Hydraulic Cylinders – A Brief Description

Also known as linear hydraulic motor, hydraulic cylinders are apparently mechanical actuators which are used for giving unidirectional force via unidirectional stroke. The basic design of a hydraulic cylinder consists of a piston that is connected to a piston rod and a cylinder barrel. The working of the cylinder is depends upon the power of it which comes from hydraulic fluid, specifically it is oil. The secondary parts include cylinder head, cylinder base, seal and seal gland. Hydraulic cylinders are basically available in two types. One is the single acting cylinder and the other is the double acting cylinder. The double acting cylinder is made up of two ports at every end and hydraulic fluid is supplied for extension and retraction. While, in a single acting cylinder the fluid is supplied only through one end of it and as a result the rod is extended due to area difference. The rod again returns to its original position due to the external force of gravity.  The various types of hydraulic cylinder designs include the two basic types that are welded body cylinders and tie rod cylinders. The special type of hydraulic cylinder include plunger, differential and telescopic cylinder. Hydraulic cylinders find their application in many areas like manufacturing machinery, civil engineering as well as in construction equipments or vehicles. Most of the power steering systems work with the help of hydraulic cylinder systems.

Steps to Choose the Perfect Hydraulic Cylinder

Choosing a hydraulic cylinder is not a simple as it involves some acumen in ascertaining the best that could comply with the nature of your work. If you have projects that constantly require cylinders of different capacities and sizes, you need to keep a fresh outlook each time. This has no shortcut; if you really want a hydraulic cylinder to work to its full efficiency, you need to make sure you choose the right one for each of your projects. Though this may take a while, choosing the right cylinder is no rocket science given that you have the right outlook and if you think you don’t, we give you this three step procedure in determining the best cylinder or your use.

Step 1: Size and force

Keep a note of the operating pressure that has to be applied as that would decide the bore size of your cylinder. General pressure ranges from 500 psi-3000 psi. You also need to know the force that would be applied for the operation in your project. Once you get the bore size, round it off to the succeeding bore size.

Step 2: Type of mount

Mount selection depends on the nature of movement of load. There are two types of mounts: straight line and pivoted. If you need to move the load through arcs, pivoted mounts are suggested and to move the load on a linear path, consider the straight line mount.

Step 3: Application Environment

You need to know the kind of use of the cylinder as that will decide the material of seals and finishes for the cylinder. For instance, for food production unit, you may need a non-corroding seal so that a wash down does not make the cylinder defunct and you don’t need to replace it repeatedly.