SMC, the world’s leading pneumatics and industrial automation provider, has designed a series of stainless steel cylinders that can be used with utmost confidence in the food and beverage industry, and also offers financial and productivity benefits.

SMC's CG5-S and CJ5-S series of stainless steel cylinders are perfect for use in food and beverage processing machinery that requires regular and intense cleaning. Both cylinder series makes use of non-toxic additives which reduces the risk of contamination. The bracket surfaces that are used to mount these cylinders are electro-polished to make them smoother so that the build-up of liquids and foreign matter can be prevented. 

“An increased customer demand for products which meet not only the high hygienic standards of the food industry, but is also maintenance free and robust has long been coming in the industry,” comments Brian Abbott, Product Manager at SMC Pneumatics South Africa.

“As a customer-centric organisation, the development of this product comes as a direct result of customer demand.” adds Abbott.

The Series CG5-S stainless steel cylinder is available in bore sizes from 20mm to 100mm, and has design features such as plugs for unused mounting threads (to prevent residue build-up in the threads), and the use of stainless steel (SUS304) on external metal parts to provide improved corrosion resistance in environments with exposure to water.

The Series CJ5-S is the small bore version, available in 10mm and 16mm bore sizes, and is designed for use in environments with water spray (such as food processing machines). Both cylinders have a scraper that has been specifically designed to prevent water from entering the cylinder, which can increase the service life by up to five times when compared to conventional cylinders.

Notably, the service life of both the CG5-S and CJ5-S cylinders can be extended as they are designed to be easily disassembled to allow for the replacement of seals.

By providing quality products, designed to meet strict health and safety standards, that are corrosion resistant and reduce maintenance and replacement costs, SMC continues to be recognised as a global technology leader in industrial automation.