Bimba Manufacturing

Bimba Manufacturing provides industry-leading pneumatic, hydraulic and electric solutions, including a variety of stainless steel body air cylinders that are easy-to-use, reliable and ready for your engineering challenges. Bimba Manufacturing is a forward-thinking innovator of actuation technology, specializing in providing cutting-edge solutions to engineering challenges. Since introducing the round line, stainless steel body cylinder nearly five decades ago, Bimba has expanded its capabilities to include an extensive line of industry-leading air cylinders, rotary actuators, linear thrusters, rodless cylinders, flow controls and position-sensing cylinders.

Bimba Complete Catalog (31.8MB)

(See Individual Catalog Sections Below)

Bimba Metric Catalog (12.0MB)

Bimba Product Guide (1.1MB) Custom Capabilities (471kB)

Original Line (OL) Cylinders

Original Line cylinders outperform all others. Constructed of "mirror finish" 304 stainless steel with precision double-rolled construction, our Original Line cylinders have earned a reputation as hard-working, long-lasting performers. The line includes thousands of standard models — the largest selection of stainless steel body cylinders in the industry. Performance-enhancing options include seals and lubricants for high and low temperatures and non-lubricated service, rotated ports, position sensing and more. Bore sizes range from 5/16" to 3". Recent new products include cylinders with thermoplastic end caps for trouble-free operation in harsh operating environments; non-rotating cylinders with a square piston rod for superior rotation control; and cylinders with air cushions.

Bimba Original Line Cylinders (8.2MB)

Standard Original Line Cylinders

This is the basic round line, stainless steel body cylinder. Bore sizes range from 5/16" to 3". Both single & double acting cylinders are available in all bore sizes. Single acting cylinders are available with spring return or retract. Standard mounting options include Front Nose, Rear Pivot, Double End, Front & Rear Block, Front & Rear Trunnion, and more. Many options & configurations are available standard, but specials can also be provided quickly.

3-Position Original Line Cylinders

Bimba’s Three-Position Original Line stainless steel body cylinder provides three positions with a single cylinder. Bimba offers the performance and quality of the unitized Original Line cylinder design along with it’s product breadth now in three positive stroke positions.

Air Cylinders w/ Adjustable Cushions

Bore sizes from 3/4" to 3". Readily accessible cushion needle for easy adjustment. Double acting models are standard. High strength aluminum alloy porting ends. Low breakaway friction less than 5PSI. Special stroke lengths are available on request.

MRS Magnetic Reed Switch Air Cylinders

Specifically designed to operate Bimba position sensing switches to actuate programmable controllers, relays, solenoids, timers, or any other electrically operated equipment. MRS cylinders have an additional groove in the piston to accommodate a magnet. They differ from the M-option because they combine features of the “Z” line with Original Line construction; check dimensional drawings for each size for more specific information. Type 303 stainless steel rods are standard.

Non-Rotating OL Air Cylinders

Bimba’s Non-Rotating Original Line stainless steel body air cylinder design consists of a unique square piston rod with rounded corners. The square rod prevents rotation better than other rod configurations, and the rounded corners provide longer seal life than conventional hexagon rods. The unusual geometry of the square rod also provides superior rotation control. All bore sizes have a rotational control of less than or equal to ±3 degrees.

PC Cylinders

The Bimba PC Cylinder has a stainless steel body, stainless steel rod and acetal resin end caps. It is ideal for applications and environments that require exposure to moisture, lubricants and specific solvents.

All SS Repairable OL Cylinders

The new all stainless repairable Original Line cylinders are ideal for food processing, chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, offshore or marine equipment, and energy production or waste management applications. The bell ring design also offers the added benefit of full repairability without the need for hand tools by securing the body to the rod guide with a knurled, threaded nut.

All SS NON-Repairable OL Cylinders

The new all stainless NON-repairable Original Line cylinders are ideal for food processing, chemical, medical, pharmaceutical, offshore or marine equipment, and energy production or waste management applications.

Z-Line Air Cylinders

The Z-Line air cylinder has the rolled-in construction of the Original Line but features a larger diameter 2-piece 303 stainless steel piston rod, a hex-stud rod end thread of heat treated alloy steel that is easily removed in case of failure due to overload, and cushion quiet elastomer bumpers.

Rod-Lock Cylinders

The Bimba Original Line Rod Lock Cylinder is a normally clamped unit that holds the piston rod in position when air pressure is not present. It is ideal for preventing drift at machine shut down.

500 Hydraulic Cylinders

The Bimba “500” is a precision built, compact, lightweight hydraulic cylinder designed specifically for hydraulic use only, at pressures up to 500 psi.

