FAQ

American Cylinder products are sold through two channels: our distributors who can provide the best pricing, and a more limited offering that can be purchased directly via our Ameristore.

Standard catalog items and those with Standard Options typically ship in 1 – 3 days after the order is received by our Customer Service Department.

Only the Low Profile LPC® and Tie-Rod Style cylinders are repairable. Contact the factory for available repair kits.

American Cylinder prides itself in being able to assist in providing special cylinders for your unique or challenging design requirements, regardless of quantity. Contact the American Cylinder Engineering Department to discuss your application needs.

Yes, American Cylinder can work with you in providing Value-Added Assemblies per your specified requirements. This service can be done with either customer supplied components, or we can source them for you.

As with most industrial products, life expectancy is a function of the application. Environmental cleanliness, operating temperature, side loading, cycle rate and proper sizing are some of the factors that affect cylinder life.

American Cylinder Co., Inc. warrants its products to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal wear and service for a period of three years from the date of shipment. American Cylinder Co., Inc. shall have no liability under this warranty if:

• The product is used other than in accordance with specifications
• The product is subjected to abuse, negligence, accident, misapplication, or unintended use
• The product is manufactured to buyer’s specifications

Manufacturers liability shall be limited to allowance of credit or replacement of defective product. American Cylinder Co., Inc. shall not be liable or responsible for injuries or damages to persons or property arising out of the use or operation of American Cylinder products.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSELY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, LIABILITY FOR LOST PROFIT OR FOR INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL LOSSES, AND OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES.

These conditions subject to change without notice.

A reed switch is a magnetic sensor used to detect the position of a piston within an air cylinder. It contains a metal contact that closes when the switch encounters a magnetic field from a magnet mounted on the piston. This sends an electrical signal to a PLC or control system to indicate the cylinder has reached the end of its stroke.

Yes! While many manufacturers limit standard strokes, we specialize in providing custom stroke lengths tailored to your application, including long-stroke requirements. You can contact our team to discuss your specific dimensions.

Bore size refers to the internal diameter of the cylinder. To choose the right size, you must calculate the amount of force required. Ensure your air system can provide the necessary PSI to achieve the required force based on the bore's surface area. The further your cylinder location is from your air source, the more pressure drop is likely to occur.

We offer a wide range of mounting styles to fit diverse mechanical setups, including clevis mounts, trunnion brackets, foot mounts, and flange mounts.

Tie-rod cylinders use high-strength threaded rods to hold the two end caps to the cylinder barrel. They are highly durable, easy to disassemble for maintenance, and are the industry standard for heavy-duty industrial applications requiring NFPA interchangeability.

A three-position cylinder consists of two cylinders joined together to provide three distinct rod positions (e.g., fully retracted, mid-stroke, and fully extended). Three-position cylinders are commonly used in sorting, labeling, or conveyor applications.

The choice depends on your environment. Stainless steel cylinders are ideal for wash-down environments, food processing, or corrosive conditions. Aluminum cylinders are often lighter and more cost-effective for standard industrial automation where corrosion is not a primary concern.

A single-acting cylinder uses air pressure to move in one direction and a built-in spring to return to its original position. A double-acting cylinder uses air pressure for both the extend and retract strokes, providing more control and consistent force in both directions.

Yes, most of our products are designed to be "drop-in" replacements for industry-standard pneumatic cylinders, including NFPA tie-rod designs and standard round-body cylinders. We can help you cross-reference to find the American Cylinder equivalent for other brands.

Small bore cylinders typically refer to cylinders with diameters ranging from 5/32" to 1/2". They are used in precision applications, medical devices, and electronics assembly where space is limited but reliable linear motion is required.

Low-profile cylinders are designed for applications with extreme space constraints. Our LPC series provides a high force-to-height ratio, making them ideal for clamping, punching, and ejecting in tight machinery footprints. They are interchangeable with many other low profile cylinders from other major brands.

Yes, we offer specialized cylinders with 303 and 304 stainless steel components, as well as specialized seals to handle high temperatures or exposure to chemicals and moisture.