Double Acting Hydraulic Cylinder Info Guide

A double-acting hydraulic cylinder has a lot of advantages over single acting, but it also has a few downsides. Before we get into the technicalities of this cylinder, let’s start with the basics. A double-acting cylinder gets its name from having two ports that allow hydraulic fluid to pass. As a result, it requires two hoses – one for each port.

Hydraulic fluid pumps into the initial port, known as the advance port. The piston extends and pushes fluid through the opposite port. The motion reverses and retracts the piston. This design lets the operator control the extension and retraction of the piston to the needed length.

As a result, double-acting hydraulic pistons give operators more precise control over the machine. This makes them an ideal choice for machines that require efficient movement.

Benefits of Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

Precision and accuracy are the key benefits, but double-acting hydraulic cylinders come with other benefits as well:

• -They burn energy much more efficiently. The energy cost of the precision and strength is low.
• -ISO compliant machines generally utilize double-acting hydraulic cylinders since they generate more power.
• -They come in a variety of sizes and strokes, making them quite versatile.

Downsides of Double-Acting Hydraulic Cylinders

Of course, if there were no downsides to double-acting cylinders then every machine would use them. So, here are some disadvantages:

• -Double-acting hydraulic cylinders are on the pricey side when compared to their single-acting counterparts.
• -Larger housing is required to accommodate their larger size. Depending on the machine, this is not always feasible.

How Double-Acting Cylinders Differ From Single-Acting

Function is the biggest difference. Single-acting cylinders have a simple function. They move in a single direction when force is applied. Then the piston is pushed back into starting position by a spring.

On the other hand, double-acting cylinders utilize two ports so they move much more rapidly. This makes them operate more efficiently. Thus the two types of cylinders have different applications.

Choosing the Right Double-Acting Cylinder

In applications where force is only required in a single direction, then single-acting cylinders are the optimal choice. This is commonly found in industrial settings like factories. With that said, double-acting cylinders are much more common due to their precision and power.

Consider the application of the cylinder when making your choice. How much pressure is required for the application to function properly? That generally tells you the type of cylinder that works best.

Final Thoughts

Being able to answer the question how does a double acting hydraulic cylinder work will help you make the best choice. Knowing its function gives you the information to compare your operational needs and required capacity. Remember that it has its pros and cons so don’t rush into a decision. Sometimes, a single-acting cylinder will suffice.

Whatever type of cylinder you choose, remember to take care of important machinery by performing regular maintenance. Otherwise, you could find yourself replacing it far too often. Every cylinder needs maintenance at one point or another.

The bottom line is that, in most cases, a double-acting hydraulic cylinder is the optimal choice since it’s the more precise and cost-effective option.