How Does a Dual Acting Air Cylinder Work?
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Dual Acting Air Cylinder Basics
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A dual acting air cylinder is a type of linear actuator; it uses pressurized air to create motion in a straight line. Dual acting cylinders can create controlled motion for a certain distance in either of two opposite directions. The cylinder does this by moving a piston in and out.
Dual Acting Air Cylinder Design
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A basic dual cylinder consists of a piston inside a sealed tube. This piston pokes out of one or both sides of the tube, but no air can leak out from the seal between the piston is attached to a plunger, which divides the inside of the tube to two chambers. Each chamber has a pressure release valve and a second valve that leads to an air pump.
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Dual Acting Air Cylinder Operation
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To push the piston out, air is pumped into the chamber behind the plunger. At the same time, air is released from the second chamber. This creates a difference in air pressure. Since the air pressure behind the plunger is greater than that in front of it, the plunger slides forward and shoves the piston out. To retract the piston, air is pumped into the chamber in front of the plunger while the other chamber is emptied. This creates a difference in air pressure in the opposite direction, pulling the piston back in.
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