The Problem: Automobile assembly lines require controlled, tensile force to bend automotive door-frame profiles.
Its Solution: A new pneumatic tensile actuator provides the pulling force required for this application. The design is relatively simple. Rubber core tubing is enclosed in two layers of material whose fibers are aligned in different directions to produce a rhomboidal pattern. Metal end caps are bolted on to complete the unit. When compressed air fills the tubing, it expands radially and contracts axially-generating very high axial force compared to a conventional pneumatic cylinder.
For example, a tensile actuator with a 20-mm diameter develops as much force as a conventional cylinder with a 63-mm diameter at the same pressure. Both actuators develop a force of 1.5 kN at 6-bar, even though the cylinder has almost ten times the cross-sectional area and about eight times the weight. And the air consumption of the tensile actuator is correspondingly lower.
Related Applications: Any application which requires a pulling force. Can be used at extremely high cycle rates and/or to provide smooth, accurate, controlled positioning (via adjusting the pressure and therefore the length).
How Pneumatics Improved this Application:
This application was developed by Festo Corporation. To visit the Festo web site, click here.
