Double Acting Cylinders
Double acting cylinders are bidirectional pneumatic linear actuators that use pressure differentials to convert compressed air energy into mechanical energy. The extension and retraction of a piston rod as a result of the introduction of varied amounts of compressed air into a closed cylinder system is the basic function of all air cylinders.
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Applications of Double Acting Cylinders
Unlike single acting cylinders, double action air cylinders offer powered motion in two directions rather than one. The increased mechanical capabilities of this type of cylinder allow its use in a number of industries for variable applications. Automotive, food processing and packaging, metal working, mining, construction, textile and forestry industries all utilize double action cylinder systems.
Double Acting Cylinder Design and Function
Despite the many possible double acting air cylinder configurations, the basic construction and process remains relatively uniform. The cylinder itself is a round or rectangular tube-shaped device with both an air inlet and exhaust valve at each end. This cylinder houses one or more pistons with attached rods. A hole through which the piston rod is extended is also needed at one or both ends. Several seals are placed around the piston head and the airflow valves to ensure that air does not leak in, out, or from one compartment to the other, which would cause a loss of pressure and decreased functionality.
When the cylinder is in use, compressed air is entered into one side of the cylinder. Working air acts alternately on both sides of the piston face or plunger. When air is entered into one portion, it creates linear energy, moving the piston toward the opposite end, which exhausts the opposing air. This extends the rod, allowing it to fulfill its mechanical purpose. The rod is retracted when air is forced into the opposite end of the cylinder and exhausted from the other. The degree of piston rod extension and retraction correlates with the amount of compressed air entered into the enclosed cylinder shaft. This length, known as the stroke, is one of the most important considerations when selecting the proper air cylinder for a given application. Additional considerations include the material construct of the cylinder and internal components, pressure range, bore size, mounting options, and port size.
Benefits of Using Double Acting Cylinders
Because these mechanisms use only compressed air to open, close, push, pull, and lift products and equipment, they provide an economical and environmentally friendly solution to many mechanical operations. Air cylinders operate with air pressures as low as a few PSI or as high as several hundred PSI. Additionally, several housing and body types, such as tie rod, smooth body, pancake, rectangular, rotating, and multiple bore are widely available. These standard and customized options ensure the easy installation and integration of double acting cylinders and their corresponding air sources into pre-existing workspaces.