Looking for Help with Air Cylinder Selection for X-Z Slide Configuration

[Ram-Design]

Hi everyone,


I'm currently working on a new project and need some guidance in selecting the right air cylinder setup. I’m using an X-Z configuration with two air slides:

• X-axis: MXW20-225B-M9BWL
• Z-axis: CXS2L25-80-M9BWL (mounted on the X-axis)

The Z-axis applies a downward force of 525N, carrying a workpiece load of 4kg. The X-axis does not need to exert the same force—it only needs to hold its position rigidly while the Z-axis operates.


My main question is:
Can the MXW20-225B-M9BWL on the X-axis handle this configuration, particularly in terms of rigidity and holding position during Z-axis actuation?
I'd appreciate any insights, experiences, or references that can help with the selection process.


Thanks in advance!

 

[dvd]

Definitely a question to take up with an SMC applications engineer - https://www.smcusa.com/contact/global-locator

 

[Compositepro]

Air is not very rigid. Compressed air is somewhat more rigid. When rigidity is important hydraulics are used.

 

[3DDave]

An electric positioning screw drive is probably more suitable for the task. Next up, a servo motor driving a pinion against a toothed rack.

Air driven systems are good when there is a need for rough positioning, such as air-ride suspensions, that retain a good amount of travel in response to external loads or systems that have two end-points and little need for precise location in between.