The cable cylinders work in a linear translation systems, they are very compact and can be used where a normal cylinder with a rigid rod is too cumbersome. The main characteristic of the cable cylinders is the absence of the rod which, in coming out of the end plate at the end of the stroke, doubles the total overall dimension of the cylinder. In the case of the cable cylinder, the rod is replaced by a metal rilsan-coated cable. It is connected to the piston and coming at the maximum point of stroke never exceeds the overall dimensions of the cylinder.

The cable is connected to the bracket with clamps which serve also to regulate the tension. Because of the construction characteristics of this type of cylinder it must be used with much care. The cable is capable of supporting large stress due to heavy load and high speed. Unfortunately, we cannot give definitive limits of use if not in presence of masses of a few kilograms to be translated (7 – 10 for 16 and 20 – 25 for Ø 25) with speed inversely proportional to the entity of the same load (max 0,5 m/sec). This is done in a way that the load always has a mechanical stop at the end of the stroke. The magnetic piston version lengthens the overall dimensions by 50 mm; the 1200 series microcylinder sensors are used along with the clips of that series.