How long do pneumatic cylinders last？

Nov 15, 2025

Comparison of lifespan of commonly used Fokca cylinder brands

Based on years of sales collaboration with customers as a cylinder manufacturer and seller, I have compiled a categorized summary of the usage cycles for different cylinder types from my company that are frequently sold.

Brand / Standard	Series Name	Bore Size (mm)	Key Features	Theoretical Lifespan (Travel Distance)	Conversion Example (for 100mm stroke)
Airtac	SC Standard	32 - 100	Most basic and economical series for general industrial needs.	~ 2,000 - 3,000 km	~ 20 - 30 million cycles
Airtac	SU Standard	32 - 100	Optimized version of SC, a mainstream market choice.	~ 3,000 km	~ 30 million cycles
Airtac	SI High Precision	32 - 100	Higher guiding accuracy for applications requiring precise positioning.	~ 5,000 - 8,000 km	~ 50 - 80 million cycles
Airtac	SG Compact	32 - 100	Compact structure, requires minimal installation space.	~ 2,000 km	~ 20 million cycles
Airtac	MY1 Slide Table	16 - 40	Integrated linear guide, high moment load resistance.	~ 5,000 km (Guide Unit)	The guide mechanism's lifespan is typically longer than the cylinder body itself.
ISO 6431	DNC Standard (e.g., Festo)	32 - 100	Complies with international standard, high global interchangeability, high-performance.	~ 5,000 - 10,000 km	~ 50 - 100 million cycles
ISO 6431	SI Series (e.g., SMC)	32 - 100	Compact design, interchangeable mounting dimensions with DNC; a classic basic cylinder from SMC.	~ 6,000 km and above	~ 60 million cycles and above
ISO 6431	DNG Standard (e.g., Festo)	32 - 100	ISO 6431 compliant, cylinder body with magnet for position sensing (the version of DNC with sensor switch).	~ 5,000 - 8,000 km	~ 50 - 80 million cycles

For information on the lifespan of the Miniature, Compact cylinder series, you can refer to this article.

What is the service life of a cylinder?

Pneumatic cylinders are a very simple, clean, efficient, and stable type of actuator in modern industry. Studying their lifespan helps improve equipment reliability, safety, and cost-effectiveness, while also optimizing maintenance and selection decisions.

This refers to the total number of cycles or total operating time a cylinder can complete from the start of its use until its final disposal.

Factors affecting cylinder service life:

Seal wear: This is the most critical factor determining lifespan.

Bearing wear: Affects cylinder stability and accuracy.

Piston rod corrosion or scratches: Leads to external leakage.

Cylinder barrel inner wall wear: Affects sealing effectiveness, leading to internal leakage.

What is the single cycle time of a cylinder?

This refers to the specific time required for the cylinder to complete one extension or retraction action.

Factors affecting the single cycle time of a cylinder:

Intake flow rate: The higher the flow rate, the faster the speed.

Load size: The heavier the load, the slower the acceleration.

System pressure: Pressure provides the driving force.

The patency of pipelines and valves.

What is the relationship between the two?

Although they measure different things, monitoring changes in single cycle time is the most important means of predicting and extending total lifespan.

How to extend the service life of cylinders?

Keep the air quality clean
Provide proper lubrication with air preparation units
Select cylinders suitable for the application and operating conditions
Maintain stable air supply pressure
Perform regular inspection and maintenance

Key Conditions and Factors to Help You Choose High-Quality Cylinders

When choosing high-quality cylinders, the following key conditions and factors need to be considered.

◆ Cylinder Bore and Stroke

Select the appropriate cylinder bore type based on the required load weight, thrust, and stroke length, ensuring the stroke meets process requirements.

◆ Output Force/Torque

Calculate the required cylinder thrust or pull force based on the load, friction, and inertia, and select a single-acting or double-acting cylinder.

◆ Operating Pressure and Temperature Range

Ensure the cylinder can operate stably under existing system pressure. For high-temperature, low-temperature, or special environments, select high-temperature resistant, corrosion-resistant, or explosion-proof cylinder types.

◆ Materials and Durability

Cylinder barrel materials include aluminum alloy and stainless steel. Ensure the piston rod and seal materials meet environmental requirements.

◆ Accuracy and Guiding Performance

For applications requiring high positioning accuracy or torque load resistance, select guide rod or double piston rod cylinders.

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