Single acting cylinders play an important role in many applications Mainly, they are used in the transportation industry or life sciences. At the heart of it, a single acting cylinder consists of a rod and a piston that move inside a closed container. The movement remains linear to deliver the desired power. When it comes down to it, there are a few other important things to know about these cylinders. Read on to become more acquainted with the process involved with single cylinders.
The Different Types
There are actually two types of actuators. One is called the double action and the other is the single action. In a double acting system, the power is generated through a back and forth thrusting motion. To do this, double action systems have ports at each end of the piston. In a single action system, the thrust occurs in one direction only. This is the main difference between these two types.
The Benefits of Single Action Cylinders
There are many reasons why you might prefer a single action cylinder over a double action model. First, the simple design means that these cylinders are less likely to break down or require maintenance. Second, they are compact in size and can fit a wide variety of applications. Furthermore, these devices use way less air consumption than a larger cylinder. In this sense, double action cylinders are the most economical choice.
Putting It to Use
There are many things you can do with a single acting cylinder. First, you’ll also have to decide whether you need a spring extended or spring return style cylinder. Consult a manufacturer of hydraulics for the best advice.