cylinders are available, but they are not as environmentally friendly.
Operating in the same way that large air cylinders do, small air cylinders are spherical or rectangular cylinders with a port hole in one end through which compressed air is forced. As the air pumps in it pushes a tiny piston to the other end of the cylinder, which is attached to a rod that moves the machine part the whole cylinder structure is attached to. These can be single or double acting cylinders, meaning they can move in one or two directions. Also, small air cylinders can be designed rodless like larger models, instead rotating to move the components of an engine or machine.