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What are the different types of hydraulic cylinders?

When it comes to force and movement in engineering, hydraulic cylinders stand out for their ability to perform impressive tasks. However, it's often difficult to choose the most appropriate cylinder for your application, due to the different varieties on offer in specialist shops or on online platforms. In the rest of this extract, after looking at the operation of a hydraulic cylinder, in this section, we take an in-depth look at the various types that exist, highlighting their distinct characteristics and areas of application.

How do hydraulic cylinders work ?

Mais d'abord, c'est quoi un vérin hydraulique ? - SERTA Group France

The operating process begins by feeding hydraulic fluid into the cylinder from a reservoir via a hydraulic pump. The pump creates a pressure that pushes the fluid into the cylinder.

Inside the actuator is a cylinder in which a sealed piston moves. The piston divides the cylinder into two distinct chambers: the supply chamber and the exhaust chamber. When hydraulic fluid is pushed into the supply chamber, it exerts pressure on the piston, causing it to move along the cylinder.

The movement of the piston also drives the movement of the load or equipment attached to the end of the cylinder. The force generated by the hydraulic fluid makes it possible to lift heavy loads, move massive objects or perform tasks requiring great precision.

In addition, control valves are used to control the movement of the cylinder. These valves regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid through the cylinder, allowing the piston to move forward or backward at variable speeds and to be precisely positioned.

What hydraulic cylinders are available on the market ?Vérins hydrauliques simple effet standards, bruts et de freinage

On the market hydraulic jacks are available in a variety of sizes, load capacities and configurations to meet the specific needs of each application. Hydraulic cylinder manufacturers also offer customised options for particular requirements, ensuring the right solution for every situation.

Single-acting hydraulic cylinder

Generally made up of a cylinder with a movable piston inside, the single-acting hydraulic cylinder is designed to deliver hydraulic power in one direction only.

The cylinder is divided into two separate chambers: a feed chamber and an exhaust chamber.

When hydraulic pressure is applied to the supply chamber, the fluid pushes the piston outwards, generating a force that allows a load to be moved or lifted.

However, when the piston is retracted, fluid is not used to provide the return force. Instead, retraction is usually achieved by some other method, such as a return spring or an external load.

The single-acting hydraulic cylinder is designed in this way to save hydraulic energy by only using it to extend the piston.

Common applications for these cylinders include garage doors, lorry tailgates and presses.

Double-acting hydraulic cylinder

Unlike the single-acting hydraulic cylinder, the double-acting hydraulic cylinder can provide hydraulic force in both directions, when extending and retracting the piston.

In fact, it has two connections for the hydraulic fluid: one for the supply chamber and another for the discharge chamber.

When hydraulic pressure is applied to the supply chamber, the piston moves either outwards or inwards depending on the direction of fluid flow.

When the piston extends, hydraulic pressure pushes the piston outwards, generating a force to move or lift a load. On retraction, the hydraulic pressure is reversed, allowing the piston to return to its original position.

Double-acting hydraulic cylinders offer greater flexibility in applications where bi-directional movement is required. They are used in a variety of industrial applications, such as construction machinery, lifting equipment, hydraulic presses and steering cylinders for vehicles.

Hydraulic cylinder for splitter

A hydraulic cylinder splitter is specifically designed for use in wood splitters. This type of hydraulic cylinder is used to generate the force needed to divide logs into smaller pieces. It is usually powered by a hydraulic system connected to a power source, such as a hydraulic pump.

The hydraulic splitter cylinder is designed to deliver considerable force when subjected to hydraulic pressure. It consists of a cylinder with a movable piston inside. When hydraulic pressure is applied, the piston moves within the cylinder, exerting a force on the log, causing it to split.

The wood splitter is usually fitted with a splitting wedge or blade attached to the end of the hydraulic cylinder. When hydraulic pressure is applied and the piston moves, the wedge or blade penetrates the log, splitting it into smaller pieces.

Hydraulic brake cylinder

This type of actuator is generally located near the vehicle's wheels, close to the brake callipers. It is powered by the brake fluid contained in the hydraulic system. When the driver presses the brake pedal, pressure is exerted on the brake fluid, which is then transmitted to the hydraulic cylinder.

Le hydraulic brake cylinder converts hydraulic pressure into a mechanical force that actuates the brake calipers. This mechanical force pushes the brake pads against the brake discs (or drums), creating friction and slowing or stopping wheel rotation.

Regular servicing, including bleeding and replacement of brake fluid, is essential to ensure that your brakes work properly and are safe to drive.

The telescopic hydraulic cylinder

Unlike conventional single-acting or double-acting cylinders, telescopic cylinders are made up of several tubes nested inside each other, giving a longer stroke with a smaller footprint when the cylinder is retracted.

Each section of the telescopic cylinder is connected by seals and can be operated by the application of hydraulic pressure. When pressure is applied, the cylinder sections gradually extend, increasing the overall length of the cylinder, while when pressure is released, the sections retract into each other, reducing the length of the cylinder.

This telescopic design allows a longer stroke in relation to the overall size of the cylinder. This makes them ideal for applications where space is limited, but where a larger cylinder extension is required. Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are commonly used in areas such as tipper trucks, telescopic cranes, aerial work platforms and forklift trucks.

Still on the same theme

  • Functional principle of a hydraulic cylinder
  • Hydraulic jack
  • Applications of hydraulic cylinders

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