}

Actuator Force Calculator

Pneumatic/hydraulic actuator force calculator

Calculating an actuator's useful force

Calculate hydraulic actuator's force

Piston diameter D mm

Piston rod diameter d mm

Pressure p

η factor

Results

Pushing force

[N]

Pushing force

[kG]

Pulling force

[N]

Pulling force

[kG]

Calculating a pneumatic actuator's force

Pushing force at nominal PN pressure, η factor = 1

A pneumatic actuator’s force can be calculated using the following formula:

theoretical force = pressure * piston;s active surface

To calculate a piston’s active area you can use one of the two formulas, depending on the type of force (pushing or pulling).

usable force = pressure * piston’s active surface * η factor

Explanation

Pistons and pneumatic actuator piston rods' diameters

CNOMO actuators
Piston diameter Piston rod diameter
32 12
40 18
50 18
63 22
80 22
100 32
125 32
160 40
200 40
ISO actuators
Piston diameter Piston rod diameter
32 12
40 16
50 20
63 20
80 25
100 25
125 32
160 40
200 40
250 50
320 63
Compact actuators
Piston diameter Piston rod diameter
16 8
20 10
25 10
32 12
ISO
32 12
40 12
50 16
63 16
80 20
100 25
Pressure actuators
Piston diameter Piston rod diameter
16 8
20 10
25 10
32 12
40 12
50 16
63 16
80 20
100 25

Pressure:
1 [atm fiz.] = 1.01325 [bar] = 101325 [Pa] = 760 [mmHg]

η factor:
The actual force on an actuator’s piston rod depends on the pressure changes during the filling and emptying of the actuator chambers, as well as changes in the frictional force in the seals. In practice, it is advantageous to use the η factor, expressing the ratio of the useful Fu force to the theoretical Ft force. The recommended values of the η factor are:

Work method η factor's value
Theoretical case 1
Slow movement, weight acting at the end of a stroke 0.8
Fast movement, weight acting at the end of a stroke or slow movement, weight acting over the entire stroke 0.75
Fast movement, weight acting approximately over the entire stroke 0.65

Calculating a hydraulic actuator's force

Pushing force at nominal PN pressure = 16 MPa, η factor = 1

An actuator’s theoretical force can be calculated with the following formula:

F = A * P

F – force, which a hydraulic actuator can create [N]
A – piston’s working surface [m2]
P – working air pressure inside an actuator [Pa = N/m2]

E.g. a hydraulic cylinder with 20 cm2 of working surface that works under the pressure of 800 bar (8000 N/cm2) will create a force of 160000 N (160 kN).

8000 N/cm2 * 20 cm2 = 160000 N = 160 kN

Measuring oil capacity for a hydraulic cylinder

The amount of oil required for a given actuator can be calculated by multiplying an actuator’s work surface by it’s pitch.

E.g. a hydraulic cylinder with 20 cm2 of working surface and a pitch of 200 mm will (theoretically) require 400 cm3 of oil.

20 cm2 * 20 cm = 400 cm3

Explanation

Pneumatic actuators' piston and piston rod diameters

Dimensions (mm)
Actuator's diameter (D) Series 25 32 40 50 63 80 100 125 140 160
ØMM 70 16 20 25 32 40 50 63 80 - 100
71 18 22 22 28 36 45 56 70 80 90

Discover the key to accurate calculations in pneumatics! Visit our How to calculate ISO pneumatic actuator force page for detailed information and expert advice on calculating pneumatic actuator force according to the ISO standard. This site is an indispensable resource for engineers and technicians, as it provides accurate guidelines and practical examples. If you value precision and reliability, then this site is for you. Don’t miss out on professional knowledge and practical tips in the field of pneumatics!