Sometimes an off-the-shelf standard product will work. However, many applications will benefit from a custom design tailored to your specifications and requirements. Our collaborative approach sets us apart. We work with your team to design and develop a solution tailored to your specifications. We start with common components where possible and add custom components and design features where required for the fit and function of your application.
We offer a broad range of bore sizes, rod diameters, stroke lengths, operating pressures, and material types.
We can help you understand the different cylinder types available and help you determine the best fit for your application. Explore some of the cylinder types we provide:
Double-acting hydraulic cylinders feature a sealed piston and are designed to receive hydraulic pressure to power the extension and retraction of the cylinder. The working force is determined by multiplying the hydraulic pressure by the piston’s surface area. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder exerts a greater force when extending than when retracting because of the reduced surface area on the rod side.
Displacement hydraulic cylinders are single acting cylinders but do not feature a sealed piston. Instead, cylinder extension is accomplished by applying hydraulic pressure which displaces the rod from the cylinder barrel. The force calculation for a displacement cylinder is calculated by multiplying the hydraulic pressure applied by the surface area of the cylinder rod.
Displacement cylinders eliminate the need for a breather which can prolong cylinder and seal life and simplify the cylinder design.
Rephasing hydraulic cylinders are designed to keep two or more cylinders synchronized as they work together. Rephasing can be enabled at full extension, full retraction, or both. It’s accomplished by adding a rephasing passage to allow oil to bypass in one cylinder, while the other cylinder(s) continue to move to the fully retracted or extended position.
Double rod hydraulic cylinders feature a piston between two rods. Each rod extends through a sealed gland. Double rod cylinders have the same working area on each side of the piston and are often used in steering or shuttle applications.
Rod-fed hydraulic cylinders are designed with hydraulic ports located in the cylinder rod or rod-end mount. Rod-fed cylinders can be single or double-acting and can incorporate custom porting and integrated cartridge valves.
Spring extend or spring retract hydraulic cylinders use hydraulic pressure to extend or retract the cylinder. When hydraulic pressure is released, a spring returns the cylinder to its home position.
We use a variety of catalog or custom springs in spring extend or spring retract cylinders.
Cushions can be incorporated into most hydraulic cylinders to slow the speed of the cylinder piston before it reaches the end of the stroke. This can be done at full extension, full retraction, or in both positions. The cushion function works to reduce or eliminate impact reducing noise, vibration, or mechanical shock.
There are multiple methods to incorporate a cushion effect by using specific piston profiles, oil passage and porting designs, or valves.
Telescopic hydraulic cylinders are designed with multiple stages, which results in a long extension length with a short closed length. Telescopic cylinders can be single or double-acting*, and can incorporate many design features. Single-acting telescopic cylinders usually rely on gravity for retraction and are common in dump-box applications.
Pancake cylinders, piggyback cylinders, independent double rod cylinders.
We offer a broad array of standard porting options but can also incorporate many standard port sizes and styles into custom components, blocks, or mounts. Welded tube lines can be used to locate ports in the best position for hose routing and to minimize hose length. Port style, orientation, and location can also be used to eliminate fittings and streamline the final assembly.
Properly designed cylinder mounting results in the most efficient interface between the cylinder and your equipment, minimizes wear and fatigue points, and results in better performance and service life for your cylinder and equipment. Material selection is critical for the mount in order to provide the required safety factors. Adding bushings or bearings can help reduce wear and minimize binding due to misalignment.
Here are some examples of mounting types we offer:
We offer custom welded cylinder designs in several different build types each of which has different features and benefits. Explore our most common build types below.
Head construction features an internally threaded barrel that accepts a threaded gland which contains seals on the OD for the barrel and on the ID for the rod.
The TR gland can be produced in a variety of materials including aluminum, ductile iron, or bronze. Plating is also available. Various sealing packages are available in this build style. We offer a variety of retention options to prevent the gland from backing out of the barrel.
We recommend a TR Build Type if you’re looking for an option that is robust and economical.
Head construction features an externally threaded barrel that accepts a drop-in gland containing seals on the OD for the barrel and on the ID for the rod. The drop-in gland is retained with a nut or cap that is threaded onto the OD of the barrel and retained with a set screw.
The TN gland can be produced in a variety of materials, including aluminum, ductile iron, or bronze. The TN build type is also available with various sealing packages.
We recommend a TN Build Type if you’re looking for an option that is extremely robust and more economical and compact than Bolt Flange designs.
Head construction features a barrel with a welded flange drilled and tapped for retaining bolts. The barrel accepts a drop-in gland which contains seals on the OD for the barrel and on the ID for the rod. The drop-in gland is retained by a plate drilled for retaining bolts or has a retaining flange incorporated into the gland design. In some cases, the BF build type is easier to disassemble for field service.
The BF gland can be produced in a variety of materials including aluminum, ductile iron, bronze, or plating. The BF build type is also available with various sealing packages.
We recommend a BF Build Type if you’re looking for a robust design with standard tools for head disassembly.
Head construction features a barrel machined for a drop-in gland and snap ring retainer. The drop-in gland contains seals on the OD for the barrel and on the ID for the rod. The gland is retained by a snap ring.
Head construction features a barrel machined for a drop-in gland and wrap ring container. The drop-in gland contains seals on the OD for the barrel and on the ID for the rod. The gland is retained by a wrap ring.
We believe that working together results in the best solutions. Knowing more about your application allows us to better leverage our experience and expertise. Confidentiality is critical and we design with you and for you while protecting your proprietary information.