Pneumatic Actuator Materials Guide
Technical specifications and application considerations
Cylinder Materials
Aluminum Alloy (6061-T6, 3003)
- Lightweight (density ~2.7 g/cm³)
- Corrosion-resistant for general industrial use
- Anodized surface treatments achieve hardness up to 500 HV
Industry Example
Festo ADN series cylinders use anodized aluminum for 100,000+ cycle life
Stainless Steel (304, 316)
- High chemical resistance (food processing, marine)
- 316 grade adds molybdenum for chloride resistance
- Electropolished surfaces for hygienic applications
Industry Example
Parker P1H series with electropolished 316 surfaces
Piston Materials
Aluminum Alloy with PTFE Coating
- Lightweight for fast cycling (10 cycles/sec)
- PTFE coating (20μm thick) reduces friction by 40%
PTFE-Composite Materials
- Self-lubricating (filled with bronze/carbon fibers)
- Ultra-low friction coefficient (0.05)
Industry Example
Festo ADVUL-Q pistons for lubrication-free designs
Material Comparison
| Material | Max Pressure | Temp Range | Cost Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | 10 bar | -20°C to 150°C | 1x |
| Stainless Steel | 16 bar | -60°C to 200°C | 2.5x |
| PEEK Polymer | 8 bar | -50°C to 260°C | 4x |
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