Hole Punch Cylinders

Designed to punch millions of holes in plastic or other thin sheet materials 2 to 3 mils thick, the long-life BIMBA Pneumatic Hole Puncher will give you more cycles per penny. The hardened steel cutter with ground razor sharp edges is an integral part of the cylinder. A small air jet ejects the slugs from the cutter preventing slug build up, and Elastomer Bumpers insure Cushion Quiet operation. Less than 1" in diameter, several cylinders can be closely mounted. Available in seven hole cutter sizes from 1⁄4" to 5⁄8".

Bimba's Electric Actuator

The Original Line Electric (OLE) line provides precise control of motion through both custom and off-the-shelf designs, with many options. The Original Line Electric Rod-type Actuator is designed for the longest life, greatest durability, highest speed, and greatest thrust per dollar. Original Line Electric (OLE) actuators are alternatives to pneumatics where plant air quality, compressor availability, portability, and precise control and positioning are needed.

Bimba OL Electric Cylinders (PDF 8.2MB)

Flat Cylinders
If your application is tight on space, our Flat cylinders are the answer. Round, Square, Non-Rotating, Multiple Power and Multiple Position models offer design versatility. They feature 304 stainless steel bodies in bore sizes from 9/16" to 4". Options include bumpers, seals and lubricants for high and low temperatures and non-lubricated service, Magnalube G® lubrication, rod wipers, extra rod extensions and position sensing. Flat-1 cylinders also come in metric sizes for machines built to international standards. Bimba Flat Cylinders (4.7MB)
	Flat-I Cylinders Bimba Flat-1 Cylinders feature 304 stainless steel bodies in bore sizes from 9/16" to 4". Options include bumpers, seals and lubricants for high and low temperatures and non-lubricated service, Magnalube G® lubrication, rod wipers, extra rod extensions and position sensing. Flat-1 cylinders also come in metric sizes for machines built to international standards.	Square Flat-I Cylinders The convenient alternative for horizontal and side mounting, with provisions for both bottom flush or face mounting. The Square Flat-1 also minimizes the centerline distance when cylinders are mounted side-by-side
	Flat-II Cylinders Flat-II non-rotating, double-acting cylinder provides the answer to applications where rotation cannot be tolerated and space is at a minimum. Non-rotation is achieved with dual piston rods and a rod end block that insures the rods work in tandem. Flat-II eliminates the need for external alignment devices, such as guides, rods and alignment posts or pins.	Square Flat-II Cylinders Square Flat-II non-rotating, double acting cylinder provides the answer to applications where rotation cannot be tolerated. Non-rotation is achieved with dual piston rods and a rod end block that insures the rods work in tandem. Square Flat-II eliminates the need for external alignment devices. It also provides a convenient alternative for horizontal and side mounting, with provisions for both bottom flush or face mounting. Centerline distances are minimized, facilitating side-by-side cylinder mounting.
	FO2, FO3, FO4 Multiple Power Flat-1 The Bimba FO2, FO3, FO4 Series Flat-1 are double-acting, single end rod cylinders that multiply the force output by supplying air to multiple pistons on extension. They save space and eliminate the need for a higher pressure system. Only one piston is powered on the return stroke, saving air volume and operating costs.	FOP Multiple Position Flat-1 The Bimba Multiple Position FOP Flat-1 is a double-acting, single rod end cylinder that provides three positions with just one cylinder.
	EF1 Cylinder The EF1 Cylinder is completely metric in design. It features a compact aluminum-extruded body that is anodized with a special PTFE impregnation process for superior wear resistance and excellent frictional characteristics.	EF2 Cylinder The EF2 Cylinder is a double acting, non-rotating model that offers guided motion. Standard and guided models are available in ten bore sizes, 12mm to 100mm. Options include bumpers, magnetic position sensing and a high temperature option.
	Stopper Cylinders A Bimba EF1 Cylinder was modified for a conveyor stopping application. Featuring a heavy-duty mounting, the cylinder's rod/bearing design was developed to withstand side impact loading.	Twist Clamp Cylinders The Twist Clamp, based on the Bimba EF1 cylinder, incorporates an internal mechanism to produce rotary piston motion throughout stroke. By attaching a clamp arm, the actuator becomes an ideal clamping mechanism for light-duty holding applications. The rotary motion rotates the clamp arm out of the work area for easy loading and unloading of parts.
	Extruded Flat Lift Table The Lift Table is an EF1-based, guided cylinder with four shafts for maximum rigidity. It is designed for lifting applications where other non-rotating cylinders cannot handle an overhung load and space is at a premium.	Basic Twin Bore (TB) Dual bores exert twice the force of a traditional cylinder while providing smooth, non-rotating actuation. The cylinder is symmetric and can be mounted from either side to allow convenient port access.
	Double End Twin Bore (TBD) Double rod end provides a saddle-mount unit with improved loading and resistance to deflection.	Twin Bore Air Table (TBA) Smooth, precise movement is achieved via integration of a highly accurate recirculating ball bushing rail.
	Narrow Profile Air Table (NPA) The NPA actuator provides precise load guiding with a recirculating ball rail above its bore. Two bearing styles are offered single/double bearing block) to accommodate both lower cost and higher precision/cost applications. With standard strokes up to 120mm, the NPA offers longer travel length than any competitive actuator of its type.	Low Profile Air Table (LPA) The LPA actuator was developed for applications that require precise load guiding, with ultra-tight space constraints. This actuator minimizes thickness with a linear recirculating ball rail located next to the bore.
	Diaphragm Cylinders This 1-1/4" bore diaphragm cylinder is designed for a clamping application with minimal friction losses. Its short overall height allows the cylinder to fit into a tight space with minimal friction.	Miniature “Cube” Cylinders CFS-01011-A is a double-acting, miniature “cube” cylinder (1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2") ideal for applications requiring low output force in extremely tight spaces. This cylinder has been successfully applied in various semiconductor industry applications. Several are mounted side-by-side in a test fixture for circuit board continuity testing. Another application involves silicon wafer processing, in which the cylinders are used to clamp wafers during certain operations.

