If you need power, there’s nothing like a hydraulic cylinder to deliver a big punch. It’s the workhorse of the industrial world for the heaviest lifters and movers, including bulldozers and dump trucks. Hydraulic cylinders are commonly used in mobile applications. Hydraulic cylinder bore sizes can range from a few inches to several feet in diameter.
Pneumatic cylinders are typically used on industrial machinery and rely on compressed air pressure from 15-110 psi. Pneumatic cylinders tend to have less overall cost associated when compared to hydraulic cylinders. Pneumatic cylinders have more main body choices which include extruded aluminum profiles for easier integration into machinery.
Designing around them requires knowledge of pressure, force, and safety considerations. But it all starts with understanding the difference between a single and double acting hydraulic cylinder.
