The Fluid Power