By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In the bustling battlefield of pneumatic systems’ hose and tubing, two contenders stand ready for combat: polyethylene and nylon tubing. Armed with unique strengths and weaknesses, they prepare to face off in the high-pressure war, so let’s dive into this skirmish and see who emerges victorious. Round 1: The Durability […]
Between a rock and a hard place
Cobalt, copper, lithium, and nickel are among “the electric 18” critical materials needed for clean energy production, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Average consumers driving EVs, installing solar panels on their roofs, and coordinating their lives via smartphones may not connect the dots as they oppose mining operations in the U.S. But the…
Gain an inside look into aircraft hydraulic systems
Understanding the intricacies of aircraft hydraulic systems provides insight into the engineering marvels that keep aircraft flying safely through varying conditions. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Aircraft hydraulic systems are a special breed of essential components in modern aviation, providing the power and control necessary for various functions that provide the safe and efficient flights…
The benefits of unitized sealing products in hydraulic cylinders
Unitized sealing solutions feature over-molding and precision machining to eliminate challenges inherent in standard piston and gland designs. Contributed by Andrew Iddeson, Product Technology Director, Advanced Sealing Technologies and Chuck White, Global Product Development Manager Hydraulic cylinders are a key component in efficiently harnessing the power created by a fluid power system into usable linear […]
Which pneumatic technology is best for linear motion applications?
In linear motion applications, pneumatics, servo pneumatics, and controlled pneumatics each deliver unique motion and force capabilities. Contributed by By Frank Langro, Director of Product Market Management, Pneumatic Automation, Festo Pneumatic linear actuators are fundamental for automation because of their low cost, ease of installation and operation, high yet compliant force, speed, compactness, safety in hazardous areas, […]
How to ensure proper hydraulic fitting assembly
Contributed by Gary Molton • BSc, Owner, Engineering Adventures Poor assembly or using the wrong type of fluid power fitting has been shown to increase risk of fluid leakage and industrial injury. Fitting designs have changed considerably over the last 30 years to reduce these risks but this has resulted in a myriad of assembly […]
Black Bruin X-series is a heavy-duty, compact alternative
Compactness is crucial for many equipment applications, with machine builders aiming for smaller parts that maintain high power. Finnish hydraulic motor manufacturer Black Bruin launched its new X-series for such applications, including recycling, marine and offshore, construction, mining, and material handling. With its patent-pending design, the company aims to enhance the performance, durability, serviceability, and […]
Hydraulic crawler crane makes and preserve space exploration history
An LR 1750/2 hydraulic crawler crane lifted the Endeavor space shuttle orbiter into launch position at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Preserving humanity’s accomplishments keeps a record of our existence and our exploration of the vast unknown. The Endeavor space shuttle orbiter, which flew 25 missions from 1992 to 2011, was one such […]
Mining innovations zero in on sustainability
As professionals rev up for MinExpo International 2024 in Las Vegas, here’s a look at some mining innovations released since the last gathering. Electrified vehicles, battery storage, and autonomous technology are top of mind across the mining industry, as all companies strive for net-zero targets and more sustainable operations. One glaring challenge is providing fast charging […]
When to use (or not use) BSPT fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If you’re not terribly familiar with hydraulic fittings, you may think BSPT is a typo. Is it supposed to be BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) or perhaps NPT (National Pipe Thread)? No, it’s not a typo – we’re actually talking about British Standard Pipe Taper, which is the version of […]
Bailey gives back with a different type of power
One of the best parts of my job as an editor of Fluid Power World is the community. The fluid power people are some of the kindest and most compassionate individuals I meet at trade shows and gatherings. They’re juxtaposed against the brawn and grit of the technology and the environments where fluid power is…
China grants Domin patent for its S4 Pro servo valve
Domin announced that the patent for its ground-breaking S4 Pro servo proportional valve has been granted in China. Alongside existing patents worldwide, this marks a significant milestone in strengthening Domin’s position as an innovator within hydraulics in the Asia-Pacific region. “Since we secured patents for this technology in the UK and USA in 2023, our […]
Danfoss launches ePanda eDrive for low-voltage applications
Danfoss Power Solutions’ new ePanda eDrive for low-voltage applications is designed as a propel solution for mobile elevating work platforms. It is an integrated compact power system comprising an electric motor, microcontroller unit, and reduction gearbox aimed at maximizing efficiency, reliability, and safety. The eDrive joins the ePowerpack in the company’s ePanda series of products […]
Four tips and strategies to ensure hydraulic health and safety
Hydraulic machinery has a crucial role to play in many facets of modern society. From transport to construction, marine and shipping or food processing, machinery powered by hydraulics acts as the backbone to getting jobs done efficiently and repeatedly. The HSE reported that 561,000 people in 2022/23 sustained an injury in the workplace, and given […]
Zero-Max celebrates 75 years and hints at future plans
Zero-Max takes pride in responding to customer needs through innovative products and exceptional service. Its first product was a unique mechanical variable speed drive that solved application challenges in varied industries, and many of these drives are still in use 75 years later. With the drive’s successful entry into many different industrial markets, Zero-Max capitalized […]
Simulations serve as valuable tools for sealing fluid power components
Contributed by Alan Astbury, Simulation Methods Developer, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions To achieve optimal efficiency, fluid power applications and their sealing components need good friction characteristics and long life to reduce maintenance. Engineering simulations and the experts to interpret them can result in better sealing and material recommendations, leading to faster prototyping, predictive maintenance and a […]
Holmbury grows with expanded lab and office space
Holmbury Inc. recently hosted an open house, to highlight the growth the company has made in the past several years at its U.S. headquarters in Eastlake, Ohio. The manufacturer of flat face couplings has nearly doubled its space, expanding with two extra suites to the south and north of its original space. In the southern […]
Engineers are invited to the 2024 International Maha Fluid Power Conference
Purdue University welcomes engineers and fluid power professionals to the 2024 International Maha Fluid Power Conference, held September 3-5, 2024, at the Stewart Center. The conference will include technical presentations, keynote lectures, and social events for attendees to network, exchange ideas, and discuss recent research trends in fluid power and motion control technologies. For the […]
Pneumatic valves provide greater automation flexibility, optimized flow
Emerson has launched its Aventics series XV pneumatic valves. Series XV valves are designed with interoperability in mind to provide machine builders across multiple industries and factory automation applications with a flexible and cost-effective valve platform. The new valves are ideal for machine builders and end users that operate across the globe, with universal threads […]
Hydraulic oil analysis part 4 — water’s impact
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In Part 4 of the hydraulic oil analysis series, we will tackle one of the most essential qualities of hydraulic oil you must test and understand. Particle contamination, for example, may take months or years to erode critical components to the point of failure, but water infiltrating your pumps, valves, […]
New open-center directional valve group for mobile machinery
Danfoss Power Solutions today announced the launch of its DVG family of hydraulic valves, a new line of open-center directional control valves for mobile machinery. Currently available in North, Central, and South America, the valve group brings a new level of quality and performance as well as rapid and reliable delivery to a competitive market. […]