Cylinder Selection

Selecting Cylinder Bore Size

When selecting a cylinder bore size for your application, first determine the maximum push or pull force required. Next, add at least 10% to the push/pull force or the working pressure to compensate for pressure drop in the line and friction in the cylinder. This 10% figure is adequate for normal applications. Finally, knowing the working pressure available, select your cylinder bore size.

Selecting Cylinder Rod Diameter

Standard Rods - Standard rods can usually be selected when a cylinder is used for a pull or tension application. In some applications where long stroke cylinders are used for pull or tension, oversize rods may be required to eliminate rod sag.

Oversize Rods - Oversize rods are often required when a cylinder is used in a thrust or push application. In these applications, the designer must treat the piston rod as a column in compression and specify a rod large enough to prevent rod buckling.

Rod Diameter Selection

To determine the correct rod for your application, follow the steps listed below: (it is a good idea to print these out so you don't have to scroll as much)

1. Determine the load or maximum thrust required.
2. Classify your application as one of the various mounting types.
3. Determine stop tube length--see stop tube instructions.
4. Determine the value of "L" for your application with the rod fully extended. (See dimensional chart below)
5. By referring to chart, select a thrust figure from the left-hand column, equal to or greater than the thrust of your application.
6. Scan to the right of the thrust figure selected until an "L" value is equal to or greater than the "L" value determined above.
7. Follow the "L" value column to the top of the chart to find the recommended rod diameter.
8. In some cases, the recommended rod diameter may be larger than is available in the bore size selected. In this case, a larger bore size should be selected.