Glossary · Pneumatics and hydraulics
Rodless cylinder
Also known as: Rodless pneumatic cylinder, Band cylinder
German: Kolbenstangenloser Zylinder
In pneumatics, a rodless cylinder is a linear actuator without a piston rod, in which the piston's motion is transmitted to an external carriage by a slotted barrel with sealing band or by magnetic coupling, so the stroke fits within the cylinder's length.
- Fluid power
In one sentence
A rodless cylinder moves an external carriage without a piston rod, so long strokes fit into a compact overall length.
Example
A pick-and-place unit uses a rodless cylinder with a guided carriage for a 1.2 m transfer stroke.
How it applies
- Engineering: Rodless cylinders save installation space for long strokes and can carry loads on integrated guides. Magnetically coupled types can decouple under excessive load.
- Commissioning: Cushioning, shock absorbers and sensors are adjusted for the moving mass.
- Maintenance: Sealing bands and guides are wear parts.
- Documentation: Describe the full travel range of the carriage and crushing points at both ends. Where magnetic coupling can decouple, explain the recovery procedure.
Rodless vs. rod cylinder
A rod cylinder needs about twice its stroke in overall length. A rodless cylinder needs about the stroke plus the carriage length, and it moves the load along the cylinder body.
In spare-parts lists, give the complete type code, since stroke length and carriage variant are usually part of it.