Pneumatic Cylinders in the Logistics

Logistics operations rely heavily on speed, precision, and consistency — and pneumatic cylinders play a key role in achieving all three. From automated warehousing systems to sorting conveyors and robotic palletising equipment, these cylinders provide the controlled motion needed to handle high volumes of goods efficiently.In environments where items must be lifted, pushed, sorted, or diverted, pneumatic cylinders are a trusted solution due to their quick response times, low maintenance needs, and strong force output. They’re commonly used in conveyor diverters, package lifts, gates, pushers, grippers, and end-of-line palletising arms — all of which must perform flawlessly, often 24/7.

ISO 15552 Profile Cylinders

ISO 15552 profile cylinders are the backbone of many heavy-duty logistics and warehouse automation systems. Their rugged build and large bore size options make them ideal for moving heavy loads such as pallets, totes, or stacked goods. These cylinders are often used in end-of-line packaging equipment, palletising systems, and high-force lifting units that operate around the clock. The extruded profile allows easy mounting of magnetic sensors and brackets for feedback and control — essential in today’s smart distribution centres.

Why:
They’re reliable, adaptable, and strong — everything you need in a high-cycle, demanding logistics setting. ISO 15552 cylinders deliver high performance, support various mounting styles, and easily integrate with automation systems for precision handling.

Find Out More

Rodless Pneumatic Cylinders

Rodless cylinders are ideal when you need long stroke capabilities without taking up valuable machine space. In logistics operations, they’re commonly used to move packages or crates across conveyor lanes, between workstations, or onto platforms. Their internal piston pushes a carriage along the cylinder body, offering smooth, consistent motion while keeping the overall footprint compact. This is especially valuable in compact warehouses or multi-lane sortation systems.

Why:
Rodless cylinders enable maximum movement in minimum space. Their compact yet long-reaching design makes them a practical solution for transferring goods efficiently without external interference from a protruding piston rod.

Find Out More

Compact Pneumatic Cylinders

Compact cylinders are built for tight spots in automated logistics environments. Their short body length allows for installation in confined spaces without compromising on power or functionality. These cylinders are often found in vertical lifts for bins and trays, small pushers, and other auxiliary systems in high-density warehousing setups. Despite their small size, they provide strong and consistent force — ideal for repetitive light-to-medium duty operations.

Why:
Perfect for space-saving installations in modular or mobile systems. Compact cylinders support fast actuation in smaller machines, helping logistics operations maintain speed and flexibility.

Find Out More

Guided Pneumatic Cylinders

Guided cylinders are designed for applications that demand extra stability and precision — making them ideal for tasks like aligning pallets, pushing products onto platforms, or handling oddly shaped packages. The twin-rod or guided slide design prevents rotation and side-play, ensuring smooth, accurate movement even under uneven or offset loads. These cylinders are typically found in sorting arms, product guides, and automated picking systems.

Why:
Guided cylinders offer dependable linear motion with precise control, which is critical when handling packages that must stay aligned or move in exact directions. They’re great for pushing, stopping, or positioning in high-speed logistics operations.

Find Out More

Pneumatic Cylinders in Logistics & Material Handling

In fast-paced logistics and material handling environments, the need for reliable, high-speed automation is critical — and pneumatic cylinders are at the core of many of these systems. From sorting and diverting packages to lifting and pushing heavy goods, cylinders deliver consistent, controlled motion that keeps distribution centres, warehouses, and fulfilment operations running smoothly.

Pneumatic cylinders are used in a wide range of tasks, including automated conveyor systems, sorting hubs, pick-and-place operations, and palletising equipment. Their ability to provide fast, repeatable movement makes them ideal for handling large volumes of goods with minimal downtime. Unlike hydraulic systems, pneumatic cylinders are cleaner and require less maintenance, making them a more practical choice for environments where cleanliness, efficiency, and uptime are key priorities.

In smart warehouse settings, cylinders can be integrated with sensors and PLCs to create highly responsive systems capable of real-time adjustments — improving both accuracy and speed. Whether it’s pushing parcels to different lanes, lifting totes onto conveyors, or guiding products into position, pneumatic cylinders are essential components in ensuring reliable material flow.

With a wide selection of options including ISO 15552 profile cylinders for heavy lifting, compact cylinders for tight spaces, rodless cylinders for long stroke movements, and guided cylinders for precision positioning, there’s a solution for every motion requirement in the logistics world.

FAQ'S

1. How are pneumatic cylinders used in logistics and material handling systems?

Answer:
Pneumatic cylinders are used to automate repetitive motion tasks such as lifting, pushing, sorting, diverting, and positioning goods on conveyors or in automated storage systems. They help move packages smoothly and efficiently through distribution centres, enabling faster throughput with minimal manual intervention.

2. What type of cylinder is best for long-stroke applications in compact spaces?

Answer:
Rodless cylinders are ideal for long-stroke applications where space is limited. Unlike traditional cylinders, they provide full linear movement without an extending rod, making them perfect for transferring goods across conveyors or between workstations in tightly packed logistics layouts.

3. Can pneumatic cylinders handle heavy-duty tasks like pallet lifting or case pushing?

Answer:
Yes. ISO 15552 profile cylinders are specifically designed for heavy-duty tasks in logistics environments. With large bore sizes and strong construction, they can deliver the force required for lifting pallets, pushing heavy cartons, or operating end-of-line equipment with high reliability and precision.

Request more information or Advice

Please feel free to request information and advice using the form below or call us on 0151 547 1221

Material Handling & Logistics Pneumatic Cylinders