kilogram-force/sq. millimeter Unit Converter

Definition of kilogram-force/sq. millimeter unit

Kilogram-force per square millimeter (kgf/mm²) is a non-SI unit of pressure or stress. It represents one kilogram-force applied uniformly over an area of one square millimeter, equal to approximately 9.80665 megapascals.

History of kilogram-force/sq. millimeter unit

The kilogram-force was defined as the gravitational force exerted on a one-kilogram mass under standard gravity of 9.80665 m/s². Engineers historically paired it with square centimeters or millimeters to express practical mechanical pressures and material stresses. Kilogram-force per square millimeter became common in older machinery catalogs, engineering drawings, hydraulic specifications, and hardness discussions, especially where metric technical units were customary. Although the SI system later standardized pressure in pascals, this unit persisted in some countries and legacy documentation. Its exact conversion is 1 kgf/mm² = 9.80665 MPa, reflecting standard gravity.

Applications of kilogram-force/sq. millimeter unit

Today, kilogram-force per square millimeter appears mainly in legacy engineering documents, older machine-tool specifications, and some material-strength or hardness data. It may describe tensile strength, yield strength, bearing capacity, or hydraulic pressure. Modern technical work generally converts it to megapascals, but the unit remains useful when interpreting historical drawings, imported equipment manuals, and established industrial standards.

Complete list of kilogram-force/sq. millimeter unit conversion