If you are carefully selecting your new compressors by looking at Compressed Air & Gas (CAGI) data sheets, you should be commended. Use of these sheets are a great way to compare compressor energy and flow characteristics between brands of compressors. In this way, you can choose the most efficient machine for your use and […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Technically speaking, hydraulic hose is often also industrial hose, but for the sake of this article, I will define what makes them different in both construction and application. We could call out industrial hose for its use in mobile machinery as well, although I’m not here to make beef, so […]

Hydraulic cylinder column strength is essential in most applications. Here, we go into some basic specifications to consider when selecting, mounting and using hydraulic cylinders. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor As someone who helps run a cylinder manufacturing company, I can tell you that hydraulic cylinder column strength is a poorly understood concept by designers…

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic cylinders are unique in that they’re nearly 100% volumetrically efficient, although they are subjected to losses from mechanical efficiency. This means that nearly all the fluid stuffed into them results in proportional linear movement, but only some of the pressure required by them is to move their loads. Regardless,…

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In the case of hydraulic systems, efficiency and reliability are paramount, and these systems, used in various industries, rely on the seamless flow of hydraulic fluid to power heavy machinery and equipment. One crucial component that ensures the reliable operation of the pumps, valves and actuators is the hydraulic filter. […]

Contributed by Robert Sheaf  •   Founder of CFC Industrial Training In this month’s Troubleshooting Challenge, a truck assembly line has a lift system to elevate the transmission into position for bolting it to the engine. The operator complained to the maintenance department that the system was very sluggish to respond to the forward and…

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Oversizing your hydraulic pump is a relatively common error by beginner fluid power professionals or, more likely, entirely untrained individuals tasked with maintaining machinery. Everyone wears many hats these days, so don’t take it personally if you’ve inherited a role that requires skills above your pay grade. More than once […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic systems are the workhorses of many industries, powering everything from heavy machinery to manufacturing equipment. The lifeblood of these machines is hydraulic oil, which transmits power, dissipates heat, carries away contamination and lubricates components. However, just like any other fluid-based system, hydraulic systems are susceptible to unique issues, including […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Pneumatic cylinders are essential in various industrial applications, providing the mechanical force needed to move loads, automate equipment, and perform countless other tasks. However, pneumatic cylinders encounter issues that impede their performance like other machine components. When your pneumatic cylinder isn’t working as expected, it can lead to downtime, reduced […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic pumps are a fundamental component in hydraulic machinery and they play a pivotal role in ensuring everything runs with the force and reliability you expect from hydraulics. Over time, though, pumps might show signs of wear and tear, just like any other piece of equipment. And just like most…

What if you could reduce all your leaks without turning a wrench? Well, it is possible with good pressure control. And sometimes it is as easy as turning a knob. The principle is shown in the following orifice chart, Fig. 1. As the pressure to a leak reduces by 1 psi, the flow consumed by […]

Hydraulic piston pumps are the current standard for power, control and efficiency, but such a position in the hierarchy comes with more significant investment and responsibility. Piston pumps are expensive, complicated and involved compared to their lessor counterparts, such as the venerable gear pump. Inexpensive piston pumps still start in the four-figure range, and once…

By Anton Zhukov, Electrical Engineer, an expert in uninterrupted power solutions To curb the limited supply and high price of battery-grade lithium, alternative sodium-ion batteries are one of the most developed technologies that can potentially become a viable option in many applications. However, new battery technology requires years of engineering for successful commercialization — and […]

By Josh Cosford,  Contributing Editor How long a hydraulic hose should last depends on many factors, not the least of which is who you ask. Some standards want to see hoses changed every few years, yet others are okay up to ten years (such as with the SAE). But do we even need to apply […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor “Sensor” is an interesting word as it applies to industrial machinery and electronics, especially when we personify what it means to be sensing something. We can sense our environment through one of our various sensory systems, and if you ask some, sensory systems exist outside the realm of traditional science.…

Let’s square off in a squared circle to discuss why dynamic seals are never square. I suppose one could manufacture a square seal, but perhaps that would be more of a gasket. Either way, we’re pitting static seals against dynamic seals to see who comes out on top, and you may find yourself surprised by […]

Learn how hydraulics are used in maritime vessels and why hydraulics is the technology of choice. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulics have played a vital role in various industries, and the marine sector is no exception. From small pleasure boats to large ocean liners, hydraulics are extensively used in a wide range of marine applications […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hose fittings, also known as hose ends, are critical components of hydraulic systems as they connect hoses to the system’s various fluid ports at the pumps, valves and actuators. There are two primary styles for hose end fittings: permanent crimped-on and field-serviceable screw-on, also known as reusable hose ends. This […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Pneumatic systems are widely used within industrial environments to power machinery and equipment, providing reliable and efficient performance. The Filter-Regulator-Lubricator (FRL) is vital in maintaining optimal air quality and pressure within these systems. However, when selecting an FRL, one must not overlook the significance of understanding FRL air flow characteristics, […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Before I begin, let me preface this article with my definition of “electrified.” It’s rarer to find a hydraulic machine with no electrical or electronic components, so electrified might be redundant. In this case, I’m discussing the motion control and automation side of hydraulics, where the electric more is more […]

If I could time travel back to my early 20s to my job at the car wash, I’d get a kick out of my awe regarding the little hydraulic motor that could pull a track loaded with twelve cars so easily and smoothly through the wash. I was so clueless about hydraulics that I once…

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Air hoses are vital for many pneumatics-heavy industries, serving as lifelines transporting air to power machinery and tools. However, leakage is a common and frustrating issue that often arises in many pneumatic distribution systems. Leaks hinder efficiency and lead to unnecessary energy wastage and increased operational costs. Thankfully, preventing pneumatic […]

Follow these five steps to prevent tampering and ensure effective and correct process adjustments for pneumatic components. Steve Bain, Industry Segment Manager – Food and Beverage, Festo North America In modern automation systems, the need for frequent process adjustments poses the risk of unwanted device tampering, often referred to in exasperation by plant managers as Unnecessary […]

From mobile electrification to telematics and IoT, modern utilities equipment is becoming more controllable and smarter for efficient and reliable designs. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The most conspicuous trend in the utility equipment industry — as with most mobile machinery — is electrification. Electrification of mobile machinery previously referenced electric control through solenoid or […]