In many factories, packaging lines, and processing plants, small components quietly do the heavy lifting that keeps everything running. One of these unsung heroes is the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder, a compact pneumatic actuator designed to deliver reliable linear motion in tight spaces and demanding environments. Whether you are upgrading existing machinery or designing a new system, understanding how the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder works—and where it shines—can help you get more performance and reliability out of your automation projects.
What Is the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder?
At its core, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is a stainless-steel body pneumatic cylinder from Bimba’s well-known Original Line family. It features a 1-½" (1.5") bore and a standard 2.000" stroke, giving it a compact footprint but a surprisingly strong output force. As a double-acting unit, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder uses compressed air to extend and retract the rod, providing smooth, controlled motion in both directions rather than relying on an internal spring.
This particular cylinder is built with a stainless steel body and rod, aluminum end caps, and PTFE bushings, making the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder a strong candidate for applications that need corrosion resistance, low maintenance, and long service life. It belongs to Bimba’s All-Stainless® Original Line, a series designed for harsh, wet, or washdown environments where reliability and cleanliness are critical.
Key Construction Features of the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder
The engineering behind the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder balances durability, performance, and ease of installation. The cylinder body is stainless steel, which provides excellent resistance to corrosion and wear in tough environments. The piston rod is also stainless, round, and externally threaded with a 7/16-20 UNF male thread, so it can be paired with common rod-end accessories such as clevises, eyelets, and studs.
On each end of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder, you will find aluminum end caps that keep weight low while still offering robust mechanical support. Inside, PTFE bushings help guide the rod smoothly and reduce friction, contributing to longer service life. A urethane rod wiper helps keep contaminants out of the cylinder, which is particularly important in environments with dust, moisture, or product residue.
Another important detail of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is the lubrication. The cylinder is pre-greased with an FDA-approved lubricant, so it is well-suited for use in applications where incidental contact with food or sanitary processes may be a concern. Because the grease is permanent and sealed in at the factory, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is designed to operate for years without the need for additional lubrication.
Why the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder Stands Out
Many pneumatic cylinders can provide basic push-and-pull motion, but the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is designed to stand out in terms of reliability and environment compatibility. Its stainless steel body and rod, combined with FDA-approved grease, make it a strong fit for food processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, packaging lines, and other hygienic or corrosive environments. Instead of worrying about rust, contamination, or frequent relubrication, users can install a Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder and focus on consistent operation.
In addition, the compact 1-½" bore and 2" stroke configuration makes the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder extremely versatile. It can be integrated into smaller machinery where space is limited but a significant amount of force is still required. This blend of compact size and strong output is one of the reasons the cylinder is popular in automation projects that need dependable, repetitive motion.
Bore, Stroke, and Force: How Much Work Can It Do?
To understand what the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder can actually accomplish, it helps to look at the numbers behind its bore and pressure ratings. With a 1.50" bore, the effective piston area is roughly 1.767 square inches. That means at a supply pressure of 150 psi, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder can generate approximately 265 lbf of force in extension. At the rated maximum of about 250 psi, that force increases to around 441 lbf.
Because the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is double acting and air-powered in both directions, it can also pull with significant force on the retract stroke. This balanced performance makes it suitable for applications such as clamping, pressing, positioning, opening and closing gates, or actuating mechanical linkages. When properly sized and installed, a Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder can deliver years of consistent force in demanding industrial environments.
Another benefit of the modest 2.000" stroke is control. Shorter strokes reduce cycle time and can improve repeatability in high-speed applications, especially when the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is paired with appropriate valves and flow controls. This combination of force and controlled travel is attractive for designers who need precise movements in compact spaces.
Front-Nose Mounting: Simple, Secure Installation
Mounting flexibility is a major factor when selecting a pneumatic cylinder, and the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is purposely built with front-nose mounting for easy integration. The front head of the cylinder includes a threaded boss, allowing installers to secure the cylinder using a single bolt through this nose feature. Once fastened, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is firmly anchored while the rod extends and retracts to do useful work.
This front-nose mount design reduces the need for bulky brackets and extra hardware, which can save space and simplify machine design. However, in applications with high thrust or side loading, it is often recommended to add a rear support or pivot mount to help react forces and protect the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder from misalignment. Careful alignment of the piston rod with the load is essential to avoid bending forces, premature wear, and possible damage.
Another point to consider is how the cylinder is connected to the rest of the pneumatic system. The Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder features standard air ports that can be connected to 1/4" pneumatic fittings. By supplying clean, dry compressed air—typically via filtered, regulated lines—you can help ensure smoother motion and longer life for the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder.
Double-Acting Operation for Controlled Motion
One of the defining characteristics of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is its double-acting design. Unlike a single-acting cylinder, which uses air in one direction and a spring or external force for the return stroke, a double-acting cylinder uses air for both extend and retract. With the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder, this means that air pressure can be precisely controlled on each side of the piston to set speed, timing, and force in both directions.
In practice, this enables more precise positioning and consistent performance. For example, in a packaging machine, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder can push a product into place and then retract at a controlled speed to prepare for the next cycle. By adjusting flow controls and valve timing, engineers can fine-tune how quickly the cylinder moves, how firmly it presses, and how smoothly it changes direction.
