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Pressing Calculator

Calculate hydraulic force and gauge pressure for rocket tooling.

0.750" (19.0 mm)
Typically 5,000–8,500 PSI
PSI
OR
LBS
Required Force / Gauge Reading
02000400060008000100000100200300400500600700barlbs
3,313lbs
1.66 US Tons•Tooling Area: 0.442 sq in•PtoF Gauge: 3,313 PSI

PtoF (Pressure-to-Force) gauges use a calibrated 1.0 sq in ram, so 1 PSI on the gauge equals 1 lb of actual force on your tooling. Formula: Force = Grain PSI × Bore Area.

Watch tutorial video

Video: How PtoF Gauges Work

Video by Pyro Dad Sam

Pyro Dad Sam explains how Pressure-to-Force gauges work and how to calculate the gauge reading for pressing rocket motors.

Pressing a whistle rocket using a pressure to force gaugeWatch on YouTube (includes comments & discussion)
1. Standard vs. PtoF

Standard hydraulic gauges measure pump fluid line pressure. A PtoF gauge is calibrated for a 1.0 sq in ram, so 1 PSI on the dial equals 1 lb of actual force applied to your tooling.

2. Calculating Force

Tooling cross-sectional area is π × (ID / 2)². Multiply your target grain PSI by this area to determine the total pounds of force needed.

3. Setting the Press

Pump your press until the PtoF gauge needle reaches the calculated force in lbs (e.g., 3,313 PSI on the gauge for 1 lb tooling at 7,500 PSI grain pressure).