Although NFPA standards and ISO-compliant guidelines are an excellent starting point for hydraulic system design, many industries have their guidelines. Working with an engineering fabricator who is experienced in all of these standards can speed up the design process.
Cylinder manufacturers with Hydraulic Truck Cranes can offer a range of options capable of achieving the broadest scope of performance requirements that increases the likelihood that standard components will meet an application’s design criteria.
Factors you should consider when specifying hydraulic cylinders include:
How To Choose The Right Cylinder For The Right Job
Capacity: Medium-duty systems account for the majority of industrial applications and are typically 1,000 PSI, standard heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders are capable of handling pressures to 3,000 PSI, which are typically required for hydraulic presses, automotive applications, and other related industrial applications.
Race requirements: Although races up to 3.05 m are possible. Pressure can be a concern. The diameter of the bar must be determined to handle the load.
Speed: the tolerance threshold for standard cushioning is about 2/3 of that speed. A standard low-friction seal is often the best choice for high-speed applications.
Temperature: Hydraulic cylinder systems using standard components can be designed to meet application temperatures as high as 260°C and as cold as -54°C. Applications that require extreme temperatures at one or both ends of the temperature spectrum require extensive knowledge of the interdependence of individual components to achieve the best balance of short-term and long-term performance expectations.
Mounting Styles: There are 3 types a) Fixed mounts that absorb force along the center line of a cylinder. b) Fixed mounts that do not absorb force along the center line, and c) Pivoting mounts that propel a load in a fixed trajectory.
Sleeve diameter: The size of the sleeve is related to the operating pressure, to determine the sleeve diameter the required push and pull force is required.
Rod Size: OEM design engineers probably request customization of rod sizes more often than any other hydraulic cylinder component. Always remember to consider that pushing or pulling is never independent of stroke length when determining bar size.
Cylinder Shapers: For applications requiring equal force pressure on both sides of the piston, a standard double-acting cylinder configuration that uses pressure to extend and retract the cylinder, combined with a four-way directional control valve to direct the cylinder. pressure towards the head or lid.
Bar Ends and Threads: Standard threads can be made in either inch or metric format, customization is rarely needed or justified due to increased cost, and inability to mount fixtures.
Cylinder Body: Standard cylinder bodies are plain or chrome-plated steel and will handle most applications. The use of alloy steels, stainless steels, or brass materials is frequent in special applications such as an aqueous environment.
Stop Tube: The stop tube is generally used to lengthen the distance between the rod bushing and piston bushing to reduce the bushing load on push stroke cylinders when the cylinder is fully extended. The stop tube is especially critical for horizontally mounted cylinders where it helps to restrict the extended position of the rod.
Seals: Experienced hydraulic system manufacturers like cylindersinc.com for example will offer seals to meet a full range of temperatures and fluid types and can help guide an engineer’s specifications to meet precise application requirements.
