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Hydraulic Test Cylinders

For over 100 years, Hänchen has supported the test and simulation industry with actuators built for precision and durability. Our servo cylinders cover one of the widest ranges on the market. Choose from lightweight models for simple tests (Series 120/300) to hydrostatic models for demanding, high-frequency applications (Series 320). With patented sealing technologies found nowhere else in the market and highly-honed surface finishes, Hänchen cylinders last for decades in service.

Series 120 Hanchen Hydraulic Cylinder

Hydraulic Test Cylinder Specifications

One of the largest testing ranges in the market, offering lightweight models for static applications or high frequency cylinders for dynamic testing.

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What Makes Us Different?

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Largest Testing Range on the Market

o Offering lightweight servo actuators for static applications and ultra-rigid cylinders for dynamic testing.

12 Sealing Combos for Low Friction and Stick-Slip

Customize your cylinder for static or dynamic loads with patented sealing technology to minimize friction, stiction, and side loads.

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Fast Lead Times with Competitive Pricing

Competitive pricing and fast manufacturing (as quick as 14-18 weeks) compared to popular brands, like MTS.

Product Guide

Test Cylinders 101

Sealing Systems

Applications and Solutions

hydraulic test cylinder hanchen heavy-duty testing cylinder for dynamic applications

Test Cylinders 101

What are Test Cylinders?

Test cylinders are used extensively in the testing sector and can be used for checking the functional safety of systems, component parts or products, for structural testing of airplanes, refrigeration compressors, automobile exhaust systems, or for simulating loads and movements, such as operational profiles and flight profiles.

Product Benefits

Patented sealing and guides optimized to your friction and stick-slip tolerance
Machined from a solid block of steel, creating a rigid cylinder construction with bores adjustable to the millimeter
Honed, crosshatch finishes designed for smooth acceleration and lasting performance
No leakage pump is required as pressure is regulated through venting and leakage ports, reducing energy use and lowering operating costs
Welded roundhead distributes stress evenly across the cylinder body compared to a traditional tie-rod design
Hydrostatic bearings offered for all sizes, starting at an inch diameter
Designed for higher pressure up to 4,640 psi (320 bar), allowing standard components to be used without upsizing your equipment

Stick-Slip in Hydraulic Cylinders

Our Hydrostatic Design

Product Guide

Test Cylinders 101

Sealing System

Applications and Solutions

Hydraulic Test Cylinder Sealing Options

Tell us about your application, and we will help you find the perfect seal. Any solution is possible for your application. We make patented and standard seals for low friction, side loading, high pressures, rotation, fast/slow movement, stroke amplitude, and medium compatibility.

In the following chart, the first row of images and titles denote sealing systems, while the first column on the left denotes guiding systems.

	Basic Design Lip seal, wiper ring	Servocop® Compact seal, lip seal, wiper ring	Servoseal® Servoseal®, lip seal, wiper ring	Servofloat® Floating gap seal, functional oil seal, wiper ring	Functional oil seal Functional oil seal, wiper ring
Servoslide® Synthetic guide	– Simple movements – Long-stroke oscillations – Side loads due to lateral movement – Low stick-slip – v ≤ 0.5 m/s	– Controlled movements – Long-stroke oscillations – Side loads due to lateral movement – Mostly stick-slip-free – v ≤ 2 m/s	– Sensitive movements – Long- and short-stroke oscillations – Side loads due to lateral movement – Low-wear – v ≤ 2 m/s	– Sensitive movements – Long- and short-stroke oscillations – Side loads due to lateral movement – Low-wear – v ≤ 2 m/s
Metallic guide	– Simple movements – High temperatures – Universal application – Low stick-slip – v ≤ 0.5 m/s	– Simple movements – High temperatures – Mostly stick-slip-free – v ≤ 1 m/s	– Simple movements – Temperatures up to 80ºC – Low-wear – v ≤ 1 m/s	– Simple movements – High temperatures – Low-wear – v ≤ 1 m/s
PTFE Wear rings		– Controlled movements – Long-stroke oscillations – Side loads due to lateral movement – Long cylinder stroke – Mostly stick-slip-free – v ≤ 3 m/s	– Sensitive movements – Long- and short-stroke oscillations – External side loads due to lateral movement – Low-wear – v ≤ 3 m/s	– Sensitive movements – Long- and short-stroke oscillations – External side loads due to lateral movement – Low-wear – v ≤ 4 m/s
Servobear® Hydrostatic bearing					– Sensitive movements – Short-stroke oscillations, highly dynamic – Highest side loads – No leak oil pump required – v ≤ 4 m/s

