Feature

Rod locks prevent movement of vertically mounted pneumatic cylinders

Variation or loss of air pressure can lead to unwanted movement of vertically mounted pneumatic cylinders under load. Piston rod locks prevent rod travel, potential accidents and subsequent damage and loss.

20/07/2014 11:14:11

The well established cylinder locking devices type FEL supplied by FS Engineering consist of two components: cylinder adapter bracket and an inserted rod lock cartridge.

The obvious advantages over single component units are the possibility of quick, easy and cost effective replacement of worn or damaged cartridges and the use of individual cartridges for custom designed rod lock applications.

The compact variant, type FEDK is technically identical to the FEL models, but their cartridges are much shorter hence enable design engineers to fit them into tight space where the longer FEL cartridge might be unsuitable.

Because the cartridges are shorter in length but wider in diameter they are not interchangeable with the FEL series.

Like their FEL siblings, FEDK cartridges are also made of spring loaded high quality brass wedge clamps which provide fast, reliable and secure clamping in any position and without marking the rods.

The patented wedge and piston assembly sits in an enclosed red anodised aluminium barrel - a simple, well proven system that provides a highly effective, easy to install low cost method for stopping unhelpful linear rod motion on standard or special purpose applications.

FEDK locking sets comprising cartridge and adapter are available for ISO 6431/6432 cylinders from 12 to 125 mm bore (FEL 12 to 200mm) with retaining forces from 180 to 8,700N (FEL 200 to 12,000N). Individual cartridges are supplied for rod diameters from 6 to 32mm (FEL 6 to 40 mm).

Pneumatic cylinders to be equiped with rod locks require an extended piston rod.
The devices are maintenance free, work with filtered, lubricated or dry compressed air with operating pressures from 4 to 10 bar in ambient temperatures from -20ºC to +80ºC.

The FEDK version provides passive locking, meaning they need air to release the rod and will clamp again when the air pressure falls below 4bar.

Active locking requiring air to clamp the rod are available with the FEL version as well as the optional provision of lock on or off sensing.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.