Understanding the "stroke" of a hydraulic cylinder is key to selecting and using these powerful components correctly. While the term might sound like an action, in the context of hydraulic cylinders, stroke primarily refers to a specific measurement: the maximum distance the piston rod can travel.
Based on the provided reference, calculating the stroke is a straightforward process.
Calculating Hydraulic Cylinder Stroke
The stroke of a hydraulic cylinder is not a physical action you perform to the cylinder in the sense of initiating movement. Instead, it's a defined characteristic or specification determined by its physical dimensions.
According to the definition:
Stroke = Extended Length – Retracted Length
Let's break down what these lengths mean:
- Extended Length: This is the total length of the hydraulic cylinder when the piston rod is fully extended. It's measured from the center of the pinhole at the base end to the center of the pinhole at the rod end (or equivalent mounting points).
- Retracted Length: This is the total length of the hydraulic cylinder when the piston rod is fully retracted into the cylinder barrel. It's also measured between the same mounting points.
The difference between these two lengths gives you the cylinder's stroke – the maximum distance the rod can move from its fully retracted to its fully extended position.
Think of it like this:
| Measurement | Description |
|---|---|
| Extended Length | Cylinder length with rod fully out |
| Retracted Length | Cylinder length with rod fully in |
| Stroke | The difference between these two lengths |
The reference confirms this calculation: "Stroke is a travel distance and calculated simply by subtracting one from another. Stroke = extended length – retracted length. Yes,it's that simple."
Understanding "Stroking" in Operation
While stroke is a calculation, sometimes the term "stroking" a cylinder can informally refer to the action of moving the piston rod through its travel distance (extending or retracting it). This physical movement is achieved by:
- Applying pressurized hydraulic fluid to the appropriate port on the cylinder.
- This pressure acts on the piston, forcing the rod out (extension) or in (retraction), depending on which port the fluid enters.
The stroke measurement tells you how far the rod can travel during this operational "stroking" action.
In summary, you don't "stroke" a hydraulic cylinder as a physical action in the sense of hitting it. You calculate its stroke based on its dimensions, and you "stroke" it (extend/retract it) by using a hydraulic system to move the piston rod the distance defined by its stroke.
