In existing pneumatic applications, how can a larger force be obtained to overcome increased friction?

To obtain a larger force in pneumatic applications, increasing the cylinder size is an effective approach. The force exerted by a pneumatic cylinder is directly related to its cross-sectional area and the working pressure of the air supplied. This relationship is captured by the equation:

[ \text{Force} = \text{Pressure} \times \text{Area} ]

By increasing the diameter of the cylinder, you effectively increase the cross-sectional area through which the pressure acts. Consequently, even at the same working pressure, a larger cylinder can generate more force because the area has increased.

This approach is often necessary when dealing with increased friction in the system, such as through bearings or seals, requiring additional force to achieve the desired motion.

While working pressure can also influence the force, it is limited by the system design and the materials used. Increasing tubing or line diameter affects flow rates and pressure drops but does not directly enhance the force produced at the cylinder. Actuator stroke length determines how far the actuator can move but does not influence the force it can generate during that movement. Therefore, adjusting the cylinder size is a more straightforward and effective method to achieve a higher output force to overcome increased friction in pneumatic applications.