How Much Force Is a 5 Ton Pneumatic Cylinder?
A 5 ton pneumatic cylinder is an actuator sized to deliver roughly 5,000 kgf (about 49 kN) of theoretical push force. Indian machine builders specify this class for pressing, stamping, clamping, and heavy lifting stations where hydraulic power is unnecessary but air-powered force is still required.
Carroland Pneumatics supplies large-bore ISO 15552 cylinders and guided cylinder systems to Indian manufacturers. With the right bore and pressure combination, a 5 ton force target is achievable using standard pneumatic components rather than custom hydraulics.
Force, Pressure and Bore Relationship
Pneumatic cylinder force follows F = P × A. At 6 bar (0.6 MPa), the required piston area for 5,000 kgf is:
- 5,000 kgf ≈ 49,035 N
- Required area = 49,035 N ÷ 0.6 MPa ≈ 81,725 mm²
- Required bore = √(81,725 × 4/π) ≈ 322 mm
In practice, machine designers move to 8–10 bar or use a 320 mm bore ISO 15552 cylinder and apply a safety factor. ISO 15552 covers bores up to 320 mm, so a 320 mm bore × 10 bar cylinder can deliver approximately 80,000 N theoretical force — well above the 5 ton target.
ISO 15552 Large-Bore Data for Indian Buyers
ISO 15552:2018 defines cylinders with bores from 32 mm to 320 mm at a 10 bar maximum rated pressure. For heavy loads, the upper end of this range is relevant. Sourcing data from Indian distributors shows that 320 mm bore cylinders are available on request, with common stock stopping at 125–160 mm and larger sizes built to order.
| Bore (mm) | Area (mm²) | Push force at 8 bar | Push force at 10 bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 20,106 | 16,085 N | 20,106 N |
| 200 | 31,416 | 25,133 N | 31,416 N |
| 250 | 49,087 | 39,270 N | 49,087 N |
| 320 | 80,425 | 64,340 N | 80,425 N |
Three precise data points:
- 5 ton = approximately 49,035 N
- ISO 15552 maximum bore: 320 mm
- Typical Indian factory pressure: 6 bar; 8–10 bar used for high-force stations
Applications in Indian Manufacturing
Five-ton class cylinders appear in:
- Sheet-metal pressing and bending fixtures
- Automotive component assembly clamps
- Plastic injection mould clamp-assist units
- Material handling lift-and-transfer stations
- Packaging carton compression and strapping
Carroland serves Indian manufacturers from our China facility, using ISO 9001-certified processes and validated production discipline. We provide bore sizes up to 320 mm with pneumatic cushioning, rod-end accessories, and the material-test reports needed for Indian import compliance.
Design Tips for 5 Ton Pneumatic Loads
- Use guided cylinders or external guides to prevent rod side-load
- Size for 10 bar maximum rating even if running at 6–8 bar
- Include flow controls to manage impact at stroke end
- Specify high-temperature FKM seals only if ambient exceeds +60°C
- Plan for booster or high-pressure FRL if 6 bar mains is the only source
Related Guides
Review cylinder fundamentals in our Pneumatic Cylinder Guide for Indian Manufacturers. For pressure-class selection, see 10 Bar Pneumatic Cylinder.
FAQ
What bore gives 5 ton force at 6 bar?
Theoretically about 322 mm bore. Because ISO 15552 standard bores top out at 320 mm, most designers use 8–10 bar pressure or accept a slightly lower safety margin.
Is pneumatic or hydraulic better for 5 ton?
Pneumatic is cleaner, easier to maintain, and sufficient for moderate-cycle pressing. Hydraulic wins when constant high force or precise speed control is required.
What safety factor should I apply?
Apply 1.3–1.5× the calculated theoretical force to account for friction, pressure drop, and load dynamics.
Can Carroland supply 320 mm bore cylinders?
Yes. Carroland manufactures ISO 15552 cylinders up to 320 mm bore for Indian buyers, with test reports and export packaging available.