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INSTRUMENT
All models

Actual-flow volume screen

Pneumatic cylinder time

PLDd

Inputs

User-entered cylinder bore for ideal head-end volume.
User-entered rod diameter for ideal retract annulus volume.
User-entered travel stroke.
User-entered actual volumetric flow at the cylinder; not standard/free-air flow.

Results

Ideal extend volume

0.3927

Ideal retract volume

0.32987

Ideal extend speed

254.65

Ideal retract speed

303.15

Ideal extend time

0.7854

Ideal retract time

0.65973

Ahead = πD²/4; Aannulus = π(D² − d²)/4; v = Qactual/A; t = L/v

A first-pass number, not a code check, certification, or approval. Read the method and its limits below. What this is and is not.

Nearby: Trapezoidal motion · Reflected inertia · Pneumatic cylinder force · Clamp-force transfer

Method

Formula, when it applies, and when it does not

Calculate ideal double-acting cylinder extend/retract volume, speed, and time from an actual volumetric flow at the cylinder.

Ahead = πD²/4; Aannulus = π(D² − d²)/4; v = Qactual/A; t = L/v

When

  • User-declared actual cylinder flow
  • Circular bore and rod
  • Uniform flow
  • No load, cushioning, line, or valve loss

Don’t

  • This screen uses the user-declared actual volumetric flow at the cylinder. Do not enter SCFM, NL/min, or free-air flow unless it has already been converted to actual cylinder conditions. It does not model compressibility, pressure, valve Cv, tubing, flow controls, leakage, friction, load, acceleration, cushioning, end stops, or real cycle-time validation.
Tameson pneumatic-cylinder timing guide