What is an Air Cylinder?
An air cylinder is usually a cylindrical or tube shaped device that contains a shaft, plunger, and rod. There are other shapes and sizes, but the tube shaped air cylinder is the most common. The rod within the air cylinder fits into the shaft and is capable of moving freely in and out. The plunger of the air cylinder is attached to the end of the rod and cannot be seen. The purpose of the plunger is to take the brunt of the air pressure flowing within the air cylinder. The wider, flat surface of the plunger provides a wall against which air pressure pushes. There are two main types of air cylinders: single acting and double acting. A single acting air cylinder pushes out as a spring returns the rod into the shaft. A double acting air cylinder moves the rod both in and out due to the air pressure on one end, which creates a vacuum on the other end. The vacuum pulls the rod back inside the shaft. Air cylinders have many uses. They are found in cars, houses, hospitals, and businesses. The
