Pneumatics?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
Likes: 13
From: New Jersey
Pneumatics?
I apologize for this highly off-topic intrusion, but I figured since I'm running out of ideas and there is a plethora of machinists here, why not 
I need to make a bunch of double acting air cylinders. I made one out of a steel pipe, with an aluminum piston with a greased o-ring, and the results were interesting.
Pressurizing one side, forces the piston away of course, pushing the steel rod out of the pipe and end cap. Minimal leaking, this is pleasing.
Pressurizing it the other way, to retract, well, it leaks like a spagetti strainer! The leaking is occuring where the rod, attached to the piston, exists the end cap.
Anyone have any idea, suggestions, or even know where I could find a diagram to make a better end? I have to support the rod as well as seal it.
I could buy one of these of course, however I need 24 of them, so I thought it might be less costly and fun to make. Wanted to remove the dust off my lathe
I need to make a bunch of double acting air cylinders. I made one out of a steel pipe, with an aluminum piston with a greased o-ring, and the results were interesting.
Pressurizing one side, forces the piston away of course, pushing the steel rod out of the pipe and end cap. Minimal leaking, this is pleasing.
Pressurizing it the other way, to retract, well, it leaks like a spagetti strainer! The leaking is occuring where the rod, attached to the piston, exists the end cap.
Anyone have any idea, suggestions, or even know where I could find a diagram to make a better end? I have to support the rod as well as seal it.
I could buy one of these of course, however I need 24 of them, so I thought it might be less costly and fun to make. Wanted to remove the dust off my lathe
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,988
Likes: 14
From: Travelers Rest SC
You need a similar seal where the rod goes through the end cap. Since the rod moves, you will have to cut a groove inside the bore of the cap, and install an o-ring. The rod will have to be very smooth, of course. The cap will have to be thick enough where the rod passes through to cut an o-ring groove.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
Likes: 13
From: New Jersey
Thank you guys for the tips. Not sure why I didn't visit McMaster's website before, but they have an excellent selection of many different types of seals.
The rod will be stainless and polished smooth of course, even though I used mild steel for the mockup. The valves I have are specific for double action cylinders, so they can filled at one end, and vented at the other, either to a tank or to open air, determined simply by the plumbing.
Thanks again guys!
The rod will be stainless and polished smooth of course, even though I used mild steel for the mockup. The valves I have are specific for double action cylinders, so they can filled at one end, and vented at the other, either to a tank or to open air, determined simply by the plumbing.
Thanks again guys!
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suggest you cut 2 grooves to accept 2 separate lip seals...install them facing opposite directions to seal in both directions...use spring reinforced lip seals if you are going to apply high pressure......for even higher pressures, double the above.....