Specificity of Designing Hydraulic Cylinders Made of Plastics

The principles of designing hydraulic cylinders are generally known, but metals are assumed to be typical design materials for cylinders, which results in the use of standard design solutions and typical manufacturing technologies. However, the use of special design materials, e.g. plastics or composites, may require a departure from traditional, generic methods, or at least an adaptation of them. The article presents the specificity of designing cylinders made of plastics, which have been determined as a result of research presented in the author's earlier publications. The specificity of the designing is presented in an orderly manner, by following the stages of the author’s algorithm for designing cylinders made of plastics. The specific challenges connected with this process are presented, which are different for the designing of plastic cylinders and metal cylinders. Some suggested solutions and examples of their practical application are also indicated. In the summary, possibilities offered by the use of plastics in hydraulic cylinders are considered.