Linear Thrusters & PneuMoment
Bimba has a wide variety of slide products, each with unique design features that differentiate it from the others and offer customers unique performance characteristics or load carrying capabilities. Choose from traditional Linear Thrusters, which incorporate traditional stainless steel round line actuators, to low profile air tables, which incorporate small bore aluminum extruded cylinder bodies that move heavy loads supported by recirculating ball rail systems, to our patented PneuMoment™ Actuators that can support large loads and moments in a revolutionary compact design. Bimba Linear Thrusters & PneuMoment (2.4MB)
	Extruded Linear Thrusters The Bimba Extruded Thruster is a rugged, guided actuator with a cylinder integral to the thruster block. The sleek body incorporates switch mounting, for a clean, space-efficient package.	TE Series Linear Thrusters Our economical TE Series Linear Thruster includes composite bearings and large-diameter 303 stainless steel shafts for improved load bearing capabilities. It’s also ideal for corrosive environments.
	T Series Linear Thrusters Choose our T Series Linear Thruster with extra-precision, recirculating ball bearings and case hardened steel shafts for less friction and higher precision.	Multiple Position Linear Thrusters Bimba’s Multiple Position Linear Thrusters incorporate a double-acting, single rod end cylinder that provides three positions with just one cylinder.
	T4 Series Linear Thrusters The Bimba T4 Thruster offers the same smooth actuation found in the original "T" series Thrusters. Four guide shafts, instead of the typical two, achieve doubled capacity and reduced deflection. Bores sizes are 2”, 2.5” and 3”. Standard stroke lengths of 1” to 12” increments are also available, as well as strokes up to 36”. Optional features include internal and external bumpers, air cushions, and magnetic position sensing.	PneuMoment Pneumatic Actuators Bimba’s PneuMoment pneumatic actuator’s unique design features large bearing surfaces for carrying high side loads and moments. Standard side and end ports offer easy plumbing; optional auxiliary ports allow air or vacuum through the actuator to connect additional automation devices such as grippers; and a vacuum port makes the actuator ideal for clean service applications. Options include bumpers, shock absorbers, stroke adjustment and position sensing.

Pneu-Turn Rotary Actuators

The Pneu-Turn Rotary Actuator combines key features of Bimba's Original Line Cylinder with a robust rack and pinion gear assembly to provide up to 1080° of rotary motion. Many standard options are available allowing you to customize the actuator to meet your specific rotary application.

Bimba Pneu-Turn Rotary Actuators (1.1MB)

Pneu-Turn Rotary Actuators

Our streamlined rack and pinion Pneu-Turn rotary actuator is constructed of corrosion-resistant stainless steel and anodized aluminum and has no external seals. The Pneu-Turn is perfect for transferring, clamping, binding, turning, screwing and camming applications. The Pneu-Turn is available in five bore sizes, 9/16" to 2", in both single and double rack models. Options include angle adjustment, adjustable cushions, seals, bumpers and position sensing. Pneu-Turn rotary actuators are also available in metric sizes.

