Uncertainty creates opportunities for innovation and progress. Those who embrace change and adapt tend to come out on top. Recently, Fluid Power World had the opportunity to interview Paul Kundinger, third-generation president of Kundinger Inc, a Wisconsin and Michigan-based company delivering fluid power, automation, process control, and product solutions to a wide range of industries.…
Multi-chamber cylinders increase excavator efficiency
Norrhydro, based in Tampere, Finland, and Volvo Construction Equipment are moving ahead with field trials of a new excavator concept that engineers say could revolutionize machine hydraulic performance. If proven successful and widely adopted, the system could improve overall productivity of various types of off-road equipment and help meet the mobile industry’s sustainability targets and […]
Buyer beware when replacing hydraulics with electric actuators
Given heightened interest in battery powered mobile equipment, engineers are starting to weigh the benefits of hydraulic versus electric drives to power various machine functions. During the recent Future of Electrification conference, hosted by the Zapi Group, Kirk Martin, Global Director of Sales for Mobile Machinery at Ewellix explored this topic in his presentation, “The […]
High-performance 3D-printed servovalves set sail in America’s Cup race
Domin announced today a new partnership with INEOS Britannia, one of the six sailing teams competing in the upcoming America’s Cup race. As part of this collaboration, Domin is supplying INEOS Britannia with state-of-the-art high-performance servovalves, enabling them to enhance the performance and agility of their race boat. Domin is a global leader in hydraulic…
Hydraulics key to energy efficient mobile machines
Engineers at Sennebogen, Straubing, Germany, are embracing advanced diesel, hydraulic, electric and control technologies to design machines that generate significantly fewer emissions, compared to traditional equipment, and cut energy consumption in half. They’re building on proven and, in some cases, simple concepts that greatly benefit equipment users. Here’s a look at some of the innovations […]
Moog introduces electrohydrostatic pump system for high energy efficiency
Moog Inc. today introduced the Electrohydrostatic Pump System (EPS). The Moog EPS expands the existing portfolio of electrohydrostatic components and drive systems with a modular and energy-efficient drive solution with a high degree of freedom for users and operators. The Electrohydrostatic Pump System (EPS) consists of an Electrohydrostatic Pump Unit (EPU) and a standardized manifold…
Raising the efficiency of hydraulic pumps
Adding shuttles to axial piston pumps can substantially increase overall efficiency. Peter Achten, Robin Mommers and Jeroen Potma • INNAS BV, Breda, The Netherlands Given today’s push to limit global warming and embrace a carbon-neutral future, there is a heightened focus on improving the efficiency of industrial and mobile equipment and their underlying fluid power…
Hydraulics that “eats trees” — but in a good way
Mobile hydraulics is often called on for tough forestry jobs, and Diamond Mowers’ new Belt Drive Disc Mulcher is suited for contractors and mulching professionals who specialize in land clearing, vegetation and forestry management, and pasture reclamation. It features increased torque to obliterate anything in its path without slowing down, recovers twice as fast as […]
Fluid power is at its best when experienced first-hand
Earlier this year, both my middle school daughters had opportunities to see fluid power in action — and build their own devices powered by it. It was truly an eye-opening experience for them, and they were excited to be enmeshed in my world in a tiny way. Upon returning from IFPE in March, my 7th…
A new “Twiist” on position transducer design measures multiple data points
After 10 years of research, Gefran, an Italian sensor and control company, has launched its Twiist contactless linear position transducer to the North American market. The transducer not only measures position but can also measure temperature, velocity, acceleration, and tilt angle. “There are several products on the market that measure position and Gefran has them […]
Best of both worlds
Wacker Neuson, Menomonee Falls, Wisc., aims to help construction contractors meet their daily job-site challenges, whether the task demands conventional equipment or alternative-powered battery electric machines. A central focus of the company’s booth at Conexpo 2023 was the EZ17e 1.7-ton battery-powered mini excavator, essentially an electric analog of the company’s proven diesel-powered EZ17 excavator. The […]
Troubleshooting Challenge: “Leak-proof” circuit experiencing drifting towards neutral
A vertical 20-in. bore cylinder press with a logic valve setup started drifting down in the neutral position. Unfortunately, many technicians are not familiar with the schematics of how logic valves work. I always tell people that if they are piloted with a small directional valve then you should treat them like on-off valves. If…
Maximizing wind turbine efficiency through optimized hydraulic sealing
Advanced seal designs that prevent wear, increase service life, and reduce friction can ensure uptime in pitch cylinders and brakes. Eric Bucci, Global Technical Manager, Energy and Oil & Gas, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions Today’s wind turbines are highly technical precision machines, utilizing the latest digital and computer technology to maximize the wattage from every wind […]
