Double acting cylinders are bidirectional pneumatic linear actuators that utilize pressure differentials to convert compressed air energy into mechanical energy. The extension and retraction of a piston rod as a result of the introduction of varied amounts of compressed air into a closed cylinder system is the basic function of all air cylinders. Read More…
Leading Manufacturers
Coast Pneumatics
Anaheim, CA | 888-313-5609We carry over 500,000 pneumatic parts at Coast Pneumatics. Included in our offerings are check valves which allow media flow in one direction. Our choices include bi-directional check valves, miniature check valves, polypropylene check valves, integral fitting check valves and metal check valves.
Compact® Automation Products LLC
Westminster, SC | 864-647-9521Since 1974, Compact® Automation Products has been manufacturing standard and custom products, including our Compact® air cylinders. We offer a full line of highly engineered custom products and subassembly solutions faster than anyone else in the industry.
Illinois Pneumatics, Inc.
Roscoe, IL | 815-654-9301Illinois Pneumatics provides innovative, quality air cylinders, pneumatic cylinders and hydraulic cylinders at competitive pricing. We can also modify standard cylinders for special uses. Here at Illinois Pneumatics, our goal is seeing you reach your goal. Contact us today for more information!
AIR, Inc.
Franklin, MA | 800-341-2800Since 1946, AIR has been a leading distributor of thousands of pneumatic automation components, controls, and accessories offering immediate shipping with our large inventories of superior product lines. Our products include machine guards, air cylinders, air filters, vacuum pumps, and solenoid valves. Check out our total cost approach to uncover your real manufacturing savings today!
Double Acting Cylinders List
Double Acting Cylinders - Humphrey Products CompanyUnlike single acting cylinders, double action air cylinders offer powered motion in two directions rather than one. The increased mechanical capabilities of this type of cylinder allow its use in a number of industries for variable applications. Automotive, food processing and packaging, metal working, mining, construction, textile and forestry industries all utilize double action cylinder systems as actuators for valves, lift gates, hoists, machines, jacks, motors and doors.
Because these mechanisms use only compressed air to open, close, push, pull and lift products and equipment, they provide an economical and environmentally friendly solution to many mechanical operations. Air cylinders operate with air pressures as low as a few PSI or as high as several hundred PSI.
Additionally, several housing and body types such as tie rod, smooth body, pancake, rectangular, rotating and multiple bore are widely available. These standard and customized options ensure the easy installation and integration of double acting cylinders and their corresponding air sources into pre-existing workspaces.
Double Acting Cylinders - Humphrey Products CompanyDespite the many possible double acting air cylinder configurations, the basic construction and process remains relatively uniform. The cylinder itself is a round or rectangular tube-shaped device with both an air inlet and exhaust valve at each end. This cylinder houses one or more pistons with attached rods. A hole through which the piston rod is extended is also needed at one or both ends.
Several seals are placed around the piston head and the airflow valves to ensure that air does not leak in, out or from one compartment to the other causing a loss of pressure and decreased functionality. When the cylinder is in use, compressed air is entered into one side of the cylinder. Working air acts alternately on both sides of the piston face or plunger. When air is entered into one portion it creates linear energy, moving the piston toward the opposite end, which in turn exhausts the opposing air.
This extends the rod, allowing it to fulfill its mechanical purpose. The rod is retracted when air is forced into the opposite end of the cylinder and exhausted from the other. The degree of piston rod extension and retraction correlates with the amount of compressed air entered into the enclosed cylinder shaft.
This length, known as the stroke, is one of the most important considerations when selecting the proper air cylinder for a given application. Additional considerations include the material construct of the cylinder and internal components, pressure range, bore size, mounting options and port size.
