Description
Overview
The ControlAir Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinder combines the proven performance of rolling diaphragm technology with a compact actuator design for applications requiring high force in a limited installation space. Unlike conventional piston-style cylinders, the rolling diaphragm virtually eliminates seal friction, stiction, and blow-by leakage to provide smooth, accurate, and repeatable linear motion.
Designed for compact automation systems and OEM equipment, Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinders deliver exceptional sensitivity, low hysteresis, and maintenance-friendly operation without the need for conventional sliding seals. Their compact construction makes them ideal where installation space is limited while still providing reliable force output and precise pneumatic control.
Constructed with a die-cast aluminum cylinder body, anodized aluminum end cap, chrome-plated carbon steel rod, oil-impregnated bronze bearing, and a polyester fabric reinforced nitrile diaphragm, Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinders provide long service life and dependable operation in demanding industrial environments. Two standard stroke lengths are available to accommodate a variety of applications.
Key Features
- Compact diaphragm air cylinder design
- Rolling diaphragm technology
- Virtually friction-free operation
- High force output in a compact package
- Super sensitivity
- Low hysteresis
- No blow-by leakage
- No lubrication required
- Excellent repeatability
- Compact actuator for space-constrained applications
- Aluminum construction
- Chrome-plated steel rod
- Oil-impregnated bronze bearing
- Reinforced nitrile rolling diaphragm
- Two standard stroke lengths
The current ControlAir diaphragm cylinder family also highlights the compact design, high force capability, and friction-free rolling diaphragm performance of the Small Bore series.
Performance Characteristics
Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinders utilize the same rolling diaphragm technology found in ControlAir’s larger diaphragm cylinders while optimizing the design for compact installations. The rolling diaphragm virtually eliminates seal friction, allowing the actuator to respond smoothly to pressure changes while maintaining excellent repeatability and minimizing hysteresis. Unlike conventional compact cylinders, there is no sliding seal to create stiction or blow-by leakage, resulting in more consistent force output and longer service life.
Performance Specifications
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 125 psig
- Effective Pressure Area: 1.7 in²
- Equivalent Bore: 1.5 in.
- Available Stroke Lengths:
- 1.0 in.
- 1.75 in.
- Initial Spring Load: 4 lbs.
- Maximum Spring Load: 8–11 lbs.
- Mounting Holes: 1/4-20 UNC
Construction Materials
- Die-cast aluminum cylinder body
- Machined anodized aluminum end cap
- Chrome-plated carbon steel rod
- Oil-impregnated bronze bearing
- Polyester fabric reinforced nitrile rolling diaphragm
- Music wire spring
These compact cylinders are specifically intended for applications where installation space is limited but smooth, accurate pneumatic motion and high force output are required.
How to Select the Right Configuration
ControlAir Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinders are designed for applications requiring compact size, reliable force output, and smooth pneumatic operation. When selecting the appropriate cylinder, consider the required stroke length, force requirements, and available installation space.
Select the appropriate model
Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinders are available in two standard stroke lengths:
- 1.0-inch stroke
- 1.75-inch stroke
Both models provide the same compact design and rolling diaphragm technology while accommodating different travel requirements.
Determine force requirements
Cylinder output force depends on supply pressure and effective pressure area.
Performance specifications include:
- Effective Pressure Area: 1.7 in²
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 125 psig
- Equivalent Bore: 1.5 inches
- Initial Spring Load: 4 lbs.
- Maximum Spring Load: 8–11 lbs.
These characteristics make the Small Bore cylinder ideal for applications requiring higher force than miniature actuators while maintaining a compact footprint.
Consider installation requirements
Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinders feature a compact design that allows installation where conventional cylinders may not fit.
Standard construction includes:
- Die-cast aluminum cylinder
- Anodized aluminum end cap
- Chrome-plated carbon steel rod
- Oil-impregnated bronze bearing
- Polyester fabric reinforced nitrile rolling diaphragm
This durable construction provides long service life while maintaining smooth, low-friction operation.
Need help selecting the right Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinder?
Applications
Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinders are designed for compact pneumatic systems requiring reliable force output, smooth linear motion, and long service life.
Typical applications include:
- OEM automation equipment
- Packaging machinery
- Material handling systems
- Industrial automation
- Precision positioning
- Valve actuation
- Assembly equipment
- Test and inspection systems
- Medical equipment
- Laboratory automation
- Semiconductor manufacturing equipment
- Robotics
- Process control systems
- Compact pneumatic mechanisms
The rolling diaphragm design makes these cylinders particularly well suited for applications requiring smooth, repeatable motion without the friction associated with conventional piston seals.
Models & Configurations
ControlAir Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinders provide high force output in a compact package while utilizing proven rolling diaphragm technology for smooth, reliable operation.
Available Models
| Part Number | Stroke |
|---|---|
| 139-190-002 | 1.0 in. |
| 139-190-001 | 1.75 in. |
Standard Features
- Rolling diaphragm technology
- Virtually friction-free operation
- Compact actuator design
- High force output
- Low hysteresis
- Excellent repeatability
- No blow-by leakage
- Long service life
- Low-maintenance construction
Construction
- Die-cast aluminum cylinder body
- Machined anodized aluminum end cap
- Chrome-plated carbon steel rod
- Oil-impregnated bronze bearing
- Polyester fabric reinforced nitrile diaphragm
- Music wire spring
Performance Specifications
- Maximum Operating Pressure: 125 psig
- Effective Pressure Area: 1.7 in²
- Equivalent Bore: 1.5 in.
- Available Stroke Lengths: 1.0 in. and 1.75 in.
- Mounting Holes: 1/4-20 UNC
Technical Resources
- Small Bore Diaphragm Air Cylinder Catalog (PDF)
- Instruction Manual
- 3D CAD Models
- Engineers Resource Center
- Find a Distributor
- Contact Technical Support