New submerged HPUs give boat lifts a boost
In recreational boating, hydraulic power units (HPUs) provide the muscle behind critical operating machinery used to transport, launch, or secure small craft, including lifts, trailers, and jacks. For boat lifts alone, OEMs produce a variety of configurations, such as bottom standing, piling mount, floating, and shore mounted. These machines and configurations rely on hydraulic systems […]
IFPE 2023 wrap-up: Axial-piston variable motor for hydrostatic drivetrains
As it highlighted its system options along with its technologies for electrification at IFPE last month, Bosch Rexroth showcased new and legacy products that can optimize modern machines. One such component was its A36VM axial piston variable motor, which was developed specifically for hydrostatic drivetrains. It allows greater tractive force and speed for mobile machines. […]
IFPE 2023 wrap-up: modular hydraulic valves for compact needs
One of my final stops at IFPE 2023 was a briefing with Gary Gotting, President & CEO, Wandfluh of America Inc., particularly about their newModifications, to and between them, can also be carried out quickly in the field. Due to the modular design, special solutions can also be created in a flexible manner. For example, […]
Festo Didactic’s digital portal allows individualized learning experiences
Digitalization is changing the way people learn, and not just because in-person learning became so difficult with pandemic lockdowns. Trends such as mobile, micro, adaptive, and virtual reality learning were already beginning to exert an influence in technical education and training. To further these and other trends, Festo Didactic developed a digital learning portal – […]
IFPE is proof positive that our industry is flourishing
My big takeaway after 2-½ days on the IFPE show floor (plus a couple of hours on the CONEXPO-CON/AGG lots), was simply, WOW. The energy and vibe that lived in the building last week, March 14-18, was electric. Companies and individuals were thrilled to be together again, and it showed. The show hit record numbers, […]
TTI launches SmartFlow media and filter element lines for parallel flow
TTI is excited to announce its newest innovation, its patented SmartFlow Media Technology and PowerGuard SmartFlow Filter Element Line. This media technology is an optimization that is available across every filter element TTI manufactures and allows TTI to pair any two or more filtration medias together in parallel flow. This technology allows users to customize […]
Continental to show next generation hydraulic hose solutions at IFPE/CONEXPO
Continental’s group sector ContiTech is showcasing innovative digital solutions that provide a new approach to construction operations at CONEXPO-CON/AGG and the International Fluid Power Exposition. The co-located shows run March 14-18 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Continental will showcase a portfolio of products designed to make industry more efficient and reliable. “Continental is revolutionizing […]
CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE launch show app to help navigate their biggest show ever
With more than 64 acres of exhibit space at North America’s largest construction show, attendees can have a challenge finding their way around the show floor. Enter the CONEXPO-CON/AGG and IFPE mobile app for both iOS and Android, a free download for attendees to help them find their way around the show and catch what […]
Smart seals shown to offer significant data on service life
Freudenberg Sealing Technologies can now validate the superior performance capabilities of the intelligent seals it has under development. In addition to their core function, these seals can handle tasks such as sensor applications and monitoring their own state of wear. As a result, they enhance the reliability of machines and systems they help power by […]
Comer Industries to introduce new green-tech business unit at IFPE
Comer Industries will be exhibiting IFPE South Hall / S-82029) at the 2023 IFPE ConExpo, March 14–18. Comer Industries and its brand portfolio – Comer Industries, e-comer, Walterscheid, Walterscheid Services, Mechanics Driveshafts, Rockford Clutch — ensure expertise, innovative solutions, and customer-oriented services worldwide. With e-comer, the new green-tech business unit, Comer Industries intends to focus […]
Hydraulic filters continue to evolve
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The evolution of hydraulic filters from basic, pleated cellulose or paper into today’s synthetic depth media material has been slow but sure. This is because there are only so many ways to trap microscopic particles while offering little resistance to even smaller oil molecules. But engineers are continuing the advance […]
Komatsu will showcase electric machines and battery technology at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023
For the sustainability of businesses and the planet, at CONEXPO/CON-AGG 2023, Komatsu will be showcasing machines and technology engineered to help customers reduce their carbon footprint and plan for implementing sustainable solutions, including electrification. In booth W42044, visitors to the show will find a variety of options designed to help manage energy transitions and increase […]