What does a "single-acting" cylinder do?

A single-acting cylinder is designed to use air pressure to provide movement in one direction. It accomplishes this by applying pressurized air to extend the piston or rod. Once the desired position is reached, the air is exhausted from the cylinder, allowing a spring or gravity to return the piston to its original position. This design is efficient because it only requires air to perform the work in one direction, while the return action can be facilitated by a natural mechanism, such as a spring or gravitational pull.

This principle is fundamental in many applications where simplicity and efficiency are essential, as it minimizes the need for complex pneumatic systems that would otherwise be necessary to control movement in both directions. Understanding the function of single-acting cylinders is crucial for effective pneumatic troubleshooting and system design.