What is the difference between a single acting and a double-acting cylinder?

Hydraulic cylinders are used on various types of machinery and equipment, but there are two main types: single-acting and double-acting cylinders. Each type has its own distinct designs and operational benefits. In this blog, we will discuss how these cylinders work and help you determine which one is right for your needs.

How Does a Single-Acting Cylinder Work?

Single-acting cylinders operate with hydraulic fluid entering through a single port to push the piston in one direction, typically outwards. This extension is the stroke of the cylinder combined with the size and pressure, generating the desired force.

But what about retraction? A single-acting cylinder relies on an external force, such as a load, spring, compressed air, or even gravity, to pull the piston back to its original position. This makes them well suited for applications where force is only needed in one direction.

Advantages of Single-Acting Cylinders:

• Their design is less complex, with lower costs and easier maintenance.
• With fewer components, single-acting cylinders are smaller and lighter, ideal for space constrained applications.

Disadvantages of Single-Acting Cylinders:

• Single-acting cylinders offer less control over the retraction speed and force.
• Due to unidirectional control, single-acting cylinders are not suitable for tasks requiring both pushing and pulling.
• Prone to ingress of moisture causing rust in the bore

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How Does a Double-Acting Cylinder Work?

Double-acting cylinders have two ports, one on each side of the piston. By alerting the directing of hydraulic fluid into either port, they provide both extension and retraction with precise control. Fluid entering one port pushes the piston out, while fluid entering the other port retracts it.

Advantages of Double-Acting Cylinders:

• The ability to control the flow of fluid in both directions allows for precise control over speed and force during both extension and retraction.
• Double-acting cylinders are suitable for various applications that require both pushing and pulling actions.

Disadvantages of Double-Acting Cylinders:

• Their design is more complicated, leading to higher costs and potentially more complex maintenance.
• With the additional port and internal mechanisms, double-acting cylinders can be larger and heavier than single-acting cylinders.

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Choosing the right cylinder for your application depends on some key factors:

• If force is needed in only one direction, a single-acting cylinder might be sufficient. However, for applications requiring both pushing and pulling, a double-acting cylinder is necessary.
• If precise control over speed and force in both directions is crucial, a double-acting cylinder is the better choice. However, if a basic extension is sufficient, a single-acting cylinder can save you money.

FPE Seals stocks and manufactures a full range of sealing solutions and metal parts for hydraulic cylinders. From piston seals, wiper seals, O-rings, and complete cylinders.

Order online today or contact our knowledgeable team here at FPE Seals, who will discuss your requirements based on your application, and help you find the right seal for the job.

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