The Plunger Cylinder
Hydraulic cylinders are used to create linear motion force for power transference. A hydraulic cylinder converts the energy from the hydraulic fluid into a force that can move the cylinder. There are actually several different designs for hydraulic cylinders. These designs include the telescope cylinder, the plunger or ram cylinder, the cable cylinder, and the diaphragm cylinder. While each type of cylinder has their own benefits and uses, today I want to focus on the hydraulic ram cylinder.
The hydraulic ram cylinder is used in an upright position. The plunger system is not used horizontally at any time. The plunger could not work if positioned horizontally. The ram cylinder works by using the natural gravity that pulls the fluid down into the cylinder. When the fluid supply stops, the weight of the cylinder causes the fluid to return to its original position, much like a toilet plunger pulls the water through a toilet to stop a clog. Often, a plunger-style hydraulic fluid cylinder is used in automotive service centers and industrial factories to raise and lower heavy objects, such as heavy factory parts or car bodies.
Many of the upright cylinders used in industrial machinery and other commercial or construction products use the ram style of cylinder. In fact, most upright hydraulic cylinders in use in the modern world are the ram cylinder style. This is due to the fact that ram cylinders are highly efficient and inexpensive to manufacturer. The automatic nature of the plunger cylinder also makes it easy to maintain and requires few repairs throughout its life.