Pneumatic Cylinders for Packaging Machines
Packaging machines are cycle-rate machines: a carton erector, flow wrapper or case packer may fire the same cylinder sixty times a minute for years. Smooth end-of-stroke cushioning, reliable position sensing and low air consumption decide how well the machine runs.
Fenitsa supplies ISO 15552 and CETOP pneumatic cylinders to packaging machine builders, plus custom double-rod, tandem and adjustable-stroke designs.

Packaging Motions and the Right Cylinder
| Motion | Typical cylinder | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| Product pusher / diverter | Double-acting ISO cylinder, Ø25–Ø50 | Speed and cushioning |
| Cutting / sealing jaws | Double-acting, larger bore | Force at the end of stroke, heat nearby |
| Carton erecting / folding | Compact or guided cylinders | Repeatability, short strokes |
| Stopper / gate | Short-stroke cylinder | Very high cycle count |
| Case lifting | Tandem or larger bore | Force with limited space |
Worked Example: Air Consumption at High Cycle Rates
A Ø40 mm cylinder with a 100 mm stroke running at 6 bar uses about 1.74 litres of free air per double stroke. At 60 cycles per minute that is roughly 104.4 L/min for one cylinder — multiply by the number of cylinders on the machine when sizing the compressor.
Choosing the smallest bore that meets the force with margin, and the shortest stroke that does the job, is the easiest way to cut compressed-air cost on a packaging line.
What Makes a Packaging Cylinder Reliable
- CushioningAdjustable end cushioning stops the piston slamming into the heads at high speed.
- Magnetic pistonPosition sensors on the tube tell the PLC when each motion is complete.
- Standard mountingsISO 15552 dimensions make replacement fast during a changeover or breakdown.
- Right sizeOversized cylinders waste air and slow the machine; size for 1.5–2 × the required force.
Which Fenitsa Cylinder Fits Which Function?
| Function | Series | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Pushers and diverters | FMY (ISO 15552) | ISO dimensions, magnetic piston for sensors |
| Economical auxiliary motions | PAG (CETOP, aluminium) | Lightweight aluminium CETOP body |
| Tandem and double-rod motions | Custom pneumatic | More force or guided motion in limited space |
Inspection Routine
What to check, and how often, in this application.
- DailyCheck for air leaks and hard end-of-stroke impacts.
- WeeklyAdjust cushioning and verify sensor switching.
- MonthlyCheck mounting bolts and rod-end connections for play.
- YearlyReseal cylinders with the highest cycle counts.
Pneumatic Cylinders for Packaging Machines – FAQ
Which pneumatic cylinder is best for packaging machines?
Double-acting ISO 15552 cylinders with a magnetic piston and adjustable cushioning cover most packaging motions.
How do I reduce air consumption on a packaging machine?
Use the smallest suitable bore and shortest stroke, and avoid oversizing; consumption scales with bore², stroke and cycle rate.
How fast can a pneumatic cylinder cycle?
Many packaging cylinders run at 60 cycles per minute or more; cushioning and valve flow must be matched to the speed.
Do you supply cylinders to packaging OEMs?
Yes — standard series and custom designs, produced repeatedly to the same specification.
Send Your Application Data
Bore, rod, stroke, pressure, mountings and quantity — or a drawing or photo of the existing cylinder. We reply with a technical proposal and quotation from our plant in Konya, Türkiye.