Single vs. Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinders: Choosing the Best One for Your Application

Blog | May 27th, 2022

Various tools and machines nowadays utilise systems that allow them to operate effectively. One of the systems that are being used by these things is hydraulic systems.

Hydraulic systems can carry out tasks optimally by utilising a pressurised fluid. They normally have a pump that pushes hydraulic fluid through their system. As the fluid passes through the valves and gets into the cylinder, its hydraulic energy is converted into mechanical energy. The purpose of the valves is to direct the liquid flow. They can likewise mitigate the fluid’s pressure whenever necessary.

Hydraulic cylinders, alternatively, are meant to generate mechanical force in a linear motion. These components are responsible for the movement of tools, machines, and other devices that utilise hydraulic systems. To date, industries can choose between single- and double-acting hydraulic cylinders.

Single-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

Single-acting hydraulic cylinders have one port that allows the entry of hydraulic fluid in one direction. Their piston only extends as the cylinders receive pressure from a pump. The piston then retracts by an inbuilt spring or by the load once the hydraulic fluid has been released through the same port.

What is great about single-acting hydraulic cylinders is they have a low cost of initial purchase. They also have a simple design and compact form factor, making their installation convenient and straightforward. They can likewise provide significant savings in valve and piping expenditure. These cylinders, however, may maximise a spring that limits the working area. They may also have reduced thrust because of the opposing spring force. Ultimately, they can become inconsistent due to extended spring usage.

The features and benefits of single-acting hydraulic cylinders make them convenient for machines that carry out lifting, clamping, positioning, and punching operations.

Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

Double-acting hydraulic cylinders, on the other hand, maximise two connection ports that allow their piston rod to move forward and backward. The extra port also helps in regulating the operation of the plunger during retraction as well as ensuring that it will return to its starting point in a short time. These ports also allow the hydraulic fluid to enter in and out without any issues.

One of the benefits of maximising double-acting hydraulic cylinders is they can provide more control over movement due to the presence of two ports. They are also faster, stronger, and more energy-efficient. Double-acting hydraulic cylinders can likewise apply push and pull forces and carry out a faster retraction. As for their drawbacks, double-acting hydraulic cylinders can cost more than their single counterparts. They likewise require larger housing and can be more complex.

Double-acting hydraulic cylinders’ features and benefits allow them to be beneficial for machines that carry out repetitive actions. They can also be useful for machines that require push and pull forces.

If you have to conduct lifting and other similar operations, you may want to opt for single-acting hydraulic cylinders. You must go for double-acting hydraulic cylinders if your machines must carry out repetitive actions. To learn more about hydraulic cylinders, you can contact us at Mobile Hydraulic Specialties. 

Mobile Hydraulic Specialties Pty Ltd

Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road
Keysborough, Victoria, 3173

Phone: (03) 9798-6511

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Mobile Hydraulic Specialties Pty Ltd

Phone: (03) 9798-6511
Address: Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road, Keysborough, Victoria, 3173