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Unread 13-05-2011, 09:34
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Rob Stehlik Rob Stehlik is offline
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FRC #0610 (Coyotes)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
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Location: Toronto
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Re: Slowing down the action of a cylinder with flow control, mechanical or via softwa

We used the SMC flow control fittings (both elbow and inline) on our arm and minibot deployment this year. They make all the difference when trying to smooth out the motion of an air cylinder. As was mentioned, they only work in one direction, so you can have independent settings for extension and retraction. This was especially helpful with our arm, which would slam down when we retracted it in a near vertical orientation.
Another thing that may be worth looking into is air cylinders with cushioning built in. Most air cylinders are available with internal air cushions at the end of stroke to prevent damage due to excessive impact.