Move cleanly for a long time

Whether consuming food or taking medication: to ensure that both can be done safely, particularly high hygiene regulations apply in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Components such as cylinders must therefore be suitable for the cleaning processes that take place there on a regular basis. With the new HF2A-CG5 series from SMC, users now have access to a significantly improved drive. This is ensured by, among other things, the optimized clean design, watertight seals and materials that comply with FDA and EU requirements, and a high level of corrosion protection. In addition, the new cylinder has improved end position damping, high performance characteristics, and is easily interchangeable with the previous CG5-S series.

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

Clean, durable, and compliant with standards

In the HF2A-CG5 series double-acting cylinder with single-sided piston rod, all specifications are made of stainless steel (the external parts are made of 304 stainless steel), which ensures a high level of corrosion protection. The design – from the basic version to the version with a bore for a counter bearing – is based on a clean design: The reduced diameter of the cover ensures 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. The basic version comes with additional plugs to cover unused mounting threads.

The smooth surface achieved in this way makes it difficult for dirt, dust, water, or cleaning agents to adhere. At the same time, cleaning is made easier. In addition, the design is waterproof thanks to the combination of seals used (scraper and dirt scraper, piston rod and cylinder tube seal). Compared to the previous CG5-S series, the HF2A-CG5 series has a fourfold increase in service life in environments where it comes into contact with water droplets, according to SMC test conditions – a clear advantage for long-term productivity.

The blue FKW wipers offer optimal conditions for use in the food and pharmaceutical industries: they not only meet the requirements of the US FDA, but also comply with EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. This makes them suitable for unrestricted use in applications involving contact with food – as does the NSF H1-certified lubricating grease used.

Another plus: the laser-printed product label enables clear identification and is more hygienic than conventional adhesive labels as it cannot come off. Optionally, the cylinder can also be equipped with waterproof electronic signal transmitters from SMC's D-F6 series.

Smooth, powerful, and flexible

Thanks to the adjustment-free pneumatic end position cushioning, a smooth stopping process is achieved at the end surface. This ensures reduced noise and impact at the end of the stroke. Thanks to the optimized design, manual cushioning adjustment is no longer necessary – eliminating the need for an adjustment screw. The HF2A-CG5 series enables standard strokes of 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, and 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 that can be manufactured is 1000 mm in each case – 600 mm for mounting rail installation. The speed is 50 to 500 mm/s for all available piston diameters.

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