SMC Corporation, the world’s largest manufacturer of pneumatic automation products, has announced the introduction of the Series CG5 stainless steel pneumatically driven linear actuator. The CG5 is designed specifically for superior moisture and corrosion resistance and uses FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved grease and materials which are suitable for applications such as medical product manufacturing, medical packaging, dairy, bakery, filling/bottling, meatpacking, food packaging, and food handling. SMC manufactures the external parts of the CG5 with SUS304 stainless steel so as to be compatible with foodstuffs, sterilising solutions, dyestuffs, and a variety of organic and inorganic chemicals. Several features of the CG5 actuator help eliminate debris build up: mounting brackets are electro-polished to create the smoothest surface possible, end caps are screwed on rather than crimped to provide a smooth profile, and metal plugs are supplied to prevent residue accumulation in unused mounting threads. The CG5 actuator uses a special rod scraper that minimises water infiltration to the rod seals. Compared to standard actuators, this increases the service life by an average of ten times. For even greater service life, the cylinder can be disassembled for easy seal replacement. Nitrile Rubber (NBR) or Fluoro Rubber (FKM) seals are available; Nitrile has high abrasion and petroleum-based fluid resistance; Fluoro has high chlorine and sulphur resistance.
