Just because an object is small does not mean it is weak or insignificant. One of the most interesting factors of miniature industrial parts is that they usually contain the same amount of power and strength as their larger counterparts, but while using up a fraction of the space. Miniature air cylinders in particular utilize compressed air to move parts within a machine just as effectively as regular sized air cylinders do. The miniature model, like other air cylinder models, is meant for a range of specific applications. For example, the electronic industry is often producing small parts that require smaller power units to drive the small manufacturing tools. In its own way, the miniature air cylinder is as useful and powerful as a large stainless steel cylinder used to open and close a massive warehouse door. It's all in reference to the scale of the activity.
Other then its size, a miniature air cylinder works much like the average air cylinder, regardless of its size and material. Made from brass, stainless steel, aluminum or another common chemically-resistant metal, the air cylinder contains a few major components; the compressed air inlet and a piston within the metal enclosure. Whatever needs to be moved is attached to the piston, which is displaced when compressed air fills the enclosure. This is how air cylinders move objects.
With such a simple process and compact size it is no wonder that miniature air cylinders are popular amongst appropriate industries. However, like most industrial products, there are regulations that allow standard sizes and shapes to develop in the air cylinder industry. This is particularly important for miniature air cylinders since they are so small that repairing a damaged one is difficult. Therefore, replacing the worn out air cylinder makes more sense, a much simpler task when the regulations clearly state the size of air cylinder required for the application.