How Do You Calculate PSI On Hydraulic Presses?
A hydraulic press is a mechanical lever that allows heavy objects to be lifted with minimal effort. This is because a hydraulic press relies on Pascal’s principle to move the objects: That is, the pressure in an enclosed system remains constant. Two (or more) pistons act as the levers to raise the object, and applying a small force on one of the pistons can lead to large forces on the other piston. Calculating the pressure is therefore important for using a hydraulic press, and this value is calculated in pounds per square inch (psi). Choose one piston to take measurements from. Ensure that any other pistons that are part of the press are locked in place, as movements from these pistons can lead to inaccurate measurements. Determine the force acting on the chosen piston. This can be done by placing a small scale on the piston and pushing down on the weight and piston until you are unable to push down anymore. As an example, assume the force applied to the piston is 10 pounds. Determine
