Move cleanly for a long time: The cylinder of the HF2A-CG5 series scores with improved clean design and longer lifespan

The new cylinder of the HF2A-CG5 series with adjustable-free pneumatic end-stop damping (pictured: basic version) is even better suited for the food and pharmaceutical industries thanks to the additionally optimized Clean Design – and also features a longer lifespan. (Photo: SMC Germany)

Regular cleaning intervals, such as with jet water, are unavoidable in applications involving the processing of food or pharmaceuticals. Both the high hygiene standards and the consistently required high productivity place comprehensive demands on components for manufacturing and processing processes. With the HF2A-CG5 series, SMC now offers a stainless steel cylinder with adjustable pneumatic end-position damping that reaches a new level in terms of hygiene and durability: It impresses with its improved design in clean design, materials that conform to the most important international standards, and optimized damping. Users also benefit from numerous mounting options, various strokes, cylinder sizes, and extensive accessory options. Users of the predecessor series CG5-S can easily replace it with this new series.

Clean, durable, and compliant with standards

The double-acting cylinder with single piston rod of the HF2A-CG5 series is made entirely of stainless steel (the external parts from stainless steel 304), ensuring high corrosion protection. The construction – from the basic version to the version with a bore for counter bearings – is designed in clean design: The reduced diameter of the cover provides a uniform outer surface, all corner parts have a curved surface, there are no threaded holes or damping adjustment screws, and the label is laser-printed. In the basic version, additional plugs are included with the delivery to cover unused mounting threads. The smooth surface thus achieved makes it more difficult for dirt, dust, water, or cleaning agents to adhere. At the same time, cleaning is facilitated. Additionally, the construction is waterproof thanks to the combination of the seals used (wipers and dirt seals, piston rod and cylinder tube seals). Compared to the predecessor series CG5-S, the HF2A-CG5 series has a fourfold lifespan under SMC test conditions in environments where it comes into contact with water droplets – a clear advantage for long-lasting productivity.

For use in the food and pharmaceutical industries, the blue FKW wipers provide optimal conditions: They not only meet the requirements of the US FDA but also comply with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. Therefore, they are fully suitable for applications involving food contact – as is the NSF-H1 certified lubricating grease used.

Another plus: The laser-printed product label allows for unambiguous identification and is more hygienic than conventional adhesive labels, as it cannot peel off. Optionally, the cylinder can also be equipped with waterproof electronic signal transmitters from the D-F6 series by SMC.

Gentle, powerful, and flexible

Thanks to the adjustable pneumatic end-position damping, a gentle stop process at the end face is achieved. This reduces noise and shocks at the end of the stroke. Thanks to the optimized design, manual damping adjustment is no longer necessary – a screw adjustment is completely eliminated. The HF2A-CG5 series allows standard strokes of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200 mm with a piston diameter of 20 mm, and additionally 250 and 300 mm with piston diameters of 25, 32, and 40 mm. The maximum stroke length is 1000 mm – 600 mm when mounted on mounting rails. For all available piston diameters, the speed ranges from 50 to 500 mm/s.

Users also benefit from a high degree of flexibility. Different mounting elements are available for installation – including piston rod nut (standard version), ball joint, fork joint with bolt and retaining ring, foot mounting, counter bearing, as well as front flange or head flange. Thanks to these flexible mounting options, users of the existing CG5-S series can easily switch to the new HF2A-CG5 series.