The DGPL‑18‑KF linear drive is part of Festo’s DGPL series of rodless linear drives, where the KF designation indicates a recirculating ball‑bearing guide that provides high rigidity, low backlash, and high‑precision motion for stroke and positioning tasks. The drive is typically installed along an external guide rail, with the piston and integrated slide moving the load across the stroke while the compressed air is contained inside the sealed cylinder body. The 18 mm piston diameter is optimized for light‑ to medium‑load applications, such as tool‑changer arms, pick‑and‑place modules, and linear positioning stages in CNC and assembly lines.
Technically, the DGPL‑18‑KF runs on 5–10 bar (0.5–1.0 MPa) compressed air supplied through standard pneumatic ports, and its ball‑bearing guide supports high‑resolution positioning with excellent repeatability over the full stroke. The KF‑type guide uses recirculating ball bearings and hardened rails to minimize friction and wear, enabling smooth, low‑noise travel at high speed while maintaining tight positional accuracy even under side or moment loads. The drive is often ordered with pneumatic cushioning (e.g., PPV type) adjustable at both ends, which softens impacts at the stroke limits and extends component life. The slide can be fitted with pneumatic‑cylinder attachments or custom tooling mounts, making it suitable for integrating into bespoke linear‑motion systems.
Mechanically, the DGPL‑18‑KF features a die‑cast‑aluminum housing and anodized or coated slide for corrosion resistance in factory environments, while NBR and TPE‑U(PU) seals ensure long‑term reliability and resistance to typical industrial lubricants and contaminants. The compact ≈24×6×1.5 cm footprint and ≈0.5 kg weight make it easy to mount in tight spaces and on compact machines, and the modular DGPL design allows for various stroke lengths and accessory options (such as proximity‑sensor tracks, additional mounting points, and side‑plate brackets) tailored to the application. The drive is commonly used in machining centers, automated assembly lines, material‑handling systems, and packaging equipment, where it performs reliable, repeatable linear motion tasks such as component placement, conveyor transfers, and clamp actuation.
