How does a single-acting cylinder function?

A single-acting cylinder operates by using air pressure to extend the piston, while retraction occurs through a secondary mechanism, typically gravity or a spring. This design allows for a straightforward operation where the cylinder can effectively push out an object or application load when air pressure is applied.

Once the pressure is released, the return movement of the piston is achieved not by applying air pressure in the reverse direction, but rather by a spring mechanism or gravitational force. This is efficient because it reduces the complexity of the system, as there’s no need to control air pressure for both extending and retracting. This characteristic of relying on a passive element for retraction is what distinguishes single-acting cylinders from double-acting cylinders, which utilize air pressure to both extend and retract the piston.

Other options do not accurately describe the functioning of a single-acting cylinder; for instance, using air pressure only to retract is incorrect, as that contradicts how a single-acting cylinder is designed. Continuous operation in both directions is a feature of double-acting cylinders, and manual activation is not a standard operational mode for single-acting cylinders since they are typically controlled by pneumatic systems.