Product Guide

Test Cylinders 101

Sealing Systems

Applications and Solutions

Application Examples and Solutions

Hydraulic Test Cylinders are used in a wide variety of applications including automotive testing such as lifecycle tests, aerospace system tests such as load and environmental condition simulation, and fluid power operating condition simulation.

Automotive

Servo hydraulic lifecycle tests are the current industry standard for automobile components that are used far beyond safety-related structural elements. Users can depend on hydraulic test actuators for high positioning accuracy and reliability in applications for test systems and real time control. A test cylinder with a dynamic lift of up to 35 mm (1.3 in.), speed of 1.3 m/s (51.2 in/s), and acceleration of up to 50 m/s (1968.5 in/s) could be used for a test load requiring up to 28 kN (6,294 lbf) and a frequency up to 20 Hz.

Aerospace

System tests that simulate loads and environmental conditions in different flight phases are particularly demanding. To test the landing flaps and slats, servo hydraulic cylinders could be used here to replicate the airflow that involves rapidly changing forces with irregular parameters. For example, a servo cylinder with a bore between 40 to 160 mm (1.5 to 6.2 in.) could be used for a test stand with a holding force between 140 – 300 kN (31.4 to 67.4 lbf) and a stroke requirement of 300 to 1,670 mm (11.8 to 65.7 in.).

Fluid Power

To determine the characteristic values of a seal, seal test benches are suitable for simulating a wide range of operating conditions. Double rod cylinders could be used here for fatigue tests focused on examining the frictional force of the seals, tightness on rods and shafts.

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Brochures & Catalogs

Frequently Asked Questions

Hänchen offers 5 cylinder cover sealing systems and 4 guide options to provide very low friction and minimize stick-slip for all those that need it.

On the market today, there are two standard sealing options for the cylinder cover: a basic design with a lip seal and wiper ring or hydrostatic functional oil seals. To address in-between friction and stick-slip needs, Hänchen offers these, plus additional sealing options.

Sealing pressure and temperature

We offer sealing options handling pressures up to 29,000 psi (2,000 bar) and temperatures from -40 °F to 392 °F (-40 °C to 200 °C).

Sealing systems

Sealing system in cover	Basic Design	Servocop®	Servoseal®	Servofloat®	Functional oil seal
Application	For simple, long stroke movements with minimal lateral loads	For low sensitive, stick-slip free movements	A step above Servocop®, very low friction, virtually no leakage	Extremely low friction	For pressure-less functional oil sealing with hydrostatic bearings
Sealing combo	Lip seal, wiper ring	Lip seal, wiper ring, compact seal	Servoseal®, functional oil seal, wiper ring	Floating gap seal, functional oil seal, wiper ring	Functional oil seal, wiper ring
Temperature range	-22 to 392°F (-30 to 200 °C)	-22 to 392°F (-30 to 200 °C)	-22 to 176°F (-30 to 80 °C)	-22 to 212°F (-30 to 100°C)	-22 to 212°F (-30 to 100°C)
Speed	0.5 m/s	3 m/s	3 m/s	4 m/s	4 m/s

Guide options

In addition to sealing options, the guide system is equally important for reducing friction and wear. Hänchen offers:

Sealing system in cover	Servoslide® synthetic guide	Metallic guide	PTFE wear rings	Servobear® hydrostatic bearing
Application	For movements with moderate side loads	For simple, long-stroke movements or high temperatures	For movements with high side loads	For friction-free movement with very high side loads
Sealing combo	Lip seal, wiper ring	Lip seal, wiper ring, compact seal	Servoseal®, functional oil seal, wiper ring	Floating gap seal, functional oil seal, wiper ring
Temperature range	-22 to 176°F (-30 to 80 °C)	-22 to 392°F (-30 to 200 °C)	-22 to 392°F (-30 to 200 °C)	-22 to 212°F (-30 to 100°C)
Speed	2 m/s	1 m/s	4 m/s	4 m/s

Learn about all 12 different sealing and guide combinations here.

