Differential cylinders are “dual-acting” cylinders, i.e. both ends can be subjected to pressure in order to carry out movements. Unlike a synchronizing cylinder, the piston rod sits on only one side. This creates two working areas of different size: the full piston area and the smaller annulus area on the rod side. The ratio of the two areas is called the area ratio Φ. Because of this, the cylinder retracts faster than it extends, with correspondingly lower force. These cylinders can also be installed in the horizontal position.
References
- Herbert H. Netzel: Induktionsofenhandbuch. 3rd edition, Eigenverlag IES, Witten 2003, p. 35.