A pneumatic (air) cylinder produces linear force and motion. Two numbers define what it does — bore and stroke — and a few more decide whether a replacement bolts straight in.
Bore and stroke
- Bore: the piston diameter — it sets the force. Force ≈ air pressure × piston area, so a bigger bore pushes harder at the same pressure.
- Stroke: how far the rod travels.
- Single-acting (air one way, spring return) or double-acting (air both ways).
Standards make cylinders interchangeable
Many cylinders are built to ISO standards, so brands interchange when the standard, bore and stroke match:
- ISO 15552 (profile / tie-rod) — the common industrial size.
- ISO 6432 (round-body / mini) for small bores.
- Plus compact, guided, and rodless styles.
Mounting and connections
- Mounting: foot, front/rear flange, clevis, trunnion, or pivot.
- Rod-end thread (male/female) and port size (e.g. G1/8, 1/4 NPT).
- Cushioning (adjustable air cushions) and any sensor slots for reed/Hall switches.
We'll match it
Cylinders from Festo, SMC, Parker, Bosch Rexroth and Camozzi cross-reference when the standard, bore, stroke and mounting match. Send us the part number or those dimensions and we'll quote a replacement.