01

Single-acting cylinder

Single-acting hydraulic cylinders transmit hydraulic fluid or output force in only one direction to achieve movement in one direction. Only one end of the two chambers of the cylinder has oil, and the other end is in contact with air.

In the hydraulic cylinder, the piston rod can be pushed in one direction, and it will not retract when the pressure disappears. A force in the opposite direction is required to return the piston rod to its original position, usually with the help of spring force, gravity, etc.

Advantages of single-acting cylinders: reliable; simple, easy to maintain; compact; economical.

Disadvantages of single-acting cylinders: single function, can only work in one direction.

02

Double-acting cylinder

Double-acting cylinders can transfer hydraulic fluid or output force in both directions of extension and retraction to achieve bidirectional movement. There is oil in both chambers of the hydraulic cylinder, and the movement in both directions is achieved by oil pressure.

Ports are located at both ends of the hydraulic cylinder, allowing the piston rod to move forward and backward. This movement is caused by the alternation of ports, one end receiving pressure, generating thrust and performing push and pull movements.

Advantages of double-acting cylinders: energy saving; accurate; can complete pushing and pulling actions.

03

Difference between single-acting cylinder and double-acting cylinder

The most obvious difference is the number of connection ports. Single-acting cylinders have only one port, which is where the fluid enters and forces the piston to exit in one direction.

A single-acting cylinder is like a person playing tennis alone. Even though you are alone, you can find a place with an obstacle (such as a wall) to practice, because the baseball will bounce back to you.

Double-acting cylinders have two ports, one for fluid to enter and extend the piston, and another for retracting the cylinder.

04

How to choose between single-acting cylinder and double-acting cylinder?

When is it appropriate to choose a double-acting cylinder?

Single-acting cylinders are ideal for simple tasks – especially when quick or controlled retraction is not required. Commonly used for clamping, pumping reciprocating engines, and stamping and positioning applications.

Double-acting cylinders have compression and tension forces, do not require external power, can meet larger industrial systems, and are the most commonly used type on the market. Double-acting cylinders can be used in all situations where linear motion requires output force in two directions and the output force requirement is not too large.

Double-acting cylinders are better suited for complex applications, while single-acting cylinders are better suited for simple applications that require reliability and simplicity.

Article from JW GROUP，Sales manager: Nancy  Zhu

Email: nancy@jwgroup.cc

Mobile/Whatsapp:+86 15902166721

HYDRAULIC CYLINDER specialist of hydraulic cylinder and CNC machinery parts

JW GROUP is an integrated steel product group,subsidiary JW STEEL/JW HYDRAULIC products include:hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic cylinder spare parts,drilling forging parts, pneumatic actuator-scotch yoke, machinery part.