01
Formula
Pounds = psi × π × (diameter ÷ 2)².
Tons = pounds ÷ 2,000. Motion force = weight × acceleration ÷ 32.174. The force calculator uses the ram diameter, not the die opening.
Apply for financingForce
Force calculator for a press and for acceleration
This force calculator turns gauge pressure and ram diameter into press force, in pounds and in tons. Switch it to weight and acceleration when the question is force from motion. One g is 32.174 feet per second squared. Neither result is a press rating.
From
Press force
18.85tons
Force37,699 lbf
Ram area12.57 sq in
Pressure3,000 psi
Planning estimate from the numbers you enter. Coverage, density, waste and price are assumptions, not a supplier quote or an engineering specification.
How it works
Press force is pressure times ram area.
Area is pi times the radius squared. A 4 inch ram has an area of 12.57 square inches. At 3,000 psi the force is 37,699 pounds, or 18.85 tons. Those are the fields already filled in. The motion mode divides the acceleration by 32.174 and multiplies by the weight, so 100 pounds at one g is 100 pounds of force, and 100 pounds at two g is 200 pounds of force. Seal friction, a misaligned die, and a relief valve set below the gauge reading all reduce the force that reaches the work. The hydraulic cylinder calculator is the same pressure-times-area idea with extend and retract speed.
02
Example
3,000 psi on a 4 inch ram.
Force is 37,699 pounds, or 18.85 tons. In the motion mode, 100 pounds at 32.174 feet per second squared is 100 pounds of force.
03
Tips
Read the gauge at the ram, not only at the pump.
Hose loss means the ram can see less pressure than the pump gauge. A larger ram at the same pressure makes more force and usually moves more slowly. Do not treat the tonnage as a structural rating for the frame.
04
Equipment
The press is the machine.
Dengaro arranges equipment financing for a hydraulic press. The force figure is not sent as a loan amount.
Important questions
Know what to expect.
Why is one g 32.174?+
That is standard gravity in feet per second squared. Enter it and the force calculator returns the weight as the force. Enter twice that and the force doubles.
Is tonnage the same as pounds?+
A short ton in this page is 2,000 pounds of force. The card shows both so a press quoted in tons and a cylinder quoted in pounds can be compared.
Does this include the weight of the ram?+
No. It is pressure times area, or weight times acceleration. The press frame’s own weight is not added.
Where is cylinder speed?+
On the hydraulic cylinder calculator. This force calculator stops at force.
Financing built into the sale