SC63 vs SC80 – Which Pneumatic Cylinder Should You Choose?

What Is the Difference Between SC63 and SC80?

SC63 and SC80 are both standard AirTAC SC series pneumatic cylinders.

The biggest differences are:

1. Cylinder bore size
2. Pushing force
3. Overall dimensions
4. Air consumption

Specifically:

1. SC63 has a 63mm bore
2. SC80 has an 80mm bore

👉 These differences directly affect:

1. Pushing force
2. Speed
3. System stability

How Much Weight Can an SC63 Cylinder Push?

At approximately 6 bar pressure:

1. SC63 can generate about:
2. ~180–190kgf pushing force

👉 This force level is suitable for:

1. Medium-sized machines
2. Pneumatic jigs
3. Medium-load pushing systems

How Much Weight Can an SC80 Cylinder Push?

At approximately 6 bar pressure:

1. SC80 can generate about:
2. ~290–300kgf pushing force

👉 This is significantly stronger than SC63.

F=P×AF = P \times AF=P×A

👉 Larger bore:

1. Larger piston area
2. Greater pushing force

When Should You Choose SC63?

SC63 is suitable if your system:

1. Handles medium loads
2. Does not require extremely high force
3. Needs lower air consumption
4. Has limited machine space

Common Applications for SC63

Pneumatic Jigs

SC63 is commonly used for:

1. Product clamping
2. Product pushing
3. Light pressing systems

Medium-Sized Automation Machines

SC63 works well in:

1. Conveyor automation
2. Packaging machines
3. Medium-load pick & place systems

High-Speed Applications

Because:

1. The piston is lighter
2. Air consumption is lower

👉 SC63 usually operates faster than SC80.

When Should You Choose SC80?

SC80 is more suitable if:

1. The load is heavy
2. Strong pressing force is required
3. Higher stability is needed

Common Applications for SC80

Pneumatic Press Machines

SC80 is commonly used for:

1. Product pressing
2. Heavy clamping systems
3. Pneumatic stamping applications

Heavy-Duty Automation Systems

Examples:

1. Large lifting mechanisms
2. Small pallet pushing systems
3. Large industrial automation machines

Long Stroke and Heavy Load Systems

SC80 performs better when:

1. Stroke length is long
2. Loads are heavy
3. Operating force is high

Which One Saves More Air – SC63 or SC80?

👉 SC63 consumes significantly less air.

Because:

1. The bore is smaller
2. Air volume is lower

→ The air compressor:

1. Works less
2. Uses less electricity

SC80 Consumes More Air

Because:

1. The piston area is larger
2. Stroke lengths are often longer

👉 SC80:

1. Produces more force
2. But consumes much more compressed air

Which One Is More Stable – SC63 or SC80?

For heavy loads:

1. SC80 is more stable

For medium loads:

1. SC63 is usually sufficient and more economical

👉 You should NOT choose SC80 if:

1. The load is light
2. High force is unnecessary

Because:

1. It may cause vibration
2. It wastes compressed air

Should You Choose SC80 “Just To Be Safe”?

Many people think:

1. “Bigger bore is always better.”

👉 This is a common mistake.

SC80 may cause:

1. Higher air consumption
2. Strong impact force
3. Reduced positioning accuracy
4. Higher system cost

👉 The most important thing is:

1. Choosing the correct bore based on actual load requirements.

When Should You Use Guided Cylinders Instead of Increasing Bore Size?

If your system:

1. Vibrates heavily
2. Has off-center loads
3. Uses long stroke movement

👉 Increasing bore size alone may not solve the problem.

In many cases:

1. Guided cylinders are much more effective.

So, Should You Choose SC63 or SC80?

Choose SC63 If:

✅ The load is medium

✅ You want lower air consumption

✅ The machine is small or medium-sized

✅ High speed is important

Choose SC80 If:

✅ The load is heavy

✅ High force is required

✅ Stroke length is long

✅ The system is industrial-grade

Conclusion

SC63 and SC80 are both very popular pneumatic cylinders.

👉 However:

1. SC63 is better for medium loads and lower air consumption
2. SC80 is better for heavy loads and high force applications

👉 Do not choose based only on guesswork.

Always:

1. Calculate the actual required force
2. Analyze the real load conditions
3. Select the correct bore size for your system