Hydraulic Cylinders

About hydraulic cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders convert hydraulic power into linear mechanical force and motion. They consist of a cylinder barrel, a piston, and a piston rod. Common types include tie-rod cylinders, which use threaded rods to hold the end caps to the barrel, and welded cylinders, where the end caps are welded directly to the barrel for a more compact design. Telescopic cylinders, featuring multiple stages, provide extended reach from a compact retracted length. Custom-stroke cylinders are available for applications requiring non-standard travel. Key selection parameters include bore size (e.g., 2.0" to 8.0"), stroke length (e.g., 4" to 120"), operating pressure (e.g., 2000 PSI to 5000 PSI), and mounting style (e.g., clevis, trunnion, flange, cross-tube). Rod diameter, port sizing (e.g., NPT, SAE O-ring), and seal materials (e.g., nitrile, Viton, polyurethane) are also critical. Materials typically include carbon steel, with chrome-plated piston rods for corrosion resistance. Specialty coatings or stainless steel construction are used for demanding environments.