What is a Single-Acting Cylinder?

Unlike double-acting pneumatic cylinders, single-acting pneumatic cylinders are powered by compressed air in only one direction. To move in the other direction (return), another force is used, such as gravity of the load or a spring. These cylinders are used in applications where the load will cause it to return or the load is so light that a spring can be used to return the rod.  

Double- and single-acting cylinders can look very similar. The difference between a double- and a single-acting cylinder is how many ports are in the cylinder.  

Here is a picture of a double-acting and a single-acting cylinder:

 

 

Here is a cut-away illustration of what a single-acting cylinder looks like:

 

Parker Hannifin Corporation. (1980). Industrial Pneumatic Technology. Parker Hannifin Corp. DOI: 1557690154

 

Single-acting cylinders can be made to power in either direction. When they are powered to extend, as shown above, they are called Single-Acting to Extend Cylinders. When they are powered to retract, they are called Single-Acting to Retract cylinders.

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