How Do You Find The Bore Of A Hydraulic Cylinder

How Do You Find The Bore Of A Hydraulic Cylinder

How do you find the bore of a hydraulic cylinder? It is a question that deserves an answer.

The bore  of a hydraulic cylinder means the diameter of the hydraulic cylinder. Using a dial bore gauge, you can measure your hydraulic cylinder bore. However, it would be best if you emptied the hydraulic cylinder first.

I remember in an interview I attended, and I was asked to find the bore of a cylinder. But I can’t answer,  But I never knew bore and diameter could be used interchangeably.

Let’s go straight to the details of it.

How To Measuring The Bore Of A Hydraulic Cylinder

Hydraulic cylinders are found in automobiles, ships, and other large equipment. 

Oil or other pressurized hydraulic fluid powers the cylinder and forces a piston inside a barrel to move back and forth. 

The inside diameter of the cylinder, where the piston moves, is known as the bore and is a critical measurement for the operation of the hydraulic cylinder. 

The lifting force of a cylinder is based on the size of the bore diameter multiplied by the hydraulic pressure. Measure the diameter of a hydraulic cylinder to help calculate the force generated.

Explanation

Disassemble the cylinder so that the hole is accessible. The exact procedure depends on the type of hydraulic cylinder. Clean any fluid from the inside.

Twist the ratchet on the end of the telescoping hole gauge until the anvil and head are slightly larger than the opening in the drill.

Place the open anvil and head against the hole opening at a slight angle. 

Slowly straighten the diameter gauge until the instrument’s base is vertical and the head and anvil touch opposite sides of the bore wall. 

Rock the gauge gently into the hole to lock the anvil in place.

Remove the telescopic bore gauge from the hole. To find the bore’s diameter, use a micrometer or caliper to measure the distance between the head and the anvil.

Tips and Warnings

Alternatively, a rough estimate of the bore diameter can be obtained by measuring the outside of the cylinder and subtracting 0.500 inches from the measurement.

Untrained technicians removing and disassembling a hydraulic cylinder can cause damage to the machinery and the technician.

Methods Of Measuring The Bore Size Of A Hydraulic Cylinder

Let me mention three methods

1. Diameter of a cylinder using the radius

The radius, along with the height, are the most common dimensions of a cylinder. Therefore, many times we will know the length of the radius of the cylinder. 

If we know the radius, we can easily calculate the diameter, and we have to multiply the radius by 2.

2. Diameter of a cylinder using volume

We can find the value of the diameter starting from the volume. 

3. Diameter of a cylinder using surface area

Surface area can also be used to find the diameter of a cylinder. Similar to the previous exercises, we need to know the value of the surface area and the height length to determine the diameter. Remember that the formula for surface area is:

How To Measure Cylinder Bore Without A Bore Gauge

Let me share a simple method I. used with you. It would help if you emptied the hydraulic cylinder by removing the piston.

At this point, you have an empty cylinder.

Used a Caliper to measure the inner width of the cylinder and the outer width of the cylinder. 

You can now measure the length of the cylinder by using a measuring tape. These are the few measurements you need to determine your hydraulic cylinder diameter.

In summary, they are:

  • length
  • inner width
  • outer width

With this simple method, you can measure the bore of your hydraulic cylinder. But if you have a dial bore gauge, you can likewise use it.

Final Thought

In this article, you must find out how to know the bore of your hydraulic cylinder.

You have learned that bore is another word for diameter. Don’t forget to empty the hydraulic cylinder for a good measurement.

I also mentioned how to measure it without a dial bore gauge.