Three-Position Rotary Actuators

The Three-Position Pneu-Turn rotary actuators, in all bore sizes; both single and double rack can now be ordered as a standard catalog option.

Ultran Cylinders

Magnetically coupled design of Bimba's Rodless Cylinders keeps out metal chips and other leak-causing contaminants for longer cylinder life. The new Bimba Ultran® Band has a specially engineered sealing strip that helps out-seal the competition by 75% and is perfect for door opening, material handling/conveying, packaging and palletizing applications.

Bimba Ultran Cylinders (1.1MB)

Ultran Slide Cylinders for Self-Guided Motion

The Ultran Magnetically Coupled Cylinder design saves almost 50 percent more space than traditional cylinders and keeps out leak-causing contaminants for longer cylinder life. It also provides high coupling strength to carry higher loads. Ultran is available in two models and in nine bore sizes from 5/16" to 2". Both models are offered in metric sizes and with a variety of options.

Ultran Rodless Cylinders for Externally Guided Motion

High Load Ultran Cylinders

Provides high load carrying capability within an Ultran Slide Cylinder. The unit incorporates a ball bearing system offering large load bearing capabilities with greater carriage precision.

Ultran Band Mechanically Coupled Rodless Cylinders

Bimba Now gives you a more complete set of rodless cylinder solutions with a mechanically coupled style. The Bimba Ultran Band provides all the traditional features and benefits of a band-style rodless cylinder.

Bimba's Ultran Electric Actuator

Bimba Electric Ultran High Load Slides are practical solutions for positioning applications. They are available without motors, with DC motors, or with step motors. The DC motor option provides thrust and speed suitable for a wide variety of applications. The step motor option provides similar capabilities but allows for more precise positioning.

Bimba Ultran Electric Cylinders (PDF 1.2MB)

Double-Wall® & Reparable SS Cylinders

Our tie-tube NFPA-interchangeable cylinders are easy to repair and take up less space than other cylinders. The Double-Wall Cylinders convert into six NFPA mounting styles and utilize easy to assemble "bolt on" mounting kits. Our Repairable Stainless Steel Cylinders use a corrosion resistant 303 stainless steel rod guide that is ideal for washdown applications and is designed specifically to reduce sharp edges and corners and provide a smooth transition to the cylinder body.

Bimba Double Wall & RSS Cylinders (1.4MB)

Double-Wall cylinder

Our Double-Wall cylinder offers NFPA mounting versatility in a sleek round line design. Available in five bore sizes, 1-1/2" to 4", it features an outer epoxy-coated aluminum tube that protects the inner 304 stainless steel tubing in applications where the cylinder is exposed to physical wear and tear.

All SS Repairable OL Cylinders

Position Control System Products
Bimba's Position Feedback Products are ideal for applications that require accurate measuring or closed loop positioning. They enable machines to adapt to changes on the fly, automate setup, and speed up and simplify process changes. Position Feedback Cylinders are available in reciprocating or rotary models. They may be used with our PCS control for closed loop positioning, our DPM for precise measuring, or our electronic controller. Baluff Position transducers may be used for continuous position feedback. Position sensing switches are available for end of stroke sensing. A variety of technologies are in stock available for immediate delivery to suit all Bimba Cylinders and fit a variety of applications. Bimba Position Control Systems (1.4MB)
	Non-Contact Position Feedback Bimba’s Non-Contact Position Feedback Cylinders employ a new magnetostrictive sensor. The sensor tip, fixed inside the cylinder, senses position as a magnet mounted to the piston moves back and forth across the sensor tip’s length. This provides many important advantages, and makes the Non-Contact Position Feedback Cylinder the preferred solution for closed-loop pneumatic positioning applications.	Position Feedback Cylinder The Position Feedback Cylinder (Model PFC) is a linear pneumatic actuator that contains an internal LRT (Linear Resistive Transducer). The PFC can be used for measuring and gauging, positioning, and "on-the-fly" applications. Combine the PFC with the Bimba Pneumatic Control System Model PCS, Digital Panel Meter Model DPM, or the Electronic Controller described below to maximize performance.
	Position Feedback Rod Lock Cylinder The Original Line Rod Lock Cylinder is a normally clamped unit that holds the piston rod in position when air pressure is not present. It is ideal for preventing drift at machine shut down. The Position Feedback Cylinder (Model PFC) is a linear pneumatic actuator that contains an internal LRT (Linear Resistive Transducer). Both are combined in this cylinder.	Position Feedback Pneu-Turn Rotary Actuator The PneuTurn Rotary Actuator with position feedback (Model PTF) is a rotary rack and pinion actuator that has a rotary potentiometer feedback transducer attached to the output shaft. The PTF can be combined with Bimba’s Pneumatic Control System Model PCS described below for closed loop rotary positioning.
	Pneumatic Control System The Bimba Pneumatic Control System (Model PCS) is designed to control any pneumatic Bimba position feedback actuator. This includes the Position Feedback Cylinder (PFC) for linear motion and the Position Feedback Pneu-Turn (PTF) for rotary motion. The system is a closed-loop electronic controller with pneumatic valves that can accurately position the actuator rod or shaft handhold it in position with a high degree of accuracy and force. The system accomplishes the long term goal of using pneumatic technology to accurately stop and hold the rod or shaft at any desired position.	Digital Panel Meter The Digital Panel Meter (Model DPM) is a digital panel meter that has a 16 bit A/D converter and built in microprocessor. When combined with the PFC, the repeatability is 0.001 inch per inch of stroke. The DPM is great for accurate measuring and gauging applications. It is easily calibrated to indicate actual displacement and includes multiple programmable set point outputs. Recommended applications include Go/No Go in-process quality control verification, part identification, and dimensional verification.
	Electronic Controllers The Electronic Controllers can be used for applications that require accuracy larger than +\- 0.030". It has 10 VDC transducer excitation and fast responding scalable analog output capability. It is good for applications that use controllers that do not have the required PFC input impedance of 1 Mohm.

