Double-Acting Cylinder

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In a double-acting cylinder, the working fluid acts on both sides of the piston, enabling alternating action. To connect this piston with external mechanisms like crankshafts, a hole is drilled at one end for the piston rod, fitted with glands or 'stuffing boxes' to prevent fluid leakage. Commonly found in steam engines, double-acting cylinders are less frequent in other engine types. They are widely utilized in hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders where force generation in both directions is necessary.