Type of effect
Double-acting and single-acting evecylinders

The type of effect of cylinders can be double-acting or single-acting.

In double-acting cylinders, the piston rod is extended by pressure on one working side and retracted by pressure on the other working side. Depending on the working area, the following terms are used:

• Single-rod
• Double-rod

In single-acting cylinders, the piston rod is extended (or retracted) by pressure on one working side, the respective return stroke is caused by an external force, for example the dead weight or a spring.