Clamp Force Calculator
Calculate the required clamp force for your injection molding process.
in²
in²

Required Clamp Force

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How to Calculate Clamp Force

Understanding the traditional clamp force calculation helps you appreciate the power of our automated tool. Here’s how it’s done manually.

The Traditional Clamp Force Calculation Formula
Clamp Force = Total Projected Area × Material Factor × Safety Factor

1. Total Projected Area (in² or cm²)

This is the total surface area of the part and the runner system as seen from the direction of the clamp. It’s the shadow your part would cast. Our tool calculates this based on your inputs for part area, cavities, and runner area.

2. Material Factor (tons/in² or kgf/cm²)

Different plastics require different amounts of pressure to be injected into the mold. For example, a free-flowing material like Polypropylene (PP) requires less pressure than a stiff, high-viscosity material like Polycarbonate (PC). Our calculator has these factors built-in for a wide range of materials.

3. Safety Factor (%)

A buffer, typically between 10% and 20%, is added to the calculation. This accounts for variations in processing conditions, material batches, and machine performance, ensuring the mold remains securely clamped. Our calculator allows you to adjust this factor for process-specific needs.

While it's valuable to understand the manual process, our Clamp Force Calculator automates these steps, eliminating potential errors and saving you critical time. Let our tool handle the math so you can focus on what matters: creating high-quality parts.

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