When a thing is compressed, it is technically defined as something that is being pressed together tightly, to force that thing into less space then it would originally fit into. There are other ways the word can be used as well, such as a fluid being compressed into a solid state, or in a philosophical sense it can be used to describe certain emotional or mental states for human beings. Every word can be used in a multitude of ways, and “compressed” is no different. When paired with “air” and “cylinder” though, “compressed” means a very specific thing.

Compressed air cylinders are cylinders that utilize air or a related gas that is so tightly fit together within its cylinder that when the air is released it creates a powerful motion or force that can be used in a number of applications as a power source. Usually the word compression is not thought of as a powerful thing (although something powerful must be actually doing the act of compressing) but in this case, it is. All air cylinders are using compressed air to create a power surge of movement, so the term can therefore apply to a variety of different air cylinder styles.

Single acting and double acting cylinders are the most common models of compressed air cylinders on the market, and they come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Single acting means the air is able to move an object in a single direction, which utilizes less air and therefore less power. A double acting cylinder is able to move the object back and forth, which requires more energy but can also be more useful, depending on the application. Other variances in compressed air cylinders include miniature air cylinders for very small mechanisms that need air power and rotary cylinders, which are specifically designed to create rotational movement.