Hydraulic cylinders convert fluid pressure and flow into force and linear movement and are used in a wide variety of applications and industries. They are complex devices incorporating a wide range of components available in a range of dimensions and configurations made using a host of different materials.

Design Factors for Hydraulic Cylinders

Specifying hydraulic cylinders is essentially a balancing act, as each design factor influences one or more of many design considerations. For example, some urethane seals are ideal for applications as cold as −65°F (−54°C) and will tolerate temperatures as high as  200°F (129°C). Other seal withstand temperatures as high as 500°F (260°C) but cannot handle cold temperatures.