A plate cylinder, with a one-way lock, is approximately 30% taller than standard devices of the same output, but narrower and the total piston area is unchanged.

A plate cylinder, with a one-way lock, is now available as series MLU from SMC Pneumatics. The MLU is half the width of existing cylinders, but provides similar levels of performance. The slim profile has been achieved by modifying the shape of the conventional circular piston, to form a slim rectangle, with curved ends (elliptical).

The piston configuration is approximately 30% taller than standard devices of the same output, but narrower.

Therefore, the total piston area is unchanged, with the piston rod remaining circular.

Originally developed for machine tool manufacturers, the MLU has many applications ranging from heavy-duty automotive through to light industries, this cylinder has a compact and built-in one-way simple lock mechanism, for drop prevention, and home position holding function.

In fact, it can be locked at any desired position.

A manual override mechanism allows unlocking with a commercial hexagon socket head cap screw, and the unlocked state can be maintained using an unlocking screw.

When the air pressure is exhausted from the unlocking port, the spring force tilts the lock ring using the pivot as a fulcrum.

When there is a load that acts on the cylinder, the tilting angle increases, locking the piston rod.

When air pressure is supplied to the unlocking port, the lock ring becomes perpendicular to the piston rod, thereby creating clearance, which then allows the piston rod to move freely.

Various brackets are available to accommodate a wide range of applications, such as foot, flange, knuckle joint, and clevis, with the unit offering universal mountings, meaning that it is possible to mount directly on all sides, except the port side.

Bore sizes range from 25mm to 50mm.

A full range of actuators with similar locking mechanisms is also available from the extensive SMC range.