By and large, in the present era, three technologies are acknowledged to have lent a new twist to the mankind's day-to-day affairs. One is computer technology (IT) that has made access to information and communication possible by the mere click of a mouse. The other is aeronautics which has given a boost to transportation including space travel.

1. Types of Hydraulic Cylinders
By and large, in the present era, three technologies are acknowledged to have lent a new twist to
the mankind's day-to-day affairs. One is computer technology (IT) that has made access to
information and communication possible by the mere click of a mouse. The other is aeronautics
which has given a boost to transportation including space travel. The third marvel happens to be
the dynamics of hydraulics engineering and related applications in pneumatics. In fact, the science
of hydraulics has progressed steadily over the past several centuries and today it is the widely used
technology involving mechanics.
As for the functioning of various systems and applications based on this technology, there are
some parts like Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinders which play a crucial role in enabling the action.
A single-acting cylinder in a hydraulics powered system is relies on the load, springs, other
cylinders, or the momentum of a flywheel, to push the piston back in the other direction. These
cylinders are essential in both petrol and diesel-fired IC (internal combustion) engines and also
external combustion ones like steam engines. They are also used in pumps and hydraulic rams.
There are tens of thousands of applications based on hydraulic technology as such this industry is
thriving. However, this segment calls for highest degree of precision engineering skills. Leading
manufacturers of cylinders have to understand the end-users needs so as to design the right type.
An established manufacturer will rely on advanced 3D design software and CADEM production
system for simulating the action of the ultimate system.
Apart from the single action cylinders, there are also double acting cylinders and telescopic
cylinders involving both single and double actions. The telescopic cylinders are classified as
special hydraulic cylinders. The length of a hydraulic cylinder is designed and developed as per
the total number of strokes, the thickness of the piston, the thickness of bottom and head and the
length of the connections. Often when the length does not fit in the machine, the piston rod is
projected to be used as a piston barrel and a second piston rod is used. Hence the term telescopic
cylinder; it is has multi-stage units ranging between two, three, four to five and even more.
Because of the complex design, a telescopic cylinder is costlier as compared to a single action
cylinder.
There are a few other types of hydraulic cylinders. These are named plunger, differential and
position sensing 'smart'. As for the technical specifications, the tube bore, diameter of the rod,
strokes and working pressure with varied mounting options depend upon the end applications.
Mounting methods are important in the overall performance of cylinders. Fixed mounts on the
centre line of the cylinder are considered best for straight line force transfer and avoiding wear-n-
tear. Other types of mountings are flange mount, side-mount, centre line lug mount and pivot
mount.
Hydraulic technology is extensively used in aviation, both for the aircraft and ground systems,
production engineering, material handling, cargo management, earthmoving and construction
equipment (backhoe and front end loaders, soil compactors, motor graders), snorkels among fire
tenders, agriculture, railways, garbage compactors, dumpers and garage equipment among others.