Type of effect
Double-acting and single-acting cylinders

The type of effect is differentiated between double-acting cylinders and single-acting cylinders.

In double-acting cylinders, the piston rod is extended by pressure on one working area and retracted again by pressure on the other working area. The following terms are used depending on the working area:

• Single-rod
• Double-rod

In single-acting cylinders, pressure on one working area extends (or retracts), the respective return stroke is achieved by an external force, such as its own weight or a spring.