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Cylinder Selection

Track Cable Cylinder Selection Procedure
1.  Compile Application Requirements
To determine the appropriate Track Cable Cylinder model for an application, compile the following information:
  • Available pressure (PSI)
  • Weight of load (lbs. or kgs.)
  • Orientation of load (lbs. or kgs.)
  • Velocity of load (in./sec. or mm/sec.)
  • Stroke length (in. or mm)
2.  Select Cylinder Size
  • Consult the Theoretical Force vs. Pressure charts
  • Cross reference the load force (or load weight if force is not known) and the available operating pressure. If the inersection falls below the diagonal line, and if moment do not exceed maximum values listed for that model, the actuator will accomadate the application. If the intersection is above the diagonal line, a larger cylinder bore size should be considered.
NOTE: Additional force may be required to obtain the necessary acceleration for vertical or horizontal loads.
3.  Keep under maximum stroke length.
There are specific maximum stroke lengths for each model. Refer to the model pages for these figures.
4.  Determine nature of load and the effects of bending moments.
If the actuator will guide and aupport a load located directly over the center of carrier, bending moments will not be a factor in the actuator selection. Track Cable Cylinders perform best that way. See the bending Moments Formula below if your application requires the load to be away from the center of the carrier.
TC Bending Moments Formula
5.  Determine the bearing rod load capacity.
Determine whether the Load Weight and Stroke Length will be within the load capacity for the bearing rods.
Cross reference the load weight and stroke on the Load Weight vs. Stroke chart for the selected bore size(located on the Performance Data page under each Model menu). If the intersection falls within the curve, the cylinder will accommodate the application requirements. If the intersection falls outside the curve, consult the chart of a larger bore size that will accommodate the required load weight and stroke of your application.
The weight on the bearing rods causes them to bend or deflect slightly over their length. This deflection is increased for longer rods and/or higher weights on the bearing block. For proper operation, rod deflection must not exceed .30 of an inch.
6.  Determine Internal Cushion Capacity
  • Consult the Cushion Data chart for the model selected. The velocities listed on the cushion charts are final or cushion impact velocities.(Refer to the Application Guidelines included on this menu)

NOTE: The 1/2-inch and 5-inch cable cylinders do not have internal cushions.

The 1/2-inch cable cylinder can handle only very light inertial loads (5 pounds or less). Heavier loads require external stops or shock absorbers.