{"id":2925,"date":"2024-03-06T14:30:36","date_gmt":"2024-03-06T13:30:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bf-hydraulik.com\/encyclopedia\/single-acting-cylinder\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T11:54:35","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T09:54:35","slug":"single-acting-cylinder","status":"publish","type":"encyclopedia","link":"https:\/\/www.bf-hydraulik.com\/en\/single-acting-cylinder\/","title":{"rendered":"Single-acting cylinder"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Single-acting cylinder<\/h1>

A single-acting cylinder<\/a> is the hydraulic linear actuator with the lowest level of complexity. As it requires an external return force<\/a>, its use is only possible to a limited extent. <\/p>

Design and function of a single-acting cylinder<\/h2>

A single-acting cylinder<\/a> consists of an internal piston, an external cylinder barrel, seals, and only one valve. This is installed on the side opposite the extending piston. The supply and return flow of the hydraulic fluid is controlled by a directional control valve<\/a>. <\/p>

During operation of the single-acting cylinder<\/a>, the piston only extends. It maintains its position until the directional control valve<\/a> is shifted and an external force returns the piston. To a certain extent, the return force<\/a> can be reduced by a vacuum in the hydraulic line. However, hydraulic system<\/a>s fundamentally operate under pressure or overpressure, so if self-return is required, the double-acting cylinder is the standard solution. <\/p>

Applications of the single-acting cylinder<\/h3>

Single-acting cylinder<\/a>s are a cost-effective solution for applications in which a high load is moved vertically by the linear actuator. They are often used in very small, manual applications. In addition, there are special applications in which the single-acting cylinder<\/a> performs additional tasks. Typical examples of this linear actuator include: <\/p>