Basic hydraulic cylinder concepts
What is a hydraulic cylinder?
A hydraulic cylinder is an actuator that converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy and is mainly used for linear reciprocating motion. Due to the incompressibility and pressure transmission of fluids, hydraulic cylinders can generate strong pushing and pulling forces. It is widely used in industrial automation, mechanical equipment, engineering machinery and other fields.
The operating principle of hydraulic cylinders
The working principle of hydraulic cylinders is based on Pascal’s law: the pressure exerted on the liquid in a closed vessel is uniformly transmitted. The hydraulic pump sends hydraulic oil into the cylinder body to push the piston to produce linear motion. When the hydraulic oil enters one side of the piston and exits the other side, the piston moves, thereby realising the transmission of power.
Components of hydraulic cylinders
The hydraulic cylinder mainly consists of the following parts:
Cylinder
Used to hold hydraulic oil and provide space for the piston to move.
Piston and piston rod
The piston converts fluid pressure into mechanical force and the piston rod transmits the force to an external device.
Seal
Prevents hydraulic oil leakage and ensures stable operation of the system.
End Cap
Closes both ends of the cylinder and supports the piston rod.
Guide sleeve
Guides the linear motion of the piston rod and reduces friction.
Hydraulic cylinder applications
Hydraulic cylinders are widely used in the following areas:
Construction machinery
Such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers.
Industrial equipment
Such as presses, injection moulding machines.
Transportation
Such as automotive lifting systems, marine equipment.
Aerospace
Such as landing gear systems.
Basic cylinder concept
What is a cylinder?
A cylinder is an actuator that uses compressed air as a power source, mainly to achieve linear or oscillating motion. Compared to hydraulic cylinders, the power source of cylinders is more environmentally friendly.
How a cylinder works
The cylinder pushes the piston to move by compressed air entering the cylinder body. When air enters one side of the piston and exits the other side, the piston produces linear motion. The compressibility of the air determines the output force and response speed of the cylinder.
Components of the cylinder
The main components of a cylinder are
Cylinder
Contains compressed air and provides space for the piston to move.
Piston and piston rod
Convert air pressure into mechanical force.
Seal
Prevents air leakage.
End cap
Closes the cylinder and supports the piston rod.
Buffer
Reduces the impact force when the piston reaches the end stop.
Cylinder applications
Cylinders are widely used in the following areas:
Automation equipment
Such as packaging machines, assembly lines.
Food industry
Such as filling machines, sorting machines.
Automotive industry
Such as door and window opening and closing systems.
Light industry
Such as textile machinery.
The main difference between hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders
Power source
Hydraulic cylinders use hydraulic oil to transmit power and have a high output force; pneumatic cylinders use compressed air, which is environmentally friendly and has low running costs.
Working pressure
The working pressure of hydraulic cylinders is usually high, reaching tens of MPa, suitable for heavy machinery; the working pressure of pneumatic cylinders is low, generally below 0.6 MPa.
Output force
Due to the incompressibility of hydraulic oil, hydraulic cylinders can produce a larger output force; the output force of pneumatic cylinders is affected by the compressibility of air and is small.
Speed control
Hydraulic cylinders can achieve smooth and accurate speed control by adjusting the flow of hydraulic oil; speed control of pneumatic cylinders is relatively simple, but the accuracy is not high.
Cost and maintenance
The initial cost and maintenance cost of hydraulic cylinders are high, but the service life is long; the cost and maintenance cost of pneumatic cylinders are low, but the operating environment requirements are high.
Operating environment
Hydraulic cylinders are suitable for heavy loads and harsh environments; pneumatic cylinders are suitable for clean and light environments.
What factors determine whether to choose a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder?
Equipment requirements
Choose the appropriate actuator according to the equipment requirements. For example, heavy machinery tends to use hydraulic cylinders, while light industrial equipment is more suited to pneumatic cylinders.
Working environment
Hydraulic cylinders perform better in high temperature, high pressure or harsh environments; pneumatic cylinders are suitable for clean and dry environments.
Cost budget
If the budget is limited and the output force requirements are not high, you can choose a pneumatic cylinder; for high precision and high load requirements, hydraulic cylinders are recommended.
Safety considerations
Pneumatic cylinders are safer to operate and are suitable for scenes with high environmental requirements; hydraulic cylinders are safer under high loads.
What are the advantages of EASTAI hydraulic cylinders?
High Quality Hydraulic Cylinders and Accessories
EASTAI focuses on the production of high quality hydraulic cylinders and accessories. The products comply with international standards and can meet the requirements of various complex working conditions.
Professional customised solutions
EASTAI provides professional customised solutions, designing and manufacturing the most suitable hydraulic cylinder products according to customer needs, ensuring optimal performance and economy.
Contact us
For more information about EASTAI hydraulic cylinders, please visit our official website https://eastaicylinder.com/ or send an email to info@east-ai.cn.
