Pronal’s pneumatic lifting jacks, distributed locally by Air Springs Supply, are being deployed across Australian manufacturing lines as compact conveyor brakes designed to control product flow without causing equipment damage or production downtime.
In a media release, the company said the ultra-thin 20 mm pneumatic jacks – available in lifting capacities from 1 to 65 tonnes – are being adopted in manufacturing, processing, and packaging facilities seeking a low-maintenance alternative to conventional rod cylinders.
According to Pronal, the inflatable brake rollers provide a controlled way to slow boxes, pallets, and other goods on inclined conveyors, improving handling safety in tight production environments.
Air Springs Supply Technical Product Manager Vinh Lam said the lifting bags offered a ‘strong and reliable’ braking solution without the damage or downtime hazards typically associated with rod-type cylinders.
“Unlike rod cylinders, Pronal lifting bags don’t need to be checked and maintained in this application, where they aren’t permanently fixed and can be easily removed.”
According to Pronal, one recent application involved the manufacture and processing of rail vehicle seats, where engineers needed a slim braking system capable of slowing a roller conveyor without stopping it.
Pronal reported that the system required a starting height of just 20 mm, a 30 mm stroke, and a broad contact area to avoid warping rollers – conditions that conventional rod cylinders could not meet.
To address this, Pronal said it supplied 12 low-pressure 120 x 120 mm lifting jacks arranged in pairs to provide even and steady lifting.
The company also stated the thin, compact design of the jacks enabled seamless integration beneath the conveyor while delivering consistent braking performance.
Pronal’s lifting bags are manufactured from aramid fibre coated with elastomer and assembled by vulcanisation.
The company noted that their flat profile, wide contact surface, and lightweight construction – ranging from 0.6 to 22 kg – make them suitable for manufacturing automation systems requiring pressing, guiding, clamping, lifting, or handling.
Pronal said the bags can be filled with air, water, or oil and return to their original shape when deflated, allowing installation in tight spaces such as moulds, presses, conveyors, and lifting tables.
