Diaphragm actuators and air actuators
Pneumatic drives
Festo bellows cylinders of the EB series are rodless rolling-diaphragm actuators for pneumatic clamping tasks that require no mechanical guiding. The range covers bellows diameters from 80 to 385 mm with maximum strokes of 20 to 230 mm. Force is generated by radial bellows expansion under pressure, with no friction in the motion path.
Typical operating pressures are 0-6 bar. The friction-free operation is particularly well suited to clamping fixtures in jig-making and machine tools, where breakaway torques or lateral forces must be completely avoided. Diaphragm actuators for short strokes with very low actuation forces complement the range for process valve positioners.
Bellows cylinders are selected primarily by the clamping force required and the available operating pressure. The bellows diameter determines the achievable force (F = p x A). Stroke is limited by maximum bellows expansion; for longer strokes, standard cylinders with guides are preferred. Diaphragm actuators are used for very short strokes and high cycle life at low force, such as actuators for process valves.
Typical applications: Pneumatic clamping fixtures in machine tools and jig construction, clamping units in transfer systems, spring-returned brakes and clamps on linear axes, pressing applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries (no sliding seals), and actuation of process valves with short stroke.
