Single acting hydraulic cylinder is a type of hydraulic cylinder which provides the working force only in single direction. It consists of a piston which moves in a cylinder barrel and a piston rod is connected at one end. When the fluid is supplied into the cylinder through pressure port provided at piston side, piston moves towards left or forward as shown in figure 1. Thereby performing work, then piston returns by spring force provided at piston rod. Single acting hydraulic cylinders are used to perform various operations such as braking, locking, clamping, etc.
Figure 1: Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinder.
Advantages of Spring Return Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinder
- The cost of these cylinders is less.
- Damage due to electric power outage can be avoided.
Disadvantages of Spring Return Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinder
- It is suitable oniy for low pressure operations.
- The applications of this type are limited to short stroke lengths, because of limitations on length of the spring.
- Some portion of oil pressure is lost in overcoming the spring force.
Applications of Spring Return Single Acting hydraulic Cylinder
Because of its short strokes, it is used for operations like holding, clamping, locking, braking, etc.