Single and double acting cylinders

Pneumatic actuators, although imperceptible on a daily basis, are irreplaceable "wonders of technology" present in many industries, as well as in everyday life. Simple to build, they are a component of many machines, cars and everyday objects. Many types of these devices belong to the group of actuators. One of the most important criteria for their division is the way the working element moves, which is the piston rod. In this regard, there are two groups of actuators: single-acting and double-acting. So how exactly does their operation differ? And where do they apply?

Single-acting cylinders.

These are pneumatic cylinders , in the industry language referred to as push or pull cylinders. Their very name indicates the method of air supply. Two types of operation can be distinguished in this type of actuator. In the first case , the pneumatic cylinders have a piston which, supplied with a dose of compressed air, moves under its influence towards the higher load. However, in the absence of loads, the piston is pushed back to its original position by a mechanical spring.

In the second case, the pneumatic cylinders are equipped with a piston rod, which retracts under the influence of compressed air. The mechanical spring, on the other hand, is the element responsible for its extension.

The advantage of this solution is, above all, lower air consumption, which directly means less energy consumption. Consequently, this allows a lower load on the compressor.

Another advantage of single-acting actuators are the elements that protect the device against contamination from the atmosphere. Because each single-acting cylinder is equipped with a filter cartridge located in the front chamber of the drive, which in turn communicates directly with the atmosphere. In the case of a single-acting actuator , when the atmosphere meets the rear chamber, the piston and the piston rod return to their original position under the influence of the spring.

On the other hand, a single-acting actuator with shock absorption , in order to minimize the consequences of impacts of mechanical elements on the engine covers, has two types of reduction. The first is mechanical shock absorption, in which installed polymer plastics or natural materials are used to reduce the effects of impacts. They are characterized by the ability to return to the original form, after a momentary distortion, while maintaining the continuity of their formation. And they're called elastomers. In addition, a single-acting cushioned actuator may include a cushioning material such as rubber and a synthetic caoutchouc made of polychloroprene and referred to as neoprene.

In the second method, i.e. in pneumatic cushioning, the pneumatic actuator has a structure in which the impact force is damped by the air cushion formed between the piston and the actuator lids, which is created in the last stage of the actuator's movement. The resulting cushion is the result of closing the venting channel of the actuator chamber at the final stage of the piston movement. And redirect it to the choke channel. The throttling force is adjusted with the help of Allen or a screwdriver. This adjustment must always be made with regard to the air flow and pressure, while maintaining resistance to the piston rod.

Double acting pneumatic cylinders>

It is a group of actuators that work much faster than the group to which the single-acting actuator belongs. First of all , a pneumatic actuator from this group is characterized by a much longer travel length and the ability to perform a greater number of sequences per minute. Double-acting pneumatic cylinders consist of a piston with a piston rod. Each double-acting cylinder also has built-in front and rear armor cylinder liners. In addition, the front hatch is equipped with a sleeve that guides the piston rod, scraper and sealing rings. In addition, both armors have rubber rings whose role is to shock the entire system.

Thanks to the use of such a solution, in a device such as a double-acting cylinder , when the piston approaches its destination, the pumped air is covered by the cover gasket, where it creates a pneumatic bubble. On the other hand, the element preventing the outflow of air is a choke.

The operation of the piston to the left is analogous.

It is important to remember that a double-acting pneumatic cylinder is not a double-action pneumatic cylinder. They are two completely different types of actuators. Because the main difference is that a double-acting actuator is referred to as its operating system. On the other hand, a pneumatic cylinder with a double-sided piston rod has two extending piston rods and performs a completely different type of movement. Therefore, the two names should definitely not be used interchangeably.

Single-acting cylinders and double-acting pneumatic cylinders differ in both construction and method of operation. Therefore, they have different uses. The basic architectural dissonance is the number of chambers. Because each single-acting cylinder has one chamber into which compressed air is introduced. On the other hand, double-acting pneumatic cylinders are already equipped with two cylinders.

Single-acting pneumatic cylinders are primarily used in extreme operating conditions, in which there are extreme temperatures. A single-acting actuator is used to work in the following industries:

  • food,
  • metallurgical,
  • wood.
  • Górnicza,
  • automotive,
  • in agriculture,
  • and even in the steel industry.

Pneumatic actuators of this type are a component of presses, unloading platforms, production lines, car doors, spreaders and cutters used by firefighters, and even kitchen cabinets. In addition , single-acting cylinders are a solution in all machines and devices that require one-sided mechanical force. Their biggest advantage is the low cost of operation and servicing.

In turn , double-acting pneumatic cylinders are a group of universal devices. Because they are used in almost all industries. They perfectly “pass the exam” in the petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries. A perfect example of actuators that perform well in the food and pharmaceutical industries are pneumatic ISO 15552 actuators. In addition, double-acting pneumatic actuators are irreplaceable in the industry:

  • printing,
  • metallurgical,
  • paper,
  • automotive,
  • stonework,
  • and even in energy and robotics.

