Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinder Manufacturer
Engineered for efficiency and robust performance. Honeywell Hydraulics is a premier custom single acting hydraulic cylinder manufacturer in Gujarat. Our single acting cylinders are designed to apply unidirectional force for lifting, pushing, or pressing applications, offering a highly reliable and cost-effective fluid power solution capable of sustaining up to 450 Bar working pressures.
What Are Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinders?
Hydraulic cylinders are used as linear actuators to apply mechanical force in a linear motion. A single acting hydraulic cylinder, also known as a single acting hydraulic ram, operates in a single direction.
It typically has a single port at the bottom of the cylinder where pressurised fluid is pumped into the system. As the fluid enters the system, it fills the cylinder and extends the piston inside, creating mechanical force to lift, push, or press heavy loads.
To retract the piston, a single acting hydraulic cylinder must rely on an external force to expunge the fluid inside. This can be left to gravity if there is no immediate need to retract the piston rapidly. A second piston, mechanical weight, or strong internal springs can also be used to forcefully push the piston back into the cylinder.
Single Acting Cylinder Mechanics
Simplicity meets extreme performance. A look inside our single acting actuators.
Single Port Operation
Fluid enters through a single port to extend the cylinder. The simplicity of a single hydraulic line reduces plumbing complexity, potential leak points, and overall system cost.
Piston and Rod Assembly
The hard-chrome plated piston rod (EN 8 / EN 9 / EN 19) transmits the mechanical force to the heavy load. Precision honing of the ST 52.3 tube ensures extremely low friction during extension and retraction.
Retraction Mechanism
Unlike double acting cylinders, single acting variants rely on gravity, weight of the load, or internal springs for the return stroke. This makes them perfect for lifting applications like scissor lifts or jacks.
Technical Specifications
Our single acting cylinders are manufactured using premium ST 52.3 honed tubes and high-grade alloy steel rods for maximum strength and endurance.
Standard Spec Framework
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bore Size | 40 to 250 mm (Custom sizes available) |
| Rod Dia | 16 to 200 mm |
| Stroke Length | Up to 6000 mm |
| Working Pressure | Up to 450 Bar |
| Honed Tube Material | ST 52.3 (Tolerance H8, H9) |
| Piston Rod Material | EN 8 / EN 9 / EN 19 / EN 31 (Tolerance f7) |
| Piston and Gland | EN 8 |
Single Acting vs. Double Acting Cylinders
Choosing the right actuator type for your machine's cycle profile.
| Feature | Single Acting Cylinders | Double Acting Cylinders |
|---|---|---|
| Force Direction | Unidirectional (Push OR Pull) | Bidirectional (Push AND Pull) |
| Hydraulic Ports | One (Extension only) | Two (Extension and Retraction) |
| Retraction Method | Gravity, Load Weight, or Spring | Hydraulic Pressure |
| System Complexity | Low (Requires fewer valves/hoses) | High (Requires complex valving) |
| Typical Applications | Scissor Lifts, Jacks, Forging Presses | Excavators, Steering, Automation |
Industries Served
Single acting cylinders are the workhorses of vertical lifting and pressing.
Material Handling
Used extensively in scissor lifts, goods elevators, and platform lifts where gravity handles the return stroke.
Heavy Forging & Presses
Ideal for hydraulic presses where massive unidirectional downward force is required to stamp or bend metal.
Automotive & Parking
Reliable actuators for car parking systems and hydraulic jacks.
Advantages of Single Acting Cylinders
ACost-Effective Design
With only one hydraulic port and line, single acting cylinders reduce the complexity of the hydraulic circuit, saving on hoses, fittings, and valving.
BHigh Reliability
Fewer moving parts and a simpler sealing mechanism mean fewer points of potential failure, leading to a highly reliable actuator with lower maintenance needs.
CReduced Fluid Requirement
Because fluid is only used for the extension stroke, single acting systems require smaller reservoirs and smaller pumps compared to double acting setups.
DFail-Safe Retraction
In gravity-return applications, the cylinder will safely retract if hydraulic power is lost, providing an inherent fail-safe mechanism for lifting equipment.
EEngineering: Retraction Method
Because there is no hydraulic pressure to retract the rod, you must determine if the load's weight is sufficient to overcome seal friction and push the fluid back into the reservoir quickly enough for your cycle times. If not, an internal return spring may be necessary.
FEngineering: Breather Ports
The non-pressurized side of a single acting cylinder must be vented to the atmosphere to allow air to enter and exit as the cylinder strokes. We equip our breather ports with high-quality sintered bronze filters to prevent dust and moisture from being sucked into the cylinder during extension.
Manufacturing & Quality Process
Our heavy-duty single acting cylinders are backed by our strict quality guarantee. Every unit is dispatched with complete material test certificates and dimensional reports.
Premium Materials
We exclusively use ST 52.3 seamless honed tubes and EN 8 / EN 19 piston rods. This guarantees superior wear resistance and structural integrity under high pressure.
Precision Machining
Our CNC machining processes ensure strict H8/H9 tolerances for the honed tubes and f7 tolerances for the piston rods, providing an ultra-smooth surface finish for extended seal life.
Pressure Validation
Every cylinder undergoes rigorous hydrostatic testing at pressures well beyond their rated working capacity to guarantee leak-free performance and structural safety.
The Honeywell Guarantee
Our heavy-duty single acting cylinders are backed by our strict quality guarantee. Every unit is dispatched with complete material test certificates and dimensional reports.
Custom Actuators for Heavy Goods Elevators
Material Handling OEM
The Challenge
The Solution
The Outcome
Custom Hydraulic Cylinders
Bespoke actuators engineered for extreme environments and unique mounting requirements.
Tie Rod Hydraulic Cylinders
Standard NFPA tie rod cylinders for heavy-duty industrial applications.
Telescopic Hydraulic Cylinders
Multi-stage cylinders providing exceptional stroke length from a compact retracted footprint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our custom hydraulic cylinder manufacturing process and capabilities.
Still have questions?
Our engineering team is ready to discuss your specific hydraulic requirements.
Need a single acting hydraulic cylinder for your application?
Spring-return and gravity-return configurations with bore sizes up to 250mm. Every cylinder is 100% hydrostatically pressure tested before dispatch.