Tolomatic Pneumatic Actuator FAQs
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Q: How susceptible is Absolute Position Feedback (APF) option to outside magnetic interference from nearby machinery/motors, etc.?
A:We have tested APF equipped units with magnets on the carrier with no adverse effects.
Q: What is the maximum stroke length of the BC2 Actuators?
A:Most are available in 20 to 25 foot strokes. However, some of the larger bore sizes have maximum lengths of 15 to 20 feet.
Q: Can you position a Band Cylinder upside down?
A:Yes, you can position Band Cylinders, Mag Slides and Track Cable Cylinders upside down as long as the maximum load and or moment loads are not exceeded. BC2, BC3, BC4, LS, MGS, TC
Q: Which band cylinder has the largest load capacity?
A:The BC3 series actuators have the greatest load capacity. For example, the BC320 can support 2008 pounds. Refer to the Bending Moment chart in the Fluid Power catalog. BC2, BC3, BC4, LS
Q: What's the lead time for your products?
A:All standard cataloged assemblies: built-to-order and shipped in 5 days or less(48-hour rush service is also available) RCS Rod Cylinder Slides: Available off-the-shelf. Orders recieved before 12:00pm CST, ship the following business day. Ready-to-ship Parts: Same day shipment on ordewrs received before 12:00pm CST, next day Built-to-oder parts: 24 hours service. All standard products
Q: Can I use a Band Cylinder in a dusty environment?
A:Yes. Our patented band retention system creates a tight metal to metal seal with the internal diameter of the cylinder bore. An outer Dust Band keeps dust and grit away from the sealing band. Keep in mind, however, that no Band Cylinder system can be completely sealed from environmental contamination. If the environment is suspected of being extremely harsh. Contact Tol-O-Matic tech support, toll free at #(800)328-2174, for suggestions. BC2, BC3, BC4
Q: What is the maximum ambient temperature that your actuators can withstand?
A:Approximately 150 degrees. Special seals can be obtained for some of our actuators for use in temperature applications. Please consult with the factory. All Actuators
Q: What is the cycle life of a band cylinder before they need seal replacement?
A:Under normal operating conditions you can expect 12 to 15 million linear feet before you have to replace the seals. BC2, BC3, BC4
Q: Is it easy to repair our BC210 actuator?
A:Yes. The BC2 is totally field repairable. A "How To" video tape is available through your regional Sales Manager. BC2
Q: Can I order a Band Cylinder made from a corrosion resistant material?
A:Yes. We can produce cylinders with stainless steel components as well as plate the cylinders with corrosion resistant materials for use in wet environments. BC2, BC3, BC4, LS
Q: Can a BC2 be used as a direct replacement for a BC1?
A:Yes, dimensionally it fits in the same envelope. The repair parts, however, are not Interchangeable. BC2
Q: Can any of your band Cylinders be used as a direct replacement for your competitions?
A:While the bore sizes and lengths may be similar, the overall envelope differs from manufacturer to manufacturer so typically our cylinders are not “bolt in replacements.” Some mounting will likely need to change. BC2, BC3, BC4, LS
Q: Switches don't work….what should I look for?
A:Magnetic interference in the environment can cause a switch to activate inconsistently. Over tightening of a reed switch hardware can also damage the internals of the switch. All Products, except Vane rotary and power transmission.
Q: Why do Magnetically Coupled Cylinders run hot when cycled a high speeds?
A:In high cycling applications the friction between the piston and the carrier, from the magnetic force, as well as, seal friction, naturally creates heat. MG all
Q: Which bearings on the RCS; precision ball bearings or composite bearings support the most loads and have the longest life?
A:In most applications, precision ball bearings. However, in applications where impact loads occur, or where environmental contamination is likely, a composite bearing would be a better choice. RCS
Q: Can I get s collars on a PB2 Power Block?
A:Stop collars are not a standard option. However, we can make a special modification to the slide to add them. We urge you to contact your Technical
Representative for design assistance. PB2Q: What is the difference between the (old) 100-150 and the (new) cc15 cable assemblies?