1,000 Hz.

The maximum frequency we can achieve is up to 1,000 Hz. While it is theoretically possible to design our cylinders for any frequency, the main limitation is the valve control technology. Our cylinders are capable of higher frequencies than most valves on the market can support. This means the maximum frequency you can achieve is limited only by the valve’s capability, not the cylinder itself.

The recommended operating temperature range depends on the lowest and highest temperature limit of selected seals and materials.

Engineers must consider the material’s permissible tensile strength and seal temperature limits at low temperatures. In this case, special attention should be given to the notched impact strength, which decreases as the temperature drops and affects the material’s resistance to sudden loads.
Materials with specific properties must be used to ensure reliable toughness values even at low temperatures, for example at –22 °F (–30 °C) or –40 °F (–40 °C).
In the area of the sealing elements, care must be taken to select the proper material. For instance, different NBR mixtures have different temperature properties and therefore the temperature limit is not necessarily defined by the simple material name, for example, NBR.
Seals for temperatures down to 5° F (-15 °C) are permitted as standard. Special seals can be used for low temperatures.

14-18 weeks lead time, including manufacturing and shipping.

Specialty cylinders are manufactured in 7-16 weeks in Germany and then shipped by air-freight (2-week shipping).

It can be difficult to put a number on the lifetime of a Hänchen cylinder. This is because it’s very application dependent. A cylinder in a concrete crushing application that is exposed to constant concrete dust in the air isn’t going to last as long as a cylinder in a clean environment. However, the rigidity, honing, in combination with the right sealing and material can mean that Hänchen cylinders last a long time. It is not uncommon for cylinders to last 20, 30 years with only seal kit changes.

Depending on application and maintenance, the lifetime of a Hänchen cylinder is twice as long as many standard competitors. Cylinders have lasted in service for 40 years without failure. Rigidity honing , the right sealing and material combos for the application will with only seal kits changes 20-30 years, application.

Yes.

Our team of experienced engineers specializes in developing custom hydraulic cylinder solutions to meet your exact needs. We can modify design, materials, size, mediums, seals, coatings, sensors, and more to create a product that meets your exact requirements. See full customizations here.

Yes.

IC-Fluid Power, inc. offers local and regional support throughout North America. Whether you need help with hydraulic cylinder servicing, troubleshooting, or just have questions, our experts are ready to assist. For personalized support, contact our team at sales@icfluid.com or call us at (419) 661-8811.

Yes.

We provide spare parts such as seal kits, piston rods, cylinder covers, and more upon request. Please reach out to our inside sales team at sales@icfluid.com.

The maximum speed is limited by the seal solution, which is the type of seal configuration and/or the material.

In the following charts, the numbers on the right denote the maximum velocity in meters per second (v max in m/s).

Sealing system in cover

	0.5	1	2	3	4
Basic sealing system	+	–	–	–	–
Servocop®	+	+	+	+	–
Servoseal®	+	+	+	+	–
Servofloat®	+	+	+	+	+
Floating oil seal	+	+	+	+	+

Guiding system in cover

	0.5	1	2	3	4
Servoslide®	+	+	+	–	–
Metallic guide	+	+	–	–	–
PTFE wear rings	+	+	+	+	+
Servobear®	+	+	+	+	+

Sealing system on the piston

	0.5	1	2	3	4
Rectangular compact seal	+	+	+	+	+
Rectangular compact seal with elastomer	+	–	–	–	–
Throttle gap	+	+	+	+	+
Servoseal®	+	+	+	+	+

Series 320

The Series 320 cylinders are used in highly dynamic testing and motion control applications where high cycling accuracy is required, oftentimes with low amplitudes. It supports variable displacement profiles with stable performance under load.

