Actuators

Most engineers are familiar with the design of a traditional
pneumatic cylinder which contains a piston sliding
within a housing of circular cross section, connected to
the work by a rod passing through one end of the device.
This common design calls for guides and seals which
function to align and seal the sliding surfaces.

An airbag actuator uses none of these components to
contain and channel its supply of air or fluid.
The difference is the key to the airbags unique
functionality and the many benefits derived from its use.

Cost benefits. Airbags can be used instead of more
expensive hydraulic systems when applying large forces.
Sizes are available from fewer than 80mm to more than
nearly 1000mm (3in to 38in) in diameter. The larger sizes
allow force up to 40,000 kg each using only 7 bar
(100psi) air pressure. The capital cost of an airbag is
normally less than half that of a pneumatic cylinder with equivalent capabilities.

Airbags have long been used in the industrial market as
pneumatic actuators incorporated into new and innovative
machinery designs as well as to replace existing
pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders where poor service life
has been experienced. The advantages of a flexible
walled pneumatic actuator that is durable, operates well
in corrosive and abrasive industrial environments, easily
accepts misalignment, and has a high ratio of stroke to
collapse height. Each of these features give airbag actuators the advantage over traditional cylinders.

ADVANTAGES
Why use an airbag rather than air or hydraulic
cylinder for actuation?
Low cost
Durable for long life
No maintenance or lubrication required
No internal rod or piston
Friction free for immediate response
Flexible media
Angular capability
Side loading capability
Compact starting height
Wide size range
Improved productivity by less downtime