Overview and Key Specifications
The Festo DSBC-50-500-D3-PPVA-N3 is a double-acting pneumatic cylinder designed for linear motion in industrial automation. With a 50 mm piston diameter and a 500 mm stroke, this unit delivers a theoretical advancing force of 1178 N and a retracting force of 990 N at 6 bar. Its ISO 15552 compliance ensures metric mounting dimensions that align with widely used cylinder standards, simplifying replacement or integration into existing systems. The cylinder operates with compressed air per ISO 8573-1:2010 [7:4:4] and supports an operating pressure range of 0.4 to 12 bar, making it suitable for a variety of pneumatic circuits.
Construction and Material Quality
The DSBC-50-500-D3-PPVA-N3 is built with a profile barrel made of smooth-anodized wrought aluminum alloy, contributing to a low overall weight while maintaining structural integrity. The piston rod is manufactured from high-alloy steel with an external M16x1.5 thread, offering durability and reliable connection options. Covers are die-cast aluminum with a protective coating, and seals are made from TPE-U(PU) for the piston, rod wiper, and buffer, ensuring effective sealing and wear resistance. The cushioning piston uses POM, and the bearing is a metal-polymer compound, which supports smooth operation. All materials are RoHS-compliant, and the cylinder meets corrosion resistance class 2, suitable for moderate corrosion stress environments.
Performance and Cushioning
This cylinder features adjustable pneumatic cushioning at both ends, which absorbs kinetic energy in the end positions. The cushioning length is 22 mm, and the impact energy is limited to 1 J, reducing noise and mechanical shock. This makes the DSBC-50-500-D3-PPVA-N3 particularly effective for applications involving medium to heavy loads or higher cycle speeds, where controlled deceleration extends the service life of the cylinder and associated machinery. The double-acting design allows for precise control of both advance and retract strokes, enhancing flexibility in automation tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, or clamping.
Integration and Sensing Options
Position sensing is supported via slots for flush-mounted proximity sensors, enabling contactless detection of the piston position. This is essential for applications requiring accurate mid-stroke positioning or end-of-stroke confirmation. The cylinder can be mounted in any orientation, and mounting options include internal threads or accessories, providing versatility in system design. The pneumatic connection is G1/4, a common port size that simplifies piping. With a basic weight of 1216 g at zero stroke and an additional 78 g per 10 mm stroke, the unit's mass is predictable for dynamic calculations. The moving mass starts at 365 g and increases by 25 g per 10 mm of stroke, which is important for sizing guide rails and calculating inertia.
Environmental and Operational Suitability
The DSBC-50-500-D3-PPVA-N3 operates within an ambient temperature range of -20°C to 80°C, making it adaptable to various shop floor conditions. It is LABS (PWIS) conformant to VDMA24364-B1/B2-L, which is beneficial in paint and finishing applications where silicone-free operation is required. The cylinder can run with or without oil lubrication, though oil lubrication is necessary for certain extended uses. Its corrosion resistance class 2 indicates moderate protection against corrosive influences, suitable for typical industrial environments without aggressive chemicals. Overall, this cylinder balances performance, durability, and standardization, making it a practical choice for engineers and procurement teams seeking a reliable linear actuator for automated systems.