Hydraulic Cylinder Sizing: Optimize Performance and Cost with Customization

hydraulic cylinder sizing

Hydraulic cylinder sizing can have a big impact in both performance and cost for your application. It is critical that the cylinders are sized appropriately to deliver the force and safety factors your application needs. Customizing the design based on your requirements can save money and improve performance. 

Hydraulic Cylinder Sizing Factors

Several factors must be considered when sizing a hydraulic cylinder, some of which include: the operating pressure of your hydraulic system, the push and pull forces required, the geometry of the design, and the safety factors required. All of these work together to determine the appropriate bore size, rod diameter, tube wall thickness, and mounting styles needed. The extended and retracted length requirements are also key factors to be considered. 

Bore Size

The bore size along with the system operating pressure determines the maximum push force that the cylinder can produce. Standard tubing sizes are readily available allowing for cylinders to be designed to the requirements of your application. 

Rod Diameter

The diameter of the cylinder rod affects the pull force that the cylinder can produce. If bore diameter is held constant and rod diameter is increased, pull force will decrease. Rod diameter is also a factor in determining the column load for the cylinder design which is important when calculating safety factors for the cylinder. 

Customized cylinder designs can consider the specific characteristics of your application to balance performance and cost by sizing the bore and rod diameters to your requirements. 

Stroke Length

Stroke length is the difference between the fully extended and fully retracted lengths of the cylinder. These lengths are generally measured from the center of the cylinder mounting points. The required stroke length is an important factor in cylinder design as different cylinder types and build types can have different requirements for minimum retracted length. The minimum requirement can be affected by bore size, rod diameter, and the overall length of the cylinder.

Custom Cylinder Design benefits for Hydraulic Cylinder Sizing

Custom cylinder designs can factor in the exact requirements and specifications for your application to determine the appropriate bore size, rod diameter and other critical design factors to deliver the performance and safety factors you need. The result is a robust cylinder that delivers the performance you require at a cost you can afford. 

Other Aspects That Impact Your Hydraulic Cylinder 

There are other aspects that impact the function of your hydraulic cylinder. These include: 

  • Cylinder Type: Many cylinder types are available and each have unique strengths for certain applications. Learn more about cylinder types here. 
  • Build Types: There are different build types or assembly styles available. Build types can be used across many different cylinder types, learn more. 
  • Position Sensors: Position sensors can be incorporated into your cylinder design. Smart Cylinders (cylinders with position sensors) provide feedback to your control system allowing for automation and safety controls. Read more. 
  • Mounting Options: There are many mounting types or styles for hydraulic cylinders and many custom options. Read more about the importance of selecting the right mounting configuration. 
  • Porting Options: From standard SAE ports to blocks machined for valves and other functionality, the options for porting are nearly endless. Learn more about porting, valves, tube-lines, and more here. 

The Professionals at Aurelius Can Help Determine the Proper Hydraulic Cylinder Sizing for Your Application 

Our team at Aurelius Manufacturing has over 40 years of experience in manufacturing custom hydraulic cylinders for various crucial industries. Our team practices a collaborative design approach which gives us the ability to find a solution that adds the most value to your applications. We are dedicated to quality, responsiveness, and reliable lead times in order to make sure you are getting the most out of your partnership with us. 

Are you ready to get started? Contact our team today.  

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