1. What is Hydraulic Cylinder Speed?

Hydraulic cylinder speed refers to the rate at which the piston moves within the cylinder, typically measured in inches per second (in/s). It's determined by the flow rate of hydraulic fluid and the cross-sectional area of the piston.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fundamental hydraulic equation:

Where:

• \( Speed \) — Piston speed (in/s)
• \( Q \) — Flow rate (in³/s)
• \( A \) — Piston area (in²)

Explanation: The speed of the hydraulic cylinder is directly proportional to the flow rate and inversely proportional to the piston area.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation

Details: Calculating hydraulic cylinder speed is essential for proper system design, ensuring adequate cycle times, and matching actuator performance to application requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter flow rate in cubic inches per second (in³/s) and piston area in square inches (in²). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How does cylinder speed affect system performance?
A: Speed determines cycle times - too fast may cause impact damage, too slow reduces productivity.

Q2: What are typical hydraulic cylinder speeds?
A: Industrial applications typically range from 2-20 in/s, depending on application requirements.

Q3: How does rod diameter affect speed?
A: Rod diameter affects the annular area on the rod side, which changes retraction speed but not extension speed.

Q4: Can I calculate speed in different units?
A: Yes, but all units must be consistent (flow rate and area in the same unit system).

Q5: What if I have a double-acting cylinder?
A: You'll need to calculate speeds separately for extension and retraction as they have different effective areas.