[97] Single acting cylinder

• In the case of a single acting

cylinder, only the piston side is
pressurized with hydraulic fluid.
The cylinder can thus carry out
work only in one direction. The
fluid which flows into the piston
chamber causes a pressure to
build up the surface of the piston.
The piston travels into its forward
end position. The return stroke is
effected by a spring, the dead
weight of the piston rod or an
external load.
 Hydraulic Cylinders
• Effective cylinder piston area

© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Permission granted to reproduce for

4
Inc. educational use only.
 [98] Plunger cylinder
• In the case of plunger
cylinders, the piston and
rod form a single
component. Due to the
design of the cylinder, the
return stroke can only be
effected by external forces.
The cylinders can therefore
generally be installed only
vertically.
 [99] Double acting cylinder
• In the case of double acting
cylinders, both piston surfaces
can be pressurized. A working
movement can thus be
performed in both directions.

• With double acting cylinders with

a single-sided piston rod,
different forces and speeds are
obtained on the advance and
return strokes due to the
difference in area between the
piston surface and annular piston
surface.
[102] Double acting cylinder
• Actual photograph of a
double acting cylinder.
Cylinder types: piston, double acting
Piston rod on both side
 Hydraulic cylinders
Cylinder types: telescopic, single acting

Large working paths or

limited space

2005/2006 I. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems 13

 Hydraulic cylinders
Cylinder types: telescopic, double acting

Large working paths or

limited space

2005/2006 I. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems 14

 Hydraulic Cylinders

• Telescoping cylinders

Star Hydraulics, Inc.

© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Permission granted to reproduce for
15
Inc. educational use only.