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Double-acting air cylinders! These are the work horses of the compressed air circuit, so named, because compressed air is used to both extend and retract the rod - a double action.
Single acting air cylinders use an internal spring to either extend or retract the cylinder rod.
The first graphic depicts a double-acting air cylinder in which compressed air has entered the cylinder port at the rod-end of the cylinder.
The piston and rod combination are shaded in purple, and the compressed air is shown in blue, for ease of identification.
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Air has pressurized the inside of the cylinder barrel, and in so doing, has driven the cylinder piston to the rear. In so doing, the rod, which is attached to the piston, is retracted, and whatever tooling is attached to the rod end, does some work.
The air that was in the rear of the cylinder has exited from the rear-cap cylinder port, through the exhaust port in the air valve, and out to atmosphere.
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The second graphic shows that the reverse has occurred. Air has entered the rear cylinder cap port, driven the piston to the rod end, and the rod has extended, allowing it to do some sort of work.
Double-acting air cylinders can be manufactured in a repairable or non-repairable format.
They are usually manufactured to industrial standards, including those of the National Fluid Power Association or to the European standards of ISO-6431 or ISO 6432 .
When selecting a double-acting air cylinder for your application, here are the details you will need to clarify:
There are a huge number of manufacturers of double-acting cylinders in the world, most of whom are represented by stocking industrial distributors making this style of air cylinder among the most readily available for original purchase, and for MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) replacement.
Need some sources for air cylinders? Feel free to use the search box below:
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