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6.2: Single-Acting Cylinder Operation

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    Spring-Return Single-Acting Cylinder

    A spring-return single-acting cylinder with the text "single-acting to extend"
    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): A pneumatic schematic of a spring-return single-acting cylinder (ISO 1219).

    One common variant of the single-acting cylinder is the spring-return type. Compressed air is used to extend the piston rod, and a spring inside the cylinder provides the force needed to retract it once the air pressure is released. This design is particularly useful in applications with light loads, as the spring in the cylinder can rob the output force of the rod in extension. This type of cylinder is useful when trying to simplify the pneumatic design and lessen parts and cost.

    Spring-Extension Single-Acting Cylinder

    A spring-extension single-acting cylinder with the text "single-acting to retract"
    Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): A pneumatic schematic of a spring-extension single-acting cylinder (ISO 1219).

    This type of single-acting cylinder is the opposite of the spring-return single-acting cylinder. Compressed air is used to retract the piston rod, and a spring inside the cylinder provides the force needed to extend it once the air pressure is released. This type of cylinder is useful when a force is needed to be constantly applied and only at specific moments retracted, or used as a safety device so that the cylinder will extend if loss of compressed air occurs.


    6.2: Single-Acting Cylinder Operation is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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