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

Both cylinder types transmit hydraulic fluid or output force in a direction, and each cylinder type has advantages and qualities that make it suitable for certain types of applications.

Single acting cylinder:

Single-acting cylinders are available in spring-return type and spring-out type. The S type is air intake at port A, and the air pressure drives the piston, overcoming the spring force and friction force, and the piston rod extends; exhaust port A, the spring force makes the piston rod retract. T type is A port intake, the piston rod retracts; A port exhaust, the spring force makes the piston rod extend. There is a breathing hole R on the spring side, and it is better to set a filter on the breathing hole to prevent pollutants from entering the cylinder.

The single-acting cylinder has a simple structure and low air consumption. A spring is installed in the rigid body to shorten the effective stroke of the cylinder. The reaction force of the spring increases with the increase of the compression stroke, so the output force of the piston rod decreases with the increase of the movement stroke. The spring's ability to absorb kinetic energy reduces the impact of stroke interruptions. It is generally used in occasions with short strokes and low requirements for output force and movement speed.

Advantages of single-acting cylinders: 1. Reliable, 2. Simple, 3. Pocket, 4. Economical

Double acting cylinder:

The piston of the double-acting cylinder can output force (push or pull) forward or backward. The structure is simple, and the itinerary can be selected according to the needs. If the cylinder does not have a buffer device, when the piston moves to the end, especially the cylinder with a long stroke, the force of the piston hitting the end cover is very large, which is easy to damage the parts.

Double-acting cylinders can also be divided into single-piston rod type and double-piston rod type. The pressure area on both sides of the piston of the double piston rod type cylinder is equal, and the movement stroke and output force on both sides are equal. Can be used on long-stroke workbench devices. Both ends of the piston rod are fixed, and the cylinder barrel of the cylinder moves with the worktable, with enhanced rigidity and good guidance.

In order to absorb the impact energy of the cylinder moving parts at the end of the stroke, there are buffer pads on both sides of the piston to protect the cylinder from damage.

Advantages of double-acting cylinders: 1. Energy saving, 2. Accurate, 3. Precise, 4. Push-pull action