Which hydraulic cylinder type is limited to only one direction of force application?

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A single-acting cylinder is designed to exert force in only one direction. This type of hydraulic cylinder operates by utilizing hydraulic pressure to extend, while a spring or gravity is typically responsible for retracting the cylinder back to its original position. This means that in applications where it is used, the cylinder can push a load, but not pull it back, which is a limitation of its design.

In contrast, a double-acting cylinder can apply force in both directions, allowing it to push and pull loads effectively. Constant pressure and variable volume cylinders refer to different operational characteristics of hydraulic systems and are not limited to a single direction of force application like the single-acting cylinder is. Therefore, the unique functionality of the single-acting cylinder makes it particularly suited for applications where force is only needed in one direction, often contributing to its widespread use in various mechanical systems.

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