Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has named Heather Castleman president of the Industrial Americas business unit of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions. According to Juergen Bosch, Business Area President, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, “Heather has made great contributions to our success in various senior roles. With her extensive knowledge of the company and proven leadership I’m confident in her ability […]
Hydraulic oil analysis part 5 — acidity and its impacts
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In part 5 of this series covering hydraulic oil analysis, we move on to discuss acidity. As it pertains to hydraulic oil, we need to know the total amount of acidic substances found within the sample. Most commonly referred to as the Total Acid Number, or TAN for short, the […]
Why is your hydraulic cylinder moving slowly?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If your hydraulic cylinder is moving slowly and you’re reading this article, your cause is not likely a lazy operator. Your situation is obviously one where an expected performance isn’t being met, or there was a sudden and dramatic slowdown of your cylinder velocity. Diagnosing the cause of a cylinder…
Where and when should you use wire-reinforced hose?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic hoses come in many sizes and designs, and the expression of each design is a result of the purpose of that hose. Generally, there are three common locations where a hose is used in a hydraulic system: suction lines, working lines and return lines. Each location has its own […]
4 key considerations when choosing electric motors and equipment
Contributed by Enrique Busquets • Director of Engineering Systems and Components, Bosch Rexroth Fueled by unceasing innovation, electric motors have solidified their position as a catalyst for change, reducing countries’ greenhouse gas emissions (ghg) and lowering total cost of ownership for heavy- and medium-duty vehicles and machinery. The accelerated adoption of electric motors has been […]
Clippard launches EHS high-pressure electronic valves
The EHS series of high-pressure electronic valves from Clippard is precision-engineered to deliver robust performance in higher pressure (up to 1,000 psig) applications, prioritizing both safe functionality and the reduction of potential leak points. Building upon the foundation set by the ES series, the EHS incorporates key features such as substantial cross sectional O-rings, proven […]
Sustainability takes the MinExpo floor in a big way
MinExpo 2024 returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center September 24-26. With all the big players already announcing major machine developments, it’s clear that MinExpo promises to be a return to its pre-covid self with massive machinery setting the stage. MINExpo, owned and produced by the National Mining Association, brings professionals, experts and decision-makers from […]
Are we designing our way into a skills vacuum?
My father was from Ireland, and I’ve spent many a summer enjoying all this beautiful country has to offer. I am now introducing my own children to the joys of a couple of weeks spent in simpler pleasures — long walks along the bay hunting for sea life, mooing and baaing at cows and sheep,…
Troubleshooting challenge: Low pressure halts digger derrick truck movement
Contributed by Robert Sheaf, Founder of CFC Industrial Training In this month’s challenge, we go out into the utility world, where digger derrick trucks operate to prepare worksites. Here, a digger derrick truck could not operate any function that required pressure above 50 psi. The pump load sense was set at 300 psi with the…
Motion to open new repair show in Houston
Motion Industries Inc. is pleased to announce a new Motion Repair & Services location at 10710 Sharmon Road, Houston, Texas, 77038. The new shop, which is entirely dedicated to repair and services, is slated to open in September 2024. The modern, well-equipped repair facility features a full suite of CNC and manual machine tools, lifting…
Sun Hydraulics’ eSense counterbalance solution for safe load holding
At iVT Expo last week, Sun Hydraulics was highlighting some of its newer technologies, including its eSense counterbalance solution. This load-holding technology allows users to save energy without sacrificing performance. Designated as part of Sun’s ecoline program, this solution adapts to any load and provides up to 85% of energy-efficient power to applications. Combatting the […]
Polyethylene versus nylon tubing — who wins the pressure war?
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 […]
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…
Motion to purchase Canadian industrial distributor LSI Supply
Motion Industries Inc. signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of Canadian-based LSI Supply Inc. and its sister company 273 Ontario (which trades as LSI). The transaction is expected to close later this month, subject to customary closing conditions. Headquartered in Windsor, Ontario, LSI Supply has five area locations and distributes bearings,…
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 […]
NITRA nickel-plated brass PTC fittings from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added a variety of new NITRA push-to-connect fittings. These fittings feature durable nickel-plated brass bodies, threads, and release sleeves. They have a maximum pressure rating of 300 psi and can withstand temperatures up to 175℉. Numerous fitting styles have been added, including male straight fittings, male elbows, branch tees, union straight fittings, union […]
Comparing electric versus hydraulic motors
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Comparing electrical with hydraulics is one of my favorite topics to write about. When you study both fields, you quickly realize how much the concepts, mathematics and symbology coincide. However, not all readers share my same enthusiasm for the analogy. Many years ago, one LinkedIn member commented that I was […]
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 […]
Singer Industrial teams up with hose company MEP Brothers
Singer Industrial has teamed up with MEP Brothers Inc., a provider of industrial and hydraulic hose, gaskets, and environmental spill response products. MEP Brothers is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and will operate within the Industrial Rubber Division of Singer Industrial. The capabilities of MEP Brothers will create a greater breadth and depth of support for […]
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 […]
AutomationDirect adds Bucher Hydraulics HPUs, heat exchangers and solenoid valves
AutomationDirect has added hydraulic power units (HPUs), heat exchangers for HPUs, and hydraulic solenoid valves from Bucher Hydraulics. Hydraulic power units contain a reservoir, pump/motor, filter, and all necessary controls to power a hydraulic system. They are offered in the single-phase powered M-series and three-phase powered T-series models. A T-series dual-flow, dual-pressure model is also…
There’s nothing artificial about the benefits of AI for manufacturers and distributors
Contributed by Mike Marks, Founding Partner of the Indian River Consulting Group In recent years, the supply chain has become unpredictable, and manufacturers and distributors alike must make bold moves to continue growing. One such move is to invest in and implement new technological solutions — especially those powered by artificial intelligence. AI isn’t just…
Direct-acting, poppet-type hydraulic cartridge valve for pressure-limiting needs
The new DRV screw-in, poppet type, direct-acting cartridge-style hydraulic relief valve from Doering is designed for use as a pressure limiting device for common hydraulic circuit protection. The DRV blocks flow from port 1 to port 2 until sufficient pressure is available at port 1 to force the poppet from its seat. The cartridge offers…