A:We changed the Gland seal from a multi piece assembly to a one piece assembly. Other than that the cylinders are interchangeable. CC, SA
Q: What's the maximum stroke of a cable cylinder?
A:The longest stroke we have ever made, is 60 feet. We consider this our longest stroke. Keep in mind, anything with a stroke longer than 280 inches will need a tube coupler. The tube coupler adds to the price and lead time. Consult your local distributor for more information. CC, SA & DP
Q: Can you order a cable cylinder made completely of stainless steel?
A:No. It is cost prohibitive. Your best option would be to plate the cylinder with a corrosion resistant material. We are also able to replace fasteners with SS and plate many of the external components. CC, SA, DP and TC
Q: Can you order extra cables for cable cylinders?
A:Yes, the nylon jacketed aircraft cables can be ordered in any length. Refer to your catalog Ordering section for instruction. CC, SA & DP
Q: What's the maximum stroke length of the BC2 actuators?
A:Most are available in 20 to 25 foot stroke. However, some of the larger bore sizes have maximum lengths of 15 to 20 feet.
Q: Can you position a Band Cylinder upside down?
A:Yes, as long as the maximum load and or moment loads are not exceeded.
Q: What's the lead time on a BC210 with a 12 foot stroke?
A:All our cylinders are delivered in 5 days or less.
Q: Can I use a BC2 in a dusty environment?
A:Yes. Our patented band retention system creates a tight metal to metal seal with the internal diameter of the cylinder bore. An outer Dust Band keeps dust and grit away from the sealing band. Keep in mind, however, that no Band Cylinder system can be completely sealed from environmental contamination.
Q: Can your cylinders be used in a clean room application?
A:Yes, with some modifications several of our cylinders can be used in clean room applications. We do not, however, offer a clean room cylinder with a Class rating.
Q: Can I order a Band Cylinder made from a corrosion resistant material?
A:Yes. We can produce cylinders with stainless steel components as well as plate the cylinders with corrosion resistant materials for use in wet environments.
Q: Is it easy to repair our BC210 actuator?
A:Yes. The BC2 is totally field repairable. A "How To" video tape is available through your regional Sales Manager.
Q: What is the cycle life of a BC3 before they need seal replacement?
A:Under normal operating conditions you can expect 12 to 15 million linear feet before you have to replace the seals.
Q: Can any of your Band Cylinders be used as a direct replacement for your competitions?
A:While the bore sizes and lengths may be similar, the overall envelope differs from manufacturer to manufacturer so typically our cylinders are not interchangeable with our competitions.
Q: Can a BC2 be used as a direct replacement for a BC1?
A:Yes, dimensionally it fits in the same envelope. The repair parts, however, are not Interchangeable.
Q: Which bearings on a rod cylinder slide; sintered bronze bearings, composite bearings or precision ball bearings support the most loads and have the longest life?
A:In most applications, precision ball bearings. However, in applications where impact loads occur, or where environmental contamination is likely, a composite bearing would be a better choice.
Q: Why do Magnetically Coupled Cylinders run hot when cycled a high speeds?
A:In high cycling applications the friction between the piston and the carrier, as well as, seal friction, naturally creates heat.
Q: Switches don't work….what should I look for?
A: Magnetic interference in the environment can cause a switch to activate inconsistently. Over tightening of the switch hardware can also damage the internals of the switch.
Q: Can I get stop collars on a PB2 Power Block?
A: Stop collars are not a standard option. However, we can make a special modification to the slide to add them. We urge you contact your Technical Representative for design assistance.
Q: What is the difference between the (old) 100-150 and the (new) cc15 cable assemblies?
A: We changed the Gland seal from a multi piece assembly to a one piece assembly. Other than that the cylinders are interchangeable.
Q: What's the maximum stroke of a cable cylinder without a coupling?
A: 23.5 feet
Q: Can you order a cable cylinder made completely of stainless steel?
A: No. It is cost prohibitive. Your best option would be to plate the cylinder with a corrosion resistant material.
Q: Can you order extra cables for cable cylinders?
A: Yes, the nylon jacketed aircraft cables can be ordered in any length. Refer to your catalog Ordering section for instruction.
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