How Do Hydraulic Cylinders Work?

A hydraulic cylinder is a mechanical actuator that converts hydraulic energy into linear motion. It is a closed-loop system consisting of a piston, cylinder, and hydraulic fluid.

How it Works:

The piston is a movable component attached to a rod. The cylinder is a hollow tube in which the piston fits and moves. Hydraulic fluid is the liquid used to transmit force and energy.

When hydraulic fluid is pumped into the cylinder, it pushes the piston and rod forward. When the fluid is released, the piston and rod return to their original position.

The amount of force a hydraulic cylinder can generate depends on the pressure of the hydraulic fluid and the area of the piston. The larger the piston area, the more force it can produce.

Basic Steps of Operation:

Pressure is applied to the hydraulic fluid, moving the piston to one end of the cylinder.

The pressure on the opposite side of the piston is released.

The piston moves back to the other end of the cylinder.

This cycle repeats continuously.

Speed and Force:

The speed at which the piston moves is influenced by the pressure applied to the hydraulic fluid, while the force exerted by the piston depends on both the piston area and the pressure of the fluid.

Common Types of Hydraulic Cylinders:

Standard TR Series Tie-Rod Hydraulic Cylinder:

A tie rod cylinder features a design where the cylinder components are held together by external rods (tie rods), providing structural strength and allowing for easy maintenance. It is commonly used in medium- to high-force applications and is widely found in industrial machinery.

Welded Hydraulic Cylinder:

A welded hydraulic cylinder features a welded construction instead of the bolted or tied design found in standard cylinders. This design is more robust and compact, with the cylinder body being welded from high-strength steel. Welded cylinders are ideal for heavy-duty applications, especially when space is limited or when the cylinder will be exposed to high pressures or harsh environments. They are commonly used in construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and other high-load applications.

Telescopic Hydraulic Cylinder:

A telescopic cylinder consists of multiple nested stages that extend and retract to provide a long stroke in a compact space. It is ideal for applications requiring significant extension or retraction, such as in truck lifts and heavy machinery.