Because there are no internal bumpers or cushions in the standard SR-172-D model, it is important to consider external means of deceleration or softening end-of-stroke impacts when cycling at high speeds. Some applications using the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder may benefit from external stops, shock absorbers, or flow controls to reduce mechanical shock and extend the life of connected components.
Lubrication, Sealing, and Long-Term Reliability
Reliability is central to the value of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder. The cylinder is pre-lubricated at the factory using an FDA-approved grease, which is sealed inside the unit. This permanent lubrication is a key part of Bimba’s Original Line All-Stainless® concept, allowing the cylinder to operate for millions of cycles—often rated up to 3,000 miles of travel—without requiring additional lubrication.
For engineers and maintenance teams, this means less downtime, fewer lubrication-related tasks, and a cleaner system overall. Because the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is non-repairable, it is designed for long life in service before eventual replacement. The use of PTFE bushings helps guide the rod and reduce friction, while the urethane rod wiper helps reduce contamination ingress, especially in washdown or dusty environments.
The cylinder also carries compliance considerations, such as a California Proposition 65 warning, and its basic design supports common environmental standards by avoiding heavy metals. For users in regulated industries, the hygienic materials and FDA grease used in the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder make it easier to integrate into systems that must meet strict cleanliness and safety requirements.
Accessories and Sensors for the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder
A pneumatic cylinder is often just one piece of a larger automation puzzle, and the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is designed to work seamlessly with compatible accessories. Bimba offers a range of rod-end attachments, including stainless steel clevises, eyelets, and studs that thread onto the 7/16-20 UNF rod. These accessories help connect the cylinder rod to levers, linkages, or guided loads in a safe and secure way.
In addition, Bimba’s MRS® magnetic piston switches can be used to sense piston position on many Original Line cylinders. While the standard Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder does not come with an internal magnet by default, versions and accessories are available to add position sensing. When combined with programmable controllers, using magnetic switches with a Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder enables functions like end-of-stroke confirmation, interlocking, and more advanced machine sequencing.
The front-nose mounting style also works well with a variety of machine layouts. Many designers combine the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder with pivot mounts or rear supports to handle off-axis loads. The wide range of accessories means the cylinder can be tailored to specific mechanical setups without needing custom machining.
Alternative Models and Variants in the Bimba Original Line
One advantage of choosing the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is knowing that it is part of a larger product family. Bimba’s Original Line includes several variants that share the same 1-½" bore and 2" stroke but differ in mounting options or added features. For example, models like SR-172-DP include a rear-pivot mounting option, SR-172-DB adds internal bumpers or cushions, and SR-172-DPW includes an enhanced rod wiper.
For designers, this means you can start with the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder as a baseline and then select variants if your application requires extra cushioning or a different mounting style. The naming convention used by Bimba makes it easier to interpret features: suffixes like “P,” “B,” and “W” typically correspond to pivot mounts, bumpers, and wipers respectively. This consistency helps maintenance teams quickly identify what type of cylinder is installed in each part of a machine.
By staying within the same product family, you maintain compatibility with many of the same accessories and have similar performance characteristics. If a system uses both the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder and a cushioned or pivot-mounted variant, maintenance teams can keep fewer spare parts in stock while still supporting a wide variety of applications.
Typical Applications for the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder
Thanks to its stainless construction, compact size, and double-acting operation, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder appears in a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications. In packaging equipment, it can push, clamp, or index products along a conveyor. In food and beverage production, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder can operate gates, diverters, or actuators in environments that require frequent washdown.
In pharmaceutical and medical equipment, the hygienic materials and FDA-approved grease of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder support applications where cleanliness is a priority. It can be used to drive mechanisms in filling machines, capping stations, or other processes where precise, repeatable motion is required. Because the cylinder is non-repairable and factory sealed, it also minimizes the risk of contamination from maintenance activities.
Beyond these sectors, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is also useful in general industrial automation, machine tools, valve actuation, material handling equipment, and small presses. Any application that requires a robust, corrosion-resistant pneumatic actuator with modest stroke and strong force can benefit from the capabilities of a Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder.
Integrating the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder into a Pneumatic System
Integrating a Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder into a wider pneumatic system starts with proper air preparation. Clean, dry, and regulated compressed air helps prevent wear and sticking, extending the life of the cylinder and associated valves. Installing filters, regulators, and lubricators (where appropriate) upstream ensures the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder receives air at the correct pressure and quality.
Next, designers must choose suitable valves and flow controls. A 4-way directional control valve is typically used with a double-acting cylinder like the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder, allowing air to be switched between the two ports. Needle valves or flow controls can be installed near the cylinder to fine-tune extend and retract speeds, improving motion control and reducing mechanical shock at end of stroke.
Proper tubing selection also matters. The air lines feeding the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder should be sized to minimize pressure drop and allow sufficient flow for fast actuation when needed. By considering air preparation, valve selection, and tubing layout together, you can get the best performance and energy efficiency from the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder in your system.
