01
Nominal stroke versus usable machine travel
The machine may need less usable travel than the cylinder's nominal stroke because fixtures, rod-end joints, stops, cushions, or safety clearances occupy part of the motion. Conversely, selecting a stroke equal to the drawing travel with no tolerance can cause hard contact before the cylinder reaches a controlled end position.
02
What changes when stroke becomes longer
Longer stroke adds swept volume and air consumption, lengthens the installed envelope, and may increase cycle time. On rod cylinders it also increases exposed rod length, so buckling, deflection, side load, and guide alignment require closer review.
- Check the extended rod for compression buckling.
- Use external guidance when the load creates side moment.
- Confirm tube and valve flow for the desired travel time.
03
End-of-stroke control
Cylinder cushions reduce piston speed near an end cap, but they have finite energy capacity and adjustment range. High-speed or heavy loads can require external shock absorbers or machine stops. The actuator should not be used as the sole structural stop unless the manufacturer explicitly allows the application.
Selection checklist
What to verify before selection
- 01
Required usable motion
- 02
Retracted and extended overall dimensions
- 03
Rod-end and mounting stack-up
- 04
Buckling and side-load limits
- 05
Cushion or external-stop energy
- 06
Cycle time and air volume
Application caution
Common mistakes
- Treating nominal stroke as installed length
- Ignoring rod buckling on long push strokes
- Using the internal cushion as an unlimited machine stop
FAQ