Single acting air cylinders are pneumatic devices used for the unidirectional extension or retraction of a rod or piston through the introduction of varied amounts of compressed air into a closed cylinder system. Also known as single action air cylinders, these devices serve a number of mechanical applications by converting the power of compressed air into mechanical energy. 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!
Single Acting Cylinders List
Single Acting Cylinders - Humphrey Products CompanyBecause single acting cylinders operate using only compressed air, they offer an economical and environmentally friendly source of mechanical power that is popular in a wide range of industrial, commercial and even domestic applications. Automotive, food processing and packaging, metal working, mining, construction, textile and forestry industries all utilize air cylinder systems to open, close, push, pull and lift products as well as equipment and building components.
While double acting cylinders are also common in these environments and have the added benefit of multidirectional movement, single action cylinders operate on approximately 50% less compressed air than the equivalent double system, allowing for smaller compression systems that are often more easily installed and integrated into pre-existing workspaces. A number of different designs and housings are also available to ensure that a single acting cylinder system can be easily fitted and incorporated.
Tie rod, smooth body, pancake, rectangular, rotating and multiple bore are just a few of the options widely available in both custom and standard sizes to meet the needs of any application. While body type is important, additional considerations for air cylinders include mounting options, bore size, connectors, port size, load, velocity and air pressure.
Although there are several variable options regarding single acting cylinders, the basic construction and process remains relatively uniform. The cylinder itself is a round or rectangular tube shaped device that contains a shaft, piston rod and plunger. Additionally, a port is located at one end of the cylinder. Compressed air is forced through the port and into the enclosed shaft.
The air acts upon the plunger, or piston face, and forces it towards the opposite end. This creates the linear energy needed to push the piston towards the opposing end of the shaft. The attached rod is pushed out of the shaft, where it fulfills its mechanical purpose. The rod is retracted when pressure is released and the piston moves back toward its withdrawn position within the cylinder. In some instances gravity or the opposing force load of the involved mechanical processes themselves are responsible for the retraction.
Some single action cylinders, however, have an additional implement housed within the shaft: a spring. The spring is compressed between the rod side of the piston and the end of the cylinder during extension, but returns to the starting position when compressed air is released. As this spring and all other components receive a great deal of wear, the body and internal mechanisms of single acting cylinders are most often made of durable materials such as aluminum, steel, stainless steel and thermoplastics.
