What Is The Difference Between A Single And Double Acting Cylinder?

Hydraulic cylinders are essential in many industrial applications, and understanding the difference between single and double acting cylinders is crucial for selecting the right type for your needs.

Single Acting Cylinders

These hydraulic cylinders have only one port available for the user to connect hydraulic cylinders or hose fittings to. As a result of there being the single port, this is also where the hydraulic fluid enters the system which then extends the rod due to the area difference. To return the piston rod an external force or gravity function is used.

Single acting cylinders are simpler than their double counterparts and require less maintenance throughout their life, due to their actions being determined by the pressure only being on one line.

Advantages:

• Easy installation due to simple design
• Cost-effective initial purchase
• Compact housing with a single port
• Reduced valve and piping costs

Disadvantages:

• Requires proper fluid preparation
• Springs limit available working area
• Reduced thrust due to spring force
• Potential for inconsistent piston strokes over time

Double Acting Cylinders

Double acting hydraulic cylinders have two separate ports. The first port is where advanced (extending) hydraulic hose fittings will be attached to the cylinder. Whereas the second port is where the retracting hydraulic hose fittings are attached. In this case hydraulic fluid is supplied for both the retraction and extension actions within the hydraulic cylinder, so to return the piston rod an external force is not needed.

With the double acting cylinder the user needs to have full control of the mechanism as the component is moving in two separate directions without the need for manual returns on the piston rod. This means that the hydraulic cylinder needs to be checked regularly and monitored more closely than the single acting cylinder.

Advantages:

• Greater control over movement in both directions
• Faster and stronger operation
• More design variations available
• Often ISO compliant

Disadvantages:

• Higher initial cost
• Requires larger housing
• May have variable fluid consumption rates

Choosing the Right Hydraulic Cylinder

• For simple, one-direction tasks like ejecting parts from a conveyor belt, single acting cylinders are ideal
• When speed, force, and precise control are needed, double acting cylinders are the better choice

Understanding these differences will help you select the most suitable hydraulic cylinder for your specific application, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency in your industrial processes.

You can also check out our wide range of hydraulic cylinders to find the hydraulic components for your needs!