They are elements of production lines and pneumatic presses. To sum up, double-acting pneumatic cylinders prove themselves wherever electric motors cannot be used. The most important advantages of such a double-acting cylinder are simple structure and operation as well as fast pace and precision of work.

Industry leader. >

Pneumatig is one of the most famous and reputable companies that produces pneumatic cylinders . The company's products are distinguished by exceptional durability, thanks to the use of high-quality components in production and the introduction of innovative solutions. These products include, but are not limited to:

  • single acting actuator,
  • double-acting cylinder
  • and a single-acting cylinder with shock absorption .

In addition, Pneumatig is not only a manufacturer but also a dealer. Therefore, it has a wide range, satisfying even the most demanding customers. Here, everyone will purchase a pneumatic cylinder that meets the highest expectations.

Selected single-acting cylinders from this company have a piston equipped with additional magnesium in their design. This type of single-acting cylinder has a body made of stainless steel and an anodized aluminum cover. The piston rod component is austenitic stainless steel, also known as automatic, with the symbol AISI 303. It is mainly characterized by reduced weldability while maintaining good machinability. The material used to manufacture the seal of this model, which is a single-acting actuator, is a mixture of polyurethane with the NBR composition, i.e. nitrile - a compound of acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, which belongs to the group of elastomers. It is a compound that is resistant to oils. Another element in the structure, which includes a single-acting cylinder , which is characterized by a very high degree of durability, is the spring made of steel. The use of the above combination guarantees a long service life ”of the device. However, Pneumatig, single-acting cylinders, designed for particularly extreme conditions, can be equipped with the option of consecrated seals.

The company's offer includes single -acting, pushing cylinders with a spring and single-acting pushing cylinders with an extendable piston rod. On the website www. store, an option is also available, which is a single-acting actuator with cushioning.

Of course, the double-acting cylinders in the store's assortment are also of high quality. The selected type of the CM-010-0160 model, which is a double-acting actuator, has a stainless steel body, armor, of course, of the highest quality anodized aluminum. In addition, each double-acting cylinder of this type, of course, has a piston rod made of AISI 303 stainless steel and seals made of a mixture of polyurethane and NRB. Double-acting cushioned pneumatic cylinders are in many cases based on air cushioning. Important structural elements of Pneumatig actuators also include 5-way valves. They are diverting valves with two outlets to the gas chambers. On the other hand, special distributors are responsible for stopping the operation of the piston rod. In this case, customers also have at their disposal a product, which is a double-acting cylinder with shock absorption.

Other "pluses" of the company. >

In addition, employees are an important element of Pneumatig, which distinguishes the company. They are a team of dedicated, highly qualified experts in the field of pneumatics, who are willing to share their extensive knowledge, advise and help in making a satisfactory choice and purchase.

In addition, the store also provides a knowledge base on its website: https://pneumatig.eu/silownik-pneumatyczne.html , which is located in the lower right corner, in the "Blog about pneumatics" tab and the possibility of exchanging knowledge and opinions in the tab " Pneumatic Forum ". In addition, the Knowledge Base also provides an important table of threads and their sizes.

Pneumatig is also a company that stands in front of the customer ", which offers a very favorable price-to-quality ratio of manufactured and sold devices, such as pneumatic cylinders . By organizing a lot of promotions and discounts for this purpose. And additionally providing the possibility of negotiating prices.

Another attribute of the company is quick deliveries of purchased items. Because the pneumatic actuators are delivered even during the day. In addition, in the absence of the desired product, customers can, after calling: 48 882 085 6694 , receive a replacement proposal, which will certainly perfectly replace the sought pneumatic cylinder .

For the convenience of customers, the company has also made available several possible payment methods. Because the payment for the purchased goods can be settled through the fast transfer service, which covers more than 30 banking institutions, by payment or credit card and cash on delivery or cash on delivery from the courier.

In addition, an extremely important attribute of Pneumatig, proving that it is a trustworthy partner, are warranty and post-warranty services for the cylinders sold. Because each pneumatic actuator has a one-year warranty and post-warranty care.

To sum up, cooperation with Pneumatig is automatically associated with the acquisition of a large and stable partner. Because each pneumatic cylinder is of high quality and durability. In addition, in the event of a defect, you can always have the pneumatic cylinder repaired or have it repaired at the cylinder's place of work, if it is possible.

The company's customers can also always count on the help of experts employed in Pneumatig, who will be happy to advise or indicate possible solutions regarding failures.

In summary, Pneumatig is not only an acquired high-class pneumatic cylinder . It is also support that does not end with the purchase of high-end devices. Therefore, it is undoubtedly a partner that you can trust and with whom you can tie up for a longer time.

Pneumatic actuators FAQ

    • Is it possible to immobilize the actuator piston rod so that it does not rotate during operation?

      Yes, we offer cylinders with a hexagonal piston rod, which eliminates this problem.
    • Can I control the piston rod extension speed?

      Yes, the piston rod extension speed can be controlled with the PU-SC series flow regulating valves.
    • Can standard actuators work at temperatures above 100 ° C?

      No, in this case you should choose an actuator with FKM (Viton) seal, the operating range of which is -10 ° C to +150 ° C.