If you’re not in the mechanical industry, the ins and outs of hydraulic equipment, such as a hydraulic cylinder, may not be something that you’re aware of. If this is the case, read about what a hydraulic cylinder is and its uses below:
What is it?
A hydraulic cylinder is a cylindrical tube – capped at each end that has a rod which protrudes out of one end of the interior of the cylinder. This rod is attached to the piston, which is a part within the hydraulic cylinder that is used to separate the rod from the cap. There is also fluid in the cylinder, which is pushed to each ide of the cylinder to either expand or draw back the piston. This is achieved as the hydraulic cylinder uses the energy that is stored in the fluid to create a force that allows the hydraulic cylinder to move in a linear motion.
What is it used for?
Hydraulic cylinders offer the most efficient form of linear movement with a force ranging between hundreds of kilograms to over a hundred thousand kilograms. They can be used for any applications that require the use linear motion. The uses extend from vehicles to industrial machinery to more advanced applications. A hydraulic cylinder can be found on various types of construction vehicles such as dump trucks, skid steer loaders, graders and much more. The cylinders can be used to push, pull and lift materials of various weights. They are also used to produce linear motion within industrial machinery such as hydraulic presses, compactors and more. However, the use of hydraulic equipment goes far beyond these industries as it can also be used for applications such as flight simulators and fatigue testing.