Sealing Systems
The Series 320 uses Servofloat®, Servobear®, or Servoseal® sealing systems. The piston is fitted with either a gap seal or Servoseal®.
Cylinder Design
The cylinder body has a rigid construction that limits vibration. Optional conical protection tubes reduce lateral movement in fast or high-force conditions. All models use a double-rod configuration with bore sizes offered in 1 mm increments.
Mounting and Sensors
The Series 320 includes a mounting plate that supports control valves and allows accumulators to be attached for pressure regulation to smooth out the dynamic movement. Inductive and magneto strictive transducers can be integrated for position sensing.
Typical Applications
The cylinder is typically used in test systems demanding precise motion, high cycle rates, and consistent displacement control.

Series 120 and 300

The Series 120 and 300 cylinders are designed as compact alternatives to classic test actuators for simple testing tasks. When equipped with a mounting plate and position transducer, they deliver precise performance for static and dynamic test applications.

Sealing Systems
Servocop®, Servoseal®, or Servofloat® sealing systems are available on the cover, combined with Servoslide® guide systems or PTFE wear rings. On the piston, either a rectangular compact seal or Servoseal® is used for test applications requiring consistent sealing performance.
Cylinder Design
These cylinders feature a lightweight, rigid design ideal for long strokes or for applications where the cylinder must move with the test structure, such as pivoting movements.

Single-rod: supports static or low-frequencies up to 7 Hz.
Double-rod: supports dynamic frequencies up to 25 Hz.

Mounting and Sensors
Compact mounting plates allow the integration of lightweight control valves and position transducers, forming a complete and efficient test actuator assembly.
Typical Applications
Series 120 and 300 cylinders are typically used in simple test setups requiring precise linear motion with moderate dynamic loads and minimal actuator mass.

Choosing a single or double-rod cylinder depends on the force ratios, dynamics, and lateral vibrations.

Up to 7 Hz: use single-rod (Series 120 or 300)
Up to 25 Hz: use double-rod (Series 120 or 300)
Over 25 Hz: use double-rod (Series 320)

Single-rod, Series 120, 300 (up to 7 Hz)

Single-rod cylinders are suitable for moderate dynamics with frequencies up to 7 Hz. Higher frequencies can also be achieved, depending on the dynamics of the control valve used, the travel speed, and the cylinder size. Asymmetrical control valves may have to be used for this purpose.

Double-rod, Series 120, 300 (up to 25 Hz)

Above a certain dynamic, it is advisable to work with equally large effective areas on the cylinder. For example, it is recommended to use double-rod cylinders for up to 25 Hz, as most control valves have symmetrical surfaces.

Besides the hydraulic limits, even the mechanical properties play an important role. At exceptionally high frequencies, very heavy and stiff cylinders are preferred to prevent the cylinder from swinging up due to transverse acceleration. For example, this can be achieved by using heavy, conical protection tubes.

Double-rod, Series 320 (above 25 Hz)

For applications exceeding 25 Hz, the Series 320 is recommended.

For short strokes or low-amplitude movements (for example, around ±1 mm) over an extended period, contact seals can cause friction and significant wear because the surfaces move too little to maintain lubrication.

In such cases, non-contact sealing or guiding systems are recommended such as Hänchen’s Servobear® (commonly referred to as hydrostatic), Servoseal®, Servofloat®, or Servobear®). This design avoids surface scoring and provide smoother motion.

Sealing system in cover

	“simple” long-stroke Movement	short-stroke oscillation Amplitude x < 6mm
Basic sealing system	+	– –
Servocop®	+	–
Servoseal®	+	+
Servofloat®	+	+
Floating oil seal	+	+

Guiding system in the cover

	“simple” long-stroke Movement	short-stroke oscillation Amplitude x < 6mm
Servoslide®	+	–
Metallic guide	+	– –
PTFE wear rings	+	+
Servobear®	+	+

Sealing system on the piston

	“simple” long-stroke Movement	short-stroke oscillation Amplitude x < 6mm
Rectangular compact seal	+	–
Rectangular compact seal with elastomer	+	– –
Throttle gap	+	+
Servoseal®	+	+

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