Common mistakes when choosing a hydraulic cylinder
Choosing a hydraulic cylinder without properly assessing operating pressure, materials and environmental conditions is one of the most frequent causes of early failure or downtime. Knowing the most common mistakes helps avoid them from the selection or design stage.
The most common mistakes
- Underestimating operating pressure: choosing a cylinder rated for a lower pressure than the system actually requires (for example a 70 bar series where 210 bar is needed) accelerates wear and increases the risk of failure
- Material not suited to the environment: using standard steel in corrosive environments (food, chemical, marine) instead of stainless steel drastically reduces the cylinder's service life
- Incompatible seals: standard seals used outside their temperature range or with incompatible fluids are a common cause of premature leaks
- No testing or dimensional checks: relying on a supplier who doesn't perform systematic checks increases the risk of receiving non-conforming components
Nuova Emmebi Cilindri supports customers already at the selection or design stage, to identify the most suitable operating pressure, materials and seals for the specific application.
Not sure you've chosen the right cylinder for your application?
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See also
- Hydraulic cylinders: 70 vs 210 bar, which to choose?
- Steel or stainless steel: material selection guide
We develop custom hydraulic cylinders, even for complex applications and existing industrial systems.

