Compute a cylinder's extend and retract forces at line pressure, the pressure it would actually need to move the load, and decide whether it is the right size.
📋 Scenario
A clamp cylinder must push a 1200 N load on the extend stroke at the shop's 6 bar supply. You have a 50 mm bore / 20 mm rod cylinder on the shelf. Check its theoretical forces (ignore friction), work out the minimum pressure it would need for the load, and judge whether the shelf cylinder is adequate.
📋 Given
50 mm
20 mm
6 bar
1200 N
🧮 Useful relations
1 bar = 0.1 MPa = 0.1 N/mm²
Extend force = P · (π/4)·D² · Retract force = P · (π/4)·(D² − d²)