Which type of hydraulic cylinder provides force in both directions?

A double-acting cylinder is designed to provide force in both directions, making it capable of performing work during both the extension and retraction strokes. This is achieved through the design of the cylinder, which allows hydraulic fluid to enter from either side of the piston. When fluid is supplied to one side, the piston moves in one direction, and when fluid is supplied to the opposite side, the piston returns. This functionality is essential for applications requiring precise control and efficiency, as it allows for greater versatility in movement and the ability to produce force in both directions.

In contrast, a single-acting cylinder only exerts force in one direction and relies on a spring or external force to return to its original position. A pneumatic cylinder operates with compressed air and can be single or double-acting, but does not provide the same control or force when retracted as a double-acting cylinder. Lastly, a rodless cylinder functions differently by eliminating the external rod, using other mechanisms for motion but does not inherently provide force in both directions in the same sense as a double-acting cylinder. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why the double-acting cylinder is the correct choice when considering force application in both directions.