Unitop compact cylinder

Single-acting

Single-acting compact cylinders of the NXE series (Unitop) extend under compressed air and return via an integrated spring, requiring only one air connection per cylinder. The series covers bore diameters from 12 to 100 mm with strokes starting at 5 mm. Like the NXD variant, the NXE shares the same square housing and is fully compatible with Unitop mountings NXA, NXB, NXC and NXG. Repair kits (REP) and -AG variants with external thread on the piston rod are available.

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Buying guide

How to choose Single-acting

What matters when choosing: properties, comparison and typical applications.

Technical features NXE

✓ Single-acting, spring return - one air connection; defined rest position on pressure loss

↕ Bores 12-100 mm, strokes from 5 mm - Airtec NXE 12/5 to NXE 100/25-AG in standard range

⚙ Square housing - identical to NXD; NXA/NXB/NXC/NXG mountings fit without modification

⚡ -AG variants - external thread on piston rod for direct clevis attachment

✦ Fail-safe behaviour - spring returns cylinder to rest position on pressure loss

NXE vs. NXD - selection guide

Criterion	NXE (single-acting)	NXD (double-acting)
Air connections	1	2
Return force	Spring-based (constant)	Pneumatic (adjustable)
Safe position	Spring retracted on pressure loss	Depends on control valve
Max. stroke	Limited by spring length	Up to 250 mm
Plumbing effort	Lower	Higher

Typical applications

Typical applications: Single-acting NXE cylinders suit clamping and locking functions requiring a spring-held rest position, ejector movements in injection moulding and stamping, one-directional slides in conveying equipment, and safety latches that must remain closed in the de-pressurised state.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about Single-acting

What are single-acting compact cylinders and what industrial applications use them?

Single-acting compact cylinders are pneumatic actuators that generate force in only one direction using compressed air pressure, with spring return for the opposite stroke. These cylinders excel in applications requiring unidirectional force such as clamping operations, ejector mechanisms, and positioning tasks in manufacturing automation. Industries including automotive assembly, packaging machinery, and material handling systems rely on single-acting cylinders for their space-efficient design and reliable operation in confined installation environments.

What are the key technical selection criteria for single-acting compact cylinders?

Selection of single-acting compact cylinders depends primarily on bore diameter, stroke length, and operating pressure requirements to match application force demands. The Airtec NXEE and NXE series offer 100mm bore diameters with stroke lengths ranging from 10mm to 25mm, accommodating diverse positioning requirements. Operating pressure typically ranges from 2 to 10 bar, with force output calculated using bore area and system pressure. Port connection size, mounting configuration, and available installation space determine the optimal cylinder variant for specific machinery integration.

Which standards and certifications apply to single-acting compact cylinders?

Single-acting compact cylinders must comply with ISO 15552 for interchangeability and dimensional standards, ensuring consistent mounting interfaces across manufacturers. The cylinders conform to ISO 21287 for cylinder performance requirements and ISO 4414 for pneumatic system safety standards. European machinery applications require compliance with EN ISO 13849 for safety-related control systems and the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Additional certifications may include ATEX approval for explosive atmosphere applications and specific industry standards depending on the installation environment.

What are the differences between NXEE and NXE single-acting cylinder variants?

The primary distinction between Airtec NXEE and NXE single-acting cylinder series lies in their construction design and performance characteristics, with NXEE models featuring enhanced sealing technology for improved durability. Both series offer identical 100mm bore diameter with stroke options from 10mm to 25mm, but differ in their internal spring configuration and rod guidance systems. The AG suffix variants incorporate advanced rod guidance for applications requiring precise linear motion and reduced side loading. Selection between NXEE and NXE depends on cycle frequency, load requirements, and environmental operating conditions.

What installation requirements and connection types do single-acting compact cylinders need?

Single-acting compact cylinders require G1/8 or M5 threaded port connections for compressed air supply, with typical installation using standard ISO mounting brackets or threaded mounting holes. The cylinders need adequate clearance for full stroke extension and proper alignment to prevent side loading on the piston rod. System compatibility requires clean, dry compressed air with appropriate filtration and pressure regulation between 2-10 bar. Installation must include exhaust flow control to manage return stroke speed and prevent impact damage during cycling operations.

What safety ratings and operating conditions apply to single-acting compact cylinders?

Single-acting compact cylinders typically operate within temperature ranges of -5°C to +80°C with standard NBR sealing, extending to +150°C with high-temperature seal materials. Operating pressure ranges from 2 to 10 bar maximum working pressure, with proof pressure testing at 15 bar according to ISO standards. Standard models achieve IP54 protection rating against dust and water ingress, suitable for most industrial environments. Safety considerations include proper exhaust port sizing to prevent pressure buildup and fail-safe design where spring return provides predictable cylinder retraction upon air pressure loss.

What maintenance schedule and service life can be expected from single-acting compact cylinders?

Single-acting compact cylinders typically achieve 10-20 million operating cycles under normal conditions with proper air preparation and regular maintenance intervals. Preventive maintenance includes monthly inspection of air supply quality, seal condition assessment, and lubrication system functionality checks. Seal replacement intervals depend on operating frequency and environmental conditions, typically ranging from 2-5 years for standard applications. Critical wear components include piston seals, rod seals, and return springs, with replacement recommended when stroke time increases significantly or internal leakage exceeds manufacturer specifications of typically 1-2 cm³/min at 6 bar.