Manufacture of Ultra-Precision Piston/Cylinders for Hydraulic Amplification

This project aims to provide a methodology for the manufacture of the piston and cylinder assemblies (PCA’s)

Project Overview

Force amplification machines are used in the calibration of instruments to known forces. A known force is created with calibrated weights, which is then amplified hydraulically to create a larger force. The accuracy of the amplification of the force is dependent the quality in the machining of the pistons and cylinders which are used.

The project aims to provide a methodology for the manufacture of the piston and cylinder assemblies (PCA’s). PCA’s have traditionally been manufactured by grinding and polishing, but this project aims to determine whether alternative manufacturing routes may be feasible, along with specifying the methods necessary for machining the required materials.

1.5 MN Force Amplification Machine (Knott, A J NPL Report CMAM 47, September 1999)

Project Sponsor

The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) is the measurements standards laboratory for the United Kingdom. They are responsible for maintaining standards of several different types of measurement (for example force, weight and pressure), by working in collaboration with other measurement standard laboratories internationally.