What is the difference between single acting and double acting?
In this regard, can a double acting cylinder be used as a single acting?
You can use a double-acting cylinder as a single-acting. Simply use a 3-way solenoid and only supply air to the bottom of the cylinder. Leave the top air port of the cylinder open (or optionally install an exhaust muffler into open port as shown in the image).
In this manner, what is meant by single acting cylinder?
A single-acting cylinder in a reciprocating engine is a cylinder in which the working fluid acts on one side of the piston only. A single-acting cylinder relies on the load, springs, other cylinders, or the momentum of a flywheel, to push the piston back in the other direction.
Advantages of Single Acting Hydraulic or Pneumatic Cylinders A single acting cylinder is simpler, so there is less to maintain. With only one line, the action of the cylinder is determined entirely by the pressure on that one line.