Hydraulic fluid is used in fluid power systems mainly because of its incompressibility or stiffness. This allows it to provide consistent and powerful transmission of energy throughout a hydraulic system, which allows the actuators to complete the work, whether they are linear or rotary motions. The advantage of a fluid’s compressibility ensures a hydraulic machine […]
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Before you select a hydraulic fitting, you must first determine if its threads will match the hose you have selected. Measuring and identifying the fittings is easily done but you must have the correct tools. These tools include ID/OD calipers and thread pitch gauges. Using the thread pitch gauge, as seen in Figure 1, simply […]
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There are many choices to consider when looking to buy a new compressor for your industrial plant. The most common choices are reciprocating compressors, screw compressors, and centrifugal compressors. The best choice depends on the size of your facility and how you use compressed air. If you have a very light compressed air load—and don’t […]
Single-point lubricators provide consistent delivery of the exact amount of oil required for pneumatically driven tools. Tools that run off of pneumatic power — such as handheld power tools, screw drivers, nut runners and more — operate best when they consistently receive the correct amount of oil. Too much oil can puddle in low points […]
Machine builders are always on the lookout for ways to run equipment faster and increase throughput and productivity. However, components moving at high speeds often must decelerate and stop without damaging the equipment or payload. Otherwise, the consequences are excessive loads, vibration and noise that can compromise safety and machine reliability. Engineers can sometimes dampen…
Although many detractors sneer at the idea of hydraulic efficiency, right-sizing components, proper system design and modern technology can go a long way to achieving system efficiency. “Hydraulic efficiency” is a term alluding similar sentiments to “exact estimate” or “scientific belief.” It’s not that hydraulic efficiency is an oxymoron, per se, but these aren’t traditionally two words…
Understanding the complex components and systems that make up high-speed industrial hydraulics is critical to well-maintained, efficient machines. By Carl Dyke, Contributing Editor Control surfaces on the wings of aircraft have to move into position very quickly. Aerobatic or military aircraft pilots may choose to maneuver through the three axes of roll, pitch and yaw simultaneously.…
By Dave Marlowe, Owner/CEO, DMAR Technical Training and DMAR Business Centers USA In a previous article, I stated that the most important consideration in the selection of a hydraulic fluid was selecting an oil of the right viscosity. I also explained the difference between viscosity and viscosity index. Now we’ll share insights for the operator and maintenance […]
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By Doug Palmer, Senior Engineer, ACE Controls Industrial shock absorbers and linear dampers work to provide a smooth, linear deceleration of a given load. Hydraulic shock absorbers and linear dampers use a medium such as transmission fluid or silicone oil to control the deceleration of the load. Pneumatic linear dampers use air or nitrogen to…
Lynn Beyer talks about the NFPA and the Fluid Power Challenge with Marisa Martin on our Fluid Power Fridays series of podcasts. NFPA nfpahub.com
Comprehensive testing of water glycol fluids on common seal materials reveals temperature-related issues. By: James Simpson and Eric Bucci – Trelleborg Sealing Solutions The polyglycol is a water-soluble polymer thickener that can be formulated to cover a wide range of viscosities. The resulting viscosity-temperature properties give water glycols good low-temperature cold-start pump wear protection and…
WHEN fluid-power components like pumps, motors, valves and cylinders fail, the overriding goal is to get a system up and running again as soon as possible. One option is simply to purchase and install a new replacement part, but a repaired or remanufactured component is often the more economical option. Depending on the unit, almost…
Carl Dyke • Contributing Editor Precise metering and responsive force control are the name of the game in this specialized fluid power application. Plastics injection molding machines feature a hydraulic system that must provide reliable performance through many years of continuous, around-the-clock production cycling. There are a number of motion control sub-circuits for closing the…
David Marlowe • Owner/CEO • DMAR Technical Training and DMAR Business Centers USA To date, we have discussed everything up to the discharge side of the hydraulic pump. In the last article we discussed the importance of a thoroughly thought-out, planned and executed proactive maintenance program and the benefits of maintaining the system instead of…
This article was updated on March 16, 2016, with updated text and new images. What is a gauge? A gauge is any device designed to measure the intensity of a particular type of energy or quality. A light meter is a device that converts photon energy into electrical current so it can measure the intensity…
Hydraulic cylinders are typically built to handle high loads in rugged and demanding operating conditions, and they routinely last for years. Unfortunately, cylinders used improperly face a quick demise. Mechanical issues like side loading and rod bending are two common cylinder problems that lead to premature failure. Cylinders are designed to provide linear force and…
Hydraulic cylinders are available in a variety of styles and can be mounted in numerous ways. While they come in countless variations, they are usually built to certain standards. National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and International Standards Organization (ISO) standards for hydraulic tie-rod cylinders are among the most common. The advantage of standard tie-rod cylinders…
The key to a reliable hydraulic system lies in keeping it cool, clean and dry. The industrial hydraulic environment is a piece of cake compared to what the mobile hydraulic industry is put through. Industrial hydraulics are typically cleaner, more temperate and better outfitted with luxuries, such as coolant systems and advanced contamination removal equipment.…
Just about everyone is aware of the dominance of video content on the Internet. Just to be on the net at all demands that you be aware of it. The trend doesn’t show signs of slowing down either. Cisco, for example, predicts that 69% of all consumer Internet traffic will be video by 2017. If…
Shock Absorbers and dampers work to provide smooth deceleration of a given payload. A pneumatic or hydraulic shock absorber will use fluid or gas power for deceleration, and a spring to return the piston to its initial position. However, linear dampers typically do not. They facilitate the smooth closing of hinged doors, such as garage…
Jim Reilly of The United Distribution Group, GHX Industrial, LLC, and Rick Pitman of PSC will discuss the proper use of hydraulic hose, from fabrication and assembly to industry drivers and field usage. They will also explain NAHAD’s role in improving hose standards and what engineering personnel need to know. This webinar is sponsored by:
Retaining rings are engineered components used to hold many types of assemblies together. They are precision engineered to accurately position, locate and retain parts on shafts or in bores. The rings are installed into a groove, and all the other components of the assembly sit against and are retained by the ring. Retaining ring designs…
Fluid power is, quite simply, the use of a liquid or a gas to move a load and accomplish work. The technology is used in countless industrial as well as everyday environments, from automobile assembly lines to passenger airliners and from packaging equipment to huge earth-moving pieces of equipment. Fluid power can be used for…
Typical hydraulic systems consisting of pumps, hydraulic lines, valves, and actuators all have inefficiencies. Even a well-designed hydraulic system will have inefficiencies when converting mechanical energy into fluid power. These issues, in addition to design and operational inefficiencies, transform some of the input power into heat. The entire system will overheat if this heat load…
