Pneumatic Cylinder Replacement Guide

Replacing a pneumatic cylinder is straightforward when the complete manufacturer part number is available. When the identification label is damaged, missing or obsolete, a more detailed comparison is required.

The replacement must fit the machine mechanically, provide the required movement and force, and operate correctly within the existing pneumatic system.

Start with the original part number

Record the complete manufacturer reference exactly as shown. Letters, numbers and suffixes can identify important differences including:

• Bore and stroke
• Single acting or double acting operation
• Cushioning configuration
• Piston rod material
• Seal type
• Magnetic piston option
• Port thread
• Special temperature or environmental versions

Search the number through the complete pneumatic cylinder catalogue or submit it through Request a Quote.

Confirm the cylinder type

Identify whether the existing actuator is an ISO 15552 cylinder, ISO 6432 roundline cylinder, ISO 21287 compact cylinder, guided cylinder, rodless cylinder or another manufacturer-specific design.

A cylinder with a similar appearance may use a completely different mounting pattern or body length.

Check the bore and stroke

The bore determines the piston area and has a major influence on the available force. The stroke determines how far the piston rod travels.

Browse the catalogue by bore size or stroke length. For measurement guidance, see how to measure pneumatic cylinder bore and stroke.

Compare the installation dimensions

Record the dimensions that control whether the replacement will physically fit:

• Retracted length
• Extended length
• Front and rear mounting dimensions
• Mounting hole centres
• Body width or outside diameter
• Piston rod diameter
• Piston rod thread
• Clearance around ports and cushioning screws

Even cylinders manufactured to the same ISO standard can differ in non-standardised features. See ISO 15552 vs ISO 6432 vs ISO 21287.

Check the mounting arrangement

The replacement must connect correctly to both the machine frame and the moving component. Common mounting arrangements include feet, flanges, clevises, trunnions and threaded nose mounts.

Read the pneumatic cylinder mounting guide for further information.

Confirm the air connections

Check the port size, thread type and location. A replacement cylinder may require different fittings or pipe routing when the ports are positioned differently.

Also confirm that the control valve, tubing and flow controls are suitable for the cylinder size and required operating speed.

Check cushioning and sensors

Higher-speed or higher-load applications may rely on adjustable pneumatic cushioning to control the piston at the end of its stroke.

Where sensors are fitted, confirm:

• Whether the cylinder has a magnetic piston
• The sensor groove type
• The electrical connection
• The switching type
• The machine supply voltage

See pneumatic cylinder cushioning explained.

Replacing an obsolete cylinder

When the original product is no longer manufactured, Cylinder Warehouse can review cylinders from other established pneumatic brands.

A proposed alternative may be dimensionally interchangeable, require a different mounting accessory or need a small machine modification. Any known differences will be identified before the alternative is supplied.

Read the pneumatic cylinder equivalents and alternatives guide.

Information to send with an enquiry

• Complete manufacturer part number
• Photographs of the cylinder and label
• Bore and stroke
• Mounting details
• Port size
• Piston rod thread
• Application or machine type
• Required quantity
• Required delivery date

Submit a pneumatic cylinder replacement enquiry.