Safety, Compliance, and Environmental Considerations
Whenever you specify a Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder, it is important to consider safety and regulatory requirements. As with many industrial components, the cylinder may carry warnings such as California Proposition 65 notices, which inform users of possible exposure to specific chemicals. Understanding and documenting these aspects helps ensure compliance with local laws and internal safety policies.
From a design standpoint, the stainless steel body and rod of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder support better corrosion resistance, which can contribute to safer equipment in corrosive or wet environments. Corroded cylinders can seize, leak, or fail unexpectedly; using corrosion-resistant components reduces these risks. The use of FDA-approved grease and environmentally conscious materials also aligns the cylinder with modern expectations for cleaner, more sustainable industrial equipment.
Mechanical safety is also crucial. Designers should always ensure that the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is mounted securely, aligned correctly, and protected from side loads. Guards or barriers may be needed in some applications to prevent accidental contact with moving parts. Proper sizing, pressure regulation, and end-of-stroke control help prevent excessive forces that could damage equipment or create unsafe conditions.
Selecting the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder for Your Application
Choosing the right cylinder is about more than just bore and stroke. When evaluating the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder for a project, start by defining the required force, stroke, and cycle rate. Use the available pressure ratings and piston area to calculate whether the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder can provide sufficient force for your load at your normal operating pressure.
Next, consider the environment. If your system operates in a corrosive, wet, or hygienic setting, the stainless steel construction and FDA-approved grease of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder are major advantages. These characteristics help reduce corrosion, contamination, and maintenance tasks over the life of the machine.
Finally, review mounting and accessory options. The front-nose mounting of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder simplifies installation in many designs, but you may benefit from additional supports or pivot mounts. Check available rod-end accessories and sensor options to ensure the cylinder will integrate smoothly into your mechanical layout and control system.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Performance
Although the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is designed as a low-maintenance, non-repairable component, a few good practices can help maximize its service life. First, keep the air supply clean and dry. Contaminants and moisture in the air can increase wear on seals and internal surfaces, even in rugged stainless steel cylinders.
Second, check alignment periodically. If the rod of the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is misaligned with the load, side loads can create uneven wear and may shorten the cylinder’s life. Properly guided loads and aligned mounts help the cylinder operate smoothly and reduce stress on bushings and seals.
Third, monitor cycle counts and performance over time. If you notice changes in speed, force, or smoothness of motion, it may be a sign that the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder is nearing the end of its service life. Because the cylinder is non-repairable, planning for replacement at appropriate intervals can help prevent unexpected downtime in critical production lines.
Comparing the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder to Other Technologies
When choosing between different types of actuators, it can be helpful to compare the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder to alternatives such as electric actuators or hydraulic cylinders. Pneumatic cylinders like the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder are generally simpler, lighter, and easier to integrate when compressed air is already available in a facility.
Compared to hydraulics, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder avoids the complexity of hydraulic pumps, hoses, and fluid management. While hydraulic cylinders can provide higher forces in some applications, they also require more maintenance and carry higher risks of leaks. Pneumatics, by contrast, can offer clean, reliable motion for many medium-force applications.
Electric actuators can be very precise, but they may be more expensive and complex to set up, especially in harsh or washdown environments. For many designers, the combination of stainless construction, sealed lubrication, and straightforward operation makes the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder a very attractive option when balancing cost, reliability, and performance.
Related Product Collections for Pneumatic System Design
If you are planning or upgrading a pneumatic system around the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder, it helps to have easy access to compatible cylinders, valves, and supporting components. These product collections provide a convenient starting point:
- Hydraulic Cylinders & Pneumatic Cylinders ➜ Explore a focused range of hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders for motion control applications, including compact, guided, and heavy-duty options suitable for a wide variety of industrial environments.
- Pneumatic Cylinders, Solenoid Valves, Hydraulic Cylinders, Manifolds ➜ Build out your complete pneumatic circuit with cylinders, solenoid valves, manifolds, and related flow-control components that work together to deliver precise motion and reliable performance.
- Hydraulic Cylinders, Pneumatics, Valves & Pumps ➜ Browse a broad selection of cylinders, valves, pumps, and accessories designed for both pneumatic and hydraulic systems, ideal for maintenance teams and designers who need end-to-end control solutions.
Conclusion: Is the Bimba SR-172-D Double Acting Air Cylinder Right for You?
Choosing the right pneumatic actuator can make a big difference in the performance, reliability, and maintainability of your machinery. The Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder brings together stainless steel construction, compact size, double-acting operation, and sealed FDA-approved lubrication in a single, robust package. Whether you are building equipment for food processing, pharmaceuticals, packaging, or general industrial automation, the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder offers a compelling combination of strength, hygiene, and low maintenance.
If you are currently evaluating options for a compact stainless pneumatic cylinder, taking a closer look at the Bimba SR-172-D double acting air cylinder may help you refine your design and simplify future maintenance. Reviewing the full technical specifications, accessory options, and availability on the product page will give you a clearer picture of how this cylinder can fit into your next project and support reliable motion in your automation systems.
