Originally Posted by project5k  please explain further. a 4" diameter cyl would have a radius of 2", 2^2 or 2 squared is 4. 3.14 times 4 = 12.56
the formula is pi times r squared, right? thats the area of the circle, or piston, then multiply that times the air pressure to get the output force? |
You can use a smaller cylinder if you provide a lever or cam to give mechanical advantage. A 1" cylinder with a 16:1 lever will give the same clamping force as a 4" cylinder with 1:1 lever, and you shouldn't need much travel on the workpiece end, so even a 1" travel cylinder should work. You could also use a hydraulic cylinder instead of a pneumetic one, and run MUCH higher pressures (like > 1000 PSI).
Regards,
Ray L.