Cylinder Warehouse
How to Identify a Pneumatic Cylinder
Cylinder Warehouse is the Dedicated Pneumatic Cylinder Warehouse, built for engineers, buyers and maintenance teams sourcing pneumatic cylinders by part number, brand, bore and stroke.
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Part number, brand, bore, stroke, series and cylinder type.
The quickest and most reliable way to identify a pneumatic cylinder is through the complete manufacturer part number. This is normally printed, engraved or laser-marked on the cylinder body, label or end cover.
Where the label is damaged or missing, the cylinder can often still be identified using its construction, dimensions and connection details.
1. Find the manufacturer name
Look for a logo, brand name or label. Even a partial name can help narrow the cylinder to a particular manufacturer and product family.
2. Record the complete part number
Copy every letter, number, dash and symbol exactly as shown. Small suffixes can indicate important variations such as seal type, piston rod material, cushioning, magnet configuration or mounting option.
Do not remove characters because they appear unimportant.
3. Look for a series reference
Some cylinders display both an individual part number and a shorter series designation. The series helps establish the basic cylinder construction and dimensional standard.
4. Establish the cylinder type
Identify whether the cylinder is:
- Profile-body
- Tie-rod
- Roundline
- Compact
- Guided
- Rodless
- Clamping
- Stainless steel or corrosion-resistant
5. Determine the bore
The bore may be included within the part number or printed on the label. Measuring the outside of the cylinder body does not give an accurate bore size because wall thickness and body construction vary.
6. Determine the stroke
The stroke is the distance travelled by the piston rod between the fully retracted and fully extended positions. It is not the overall cylinder length.
7. Record the mounting arrangement
Examples include:
- Foot mounting
- Front or rear flange
- Front or rear clevis
- Trunnion mounting
- Threaded nose mounting
- Direct body mounting
8. Record the connection details
Check the air port size, thread type, port position and piston rod thread. These details can prevent a mechanically similar cylinder from fitting the existing machine.
Photographs that help identification
Provide clear photographs of:
- The complete cylinder
- All labels and markings
- The front and rear mounting
- The piston rod end
- The air ports
- Any sensors or sensor grooves
Safety before measuring
Isolate the machine from its energy sources, release stored air pressure and ensure the mechanism cannot move unexpectedly before inspecting or measuring a cylinder.
Send the details through Request a Quote where Cylinder Warehouse can review the available information.
