AIR Springs Supply says the Firestone air spring actuators known as Airstrokes are now recognised as very effective actuators.
The Airstrokes are rubber and fabric air bags which act as flexible-wall, bellows-type air cylinders which are inflated and deflated rapidly. They are suited for engineering assemblies for high-repetition tasks.
Airstrokes air cylinders have been used for conveyor line actuation, for conveyor stops and gravity gates, pallet handling, web tensioning, metal stamping, compressor equipment, and high frequency stress testing of materials.
Australian industrial plants also use them as ram cylinders, die cushions, counterbalances, clamps, lifters, valve operators, flexible connectors, shock absorbers and isolators.
According to Air Springs Supply, Airstrokes have capabilities and limitations that set them apart from traditional metal-wall cylinders. Unlike traditional cylinders which contain a piston sliding within a housing, the Airstroke cylinders do not require guides and seals to contain and channel its column of fluid.
Air springs are said to be cheaper to use, allow for more compact installation, easier to attach, provide more constant force, are more durable and suited for aggressive environments.
However, air springs are single acting, and an outside force must be exerted to retract them. They should also be kept away from petroleum-based fluids and chemicals that attack the rubber materials.