ISO or NFPA: Little Differences, Big Impacts

NFPA and ISO-compatible cylinders may look similar and perform the same types of tasks, but they are not interchangeable. NFPA relies on imperial dimensions while ISO is metric-based. The dimensions are often not the same, and sometimes the internal components are different. Those differences may be small, but they can have a big, negative impact on performance and quality. 

Almost Isn’t Good Enough

The only truly interchangeable pneumatic cylinders are those that are, in fact, the same.

If the actuator you choose doesn’t precisely fit with other components, that incompatibility can alter the cylinder’s performance with unexpected outcomes. It may not work as well, or it may not function consistently. It could wear out faster. Product quality, production schedules, and maintenance costs would all be negatively affected. Choosing the right replacement pneumatic cylinders is more efficient and more cost-effective.

If you manufacture equipment, you can standardize components with either ISO or NFPA dimensions depending on where the equipment’s end users will be located. If they are only within the US, then NFPA is never a problem. If the equipment you’re manufacturing will be exported to other countries, ISO-compatible cylinders will likely be the best fit because they are metric.  

That said, there are also situations in which ISO products are required as replacement pneumatic cylinders here in the US, for equipment that was built elsewhere and imported. 

Fast Turnaround on the Components You Need

Branham stocks ISO pneumatic cylinders, serving as the exclusive North American distributor for ARTEC high-quality cylinders made in Italy. Most of these are ISO-compliant, but some are non-standard to meet specific needs. So whatever dimension standards you require, you can order from us and get a reliably timely turnaround, without worrying about overseas supply chain delays.

With all these choices (and their many configurations), there’s no need to make do with pneumatic actuators that aren’t quite right.

Branham rod and rodless pneumatic cylinders:

• ULTRIQTM Compact Pancake Air Cylinders
• OVLPRO® Low Profile Rod Air Cylinders
• DURATRK® Band-Type Rodless Air Cylinders
• MAGTEC® Magnetically Coupled-Type Air Cylinders
• PNEU-SA® Enclosed Cable-Type Air Cylinders
• Rodless Cable Air Cylinders
• Guided Cable Air Cylinders
• Single-Acting Cable Air Cylinders
• Linear Tension Cable Air Cylinders

ARTEC rod cylinders:

• ISO and UNITOP Rod Air Cylinders
• Compact and Short Stroke Rod Air Cylinders
• Round Rod Air Cylinders
• Stainless Steel ISO and Round Rod Air Cylinders
• Stopper Rod Air Cylinders
• Pneumatic Angular Grippers

The Takeaway Here Is Simple

Don’t try to interchange pneumatic cylinders unless you are certain that the end result will not change in any way.

If you’re looking for replacement pneumatic cylinders, keep in mind that the existing component was chosen for a specific design reason. The same is true for new design projects – you need the component that will work precisely as you have planned. We’re always here to answer questions and help you select exactly the components you need. Just give us a call or drop us an email.