Pneumatic Cylinders for the Packaging Industry

Automation is at the heart of modern packaging lines — and pneumatic cylinders play a vital role in powering this movement. From forming boxes and applying labels to sealing, sorting, and stacking, cylinders deliver the consistent motion needed to keep packaging systems running smoothly, efficiently, and without interruption.Pneumatic cylinders are used across all stages of packaging and labelling. They drive mechanical movements such as pushing, clamping, sealing, lifting, and pressing — often in high-speed environments that require precise timing and positioning. Their fast actuation, low maintenance, and compact form make them ideal for everything from standalone labelling arms to integrated packaging machinery on full production lines.

ISO 15552 Profile Cylinders

These are the go-to cylinders for high-duty packaging operations. ISO 15552 profile cylinders are built to handle repetitive, high-force tasks like pushing, pressing, or actuating forming plates on carton erectors and palletising systems. Their extruded aluminium profile makes it easy to attach sensors and mounting accessories, helping integrate them seamlessly into automated lines. Available in a wide range of bore sizes and stroke lengths, they’re perfect for handling everything from lightweight packaging to heavy product loads.

Why:
Robust and modular, these cylinders are perfect for high-cycle applications. Their adaptability, long service life, and ability to integrate with sensors make them ideal for packaging environments that demand consistent, high-speed motion.

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Compact Pneumatic Cylinders

Compact cylinders are designed for areas where space is limited but performance can't be compromised. These cylinders pack powerful actuation into a short body, which makes them ideal for tray sealers, flap folders, or secondary packaging machines with tight layouts. Their clean, streamlined design helps keep machine footprints small while still delivering reliable, responsive movement.

Why:
They’re the perfect match for modern packaging equipment that prioritises efficiency and space-saving design. Compact cylinders ensure smooth and fast operation, even in confined spaces, without sacrificing output or durability.

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Rodless Pneumatic Cylinders

Rodless cylinders are engineered for long-stroke linear motion without extending beyond the cylinder body, making them perfect for moving items across packaging lines or sliding cartons between stations. They work well in systems that need to transfer product laterally, apply film, or shift material with minimal disruption. Their internal piston moves along a guided carriage, offering controlled movement with minimal footprint.

Why:
Their space-saving design is invaluable in packaging layouts where footprint matters. Rodless cylinders can achieve long strokes efficiently, keeping the machine compact while maintaining fast and controlled motion across extended distances.

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Guided Pneumatic Cylinders

Guided cylinders are designed for stability and precision. The dual-rod or slide mechanism ensures that the movement is smooth, accurate, and free from rotation — making them ideal for applications like label pressing, carton pushing, or placing products into trays. They can handle side loads and maintain perfect alignment, even in repetitive, high-speed conditions.

Why:
When accurate placement is non-negotiable, guided cylinders deliver. They’re ideal for packaging lines that require exact product positioning, reducing errors and ensuring every action — from label application to product sorting — is consistent and repeatable.

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Cylinders for Packaging

Pneumatic cylinders are a key driving force behind modern packaging automation. From high-speed labelling and sealing systems to box forming, product sorting, and material transfer, they deliver reliable linear motion that keeps production lines running smoothly and efficiently.

Designed for performance in repetitive, high-cycle operations, pneumatic cylinders offer fast actuation, low maintenance, and adaptability to a wide range of machine configurations. Their compact design makes them ideal for tight spaces, while their durability ensures long service life even in demanding environments.

Whether you're working with lightweight product positioning or heavy-duty carton erecting systems, pneumatic cylinders provide the strength, precision, and consistency required in today’s fast-paced packaging facilities. Combined with their ability to integrate seamlessly into automated control systems, they offer a cost-effective solution for increasing productivity and reducing downtime.

FAQ'S

1. What makes pneumatic cylinders suitable for high-speed packaging lines?

Answer:
Pneumatic cylinders are fast, reliable, and capable of high-cycle operations without overheating or wearing down quickly. Their rapid actuation makes them ideal for fast-paced packaging tasks such as sealing, cutting, pushing, and labelling — all of which require precise, repeatable motion to keep production moving efficiently.

2. Can pneumatic cylinders be used in both primary and secondary packaging processes?

Answer:
Yes. In primary packaging, cylinders are used for tasks like tray sealing, film application, and container handling. In secondary packaging, they’re involved in box forming, palletising, pushing grouped products, and applying labels. Their versatility and adaptability make them effective in all stages of the packaging process.

3. Are compact cylinders strong enough for packaging applications?

Answer:
Absolutely. Compact cylinders are engineered to deliver high force in a short-stroke format, making them perfect for tight spaces often found in packaging equipment. Despite their small size, they offer excellent performance and are commonly used in sealing, pushing, and clamping operations where machine space is limited.

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Packaging & Labelling Pneumatic Cylinders