Comparison table: single-acting and double-acting hydraulic cylinders
Advantages of single acting hydraulic cylinders：
1）Simplicity
2）Requires just 1 hose per cylinder
3）Economical
4）Easy to maintain
Advantages of double acting hydraulic cylinders：
1）Precise control
2）Faster retraction
3）Suits repetitive actions
4）Applies push and pull forces
Single-acting and double-acting cylinders：
The single-acting cylinder generates thrust and moves the load in one direction. When ordering, the cylinder can be configured to push the load forward or pull the load backward. When it reaches the end of the “throw”, a spring or some similar mechanism returns the piston to its original position.
The double-acting cylinder generates thrust in two directions. So it can push the load up and down or back and forth. Each end of the cylinder has a common port, so compressed air can enter from one end to push and the other end to pull.
Deciding which one is right for your application depends on the work you need to complete. If you only need one-way movement, a single-acting cylinder is the ticket. If you need to move the load in two directions under the action of power, a double-acting cylinder is your ideal choice.
When to use a single-acting cylinder：
Single-acting cylinders are commonly used in clamping, hydraulic cylinders, pump reciprocating engines, and stamping and positioning applications.
When to use a double-acting cylinder：
In theory, you can use two single-acting cylinders to generate push and pull motions separately. This may be a benefit in situations where you need to perform positive end-of-stroke positioning in both directions. However, in most cases, double-acting cylinders can achieve a more efficient design. These cylinders are stronger, faster, and more energy efficient than single-acting cylinders, and their stroke length is longer, especially for double-acting cylinder types, such as rodless cylinders and cable cylinders.
Since double-acting cylinders are versatile, they can be used for:
Opening and closing gates, car washes or loading dock doors
Open and close the valve
Move items in or out of the conveyor belt
Mobile transport system itself
Silk screen
Knife
Paint or powder coating spray
Presses and punches
Medical equipment
Opening and Closing of the Shuttle Door of the International Space Station
Double-acting hydraulic cylinders are also used in various non-industrial applications, such as:
Elevator
Forklift
Suspension systems for cars and other vehicles and aircraft landing gear
Drilling
Earthwork and other construction equipment
Log splitter
Car transport carrier
If you have any further questions about single and double acting cylinders, or would like us to help you make custom hydraulic cylinders, please contact email: [email protected] or contact us.