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Mechanical advancements have helped increase productivity and transform machines from crude collections of parts to quite well-oiled creations. But the inner workings of some of the technologies, such as the hydraulic cylinder, remain a mystery for most. Understanding the mechanics behind such innovations is vital for any industry professional, so here’s a summary of how hydraulic cylinders work.

How Hydraulic Cylinders Work

Components & Their Purposes

hydraulic cylindersThough they are relatively simple devices, hydraulic cylinders can generate tremendous amounts of force. These qualities make them invaluable for many machines.

There are several components of a hydraulic cylinder, but the major parts that make the device work are the piston, rod, head, and cap. The piston, located inside the cylinder, is the component the liquid presses against to generate force. The larger the bore of the piston, the more power produced. It's crucial the piston has a tight seal to function or liquid may be able to leak, rendering the device much weaker at best and utterly useless at worst. The rod travels through a part of the hydraulic cylinder known as the gland (the head) and connects to the piston within. Finally, the butt or cap acts as the base. 

Function & Force

All hydraulic devices operate in the same basic way. Force applied to one end of the cylinder is transmitted to another point by an incompressible liquid held within. There are, however, two main types of hydraulic cylinders. Single-acting cylinders are under pressure during the push and returned by gravity, while double-acting cylinders have pressure applied during both the down and upstroke. 

 

Alaska Tool Company is the premier source for metal fabrication and machinery repair services in the Fairbanks, AK, area. With more than four decades of experience, the company takes pride in offering top-quality work and the ability to fabricate a wide range of replacement parts. For more information, call (907) 479-5354 or visit the website today.

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