On cylinders a differentiation is made between four different types of motion that affect the structure of the drive:
Transport motion:
with the highest force required on accelerating the load. The velocity can mostly not be maintained accurately. Example: block valve.
Power motion:
required force over the entire working stroke during which the velocity does not need to be very even, as it is often necessary to adjust to the force required (series connection characteristic). Example: presses.
Feed motion:
with the action of the force over the entire working stroke and a very consistent, load-independent motion with widely varying velocities. Example: feed on machine tools.
Terminal force motion:
during which the force is only required at the end of the travel with very high velocity during the movement. Example: injection moulding machine.