Air Preparation Equipment

Without clean, consistent air pressure, your pneumatic components are susceptible to breakdowns that can disrupt your entire manufacturing process. That's why we offer a full line of Air Preparation Filters, Regulators and Lubricators (FRLs) with optional accessories, including porting blocks, shut-off valves, gauges and more. Plus, with custom options and fast delivery, you get a flexible solution that fits your needs.

Bimba Air Preparation (3.4MB)

Position Sensing Solutions

Bimba offers pre-tested Position Sensing Solutions for Bimba actuators. Our solutions provide a cost effective interface between the pneumatic actuators and electrical control systems. Our pre-tested solutions also eliminate costly, time-consuming design and fabrication required if switches are purchased separately and provide an aesthetically pleasing installation.

Bimba Position Sensing (1.6MB)

Related Products
Bimba offers a number of quality flow controls, switches, valves, transition plates, alignment couplers, air-to-air boosters, low-profile switches and air reservoirs ready to help you get the job done. Bimba Related Products (1.4MB)
	Flow Controls We offer four types of meter-out controls — Quik-Flo® Flow Controls (inch), Miniature Quik-Flo Flow Controls (inch) and our Standard Flow Controls (inch and metric) to regulate cylinder speed. We also offer a Needle Valve for controlled flow of both air intake and exhaust. Our ultra-compact, port-mounted Miniature Quik-Flo Flow Controls feature an integral "quick-connect" fitting to streamline design and assembly. All of our flow controls offer a choice of a recessed needle to prevent tampering or a knob control for precise speed control and easy adjustment.	Air-to-Air Booster The 2:1 ratio Air-to-Air Booster is small and self-contained and incorporates integral valve components to reciprocate. It was developed to amplify inadequate air pressure since doubling the input pressure can increase the output force of a cylinder where space constraints exist.
	Air Reservoirs	Manual Valves
	Shock Absorbers Shock Absorbers can be used to decelerate loads or to absorb excess Kinetic Energy.	Transition Plates Aluminum plates that couple Bimba actuators - Ultran® rodless cylinders, PneuTurn® rotary actuators, and Linear Thrusters – into a variety of multi-axis configurations.
	Alignment couplers Alignment couplers help reduce binding and simplify field alignment problems, enhancing cylinder performance and reducing seal and bearing wear. The alignment allowances can eliminate the need for expensive precision machining in rigidly mounted applications.

ISO Cylinders

Conforming to ISO 6431/6432 Standard Specifications, Bimba’s ISO Cylinders are designed to be easily interchangeable throughout the world. Bimba meets your needs.

Bimba ISO Cylinders (1.5MB)

ISO 6431/VDMA 24562 Cylinders

Our ISO 6431/VDMA 24562 is designed to meet international standards, ready for delivery and competitively priced. These metric cylinders are available in bore sizes ranging from 8mm to 100mm. Position Feedback Cylinders that meet ISO 6431/VDMA 24562 standards are also available.

ISO 6432 Cylinders

Our ISO 6432 Cylinder is designed to meet international standards, ready for delivery and competitively priced. These metric cylinders are available in bore sizes ranging from 8mm to 100mm. Position Feedback Cylinders that meet ISO 6432 cylinders with thermoplastic end caps are also available.

Last modified: February 23, 2011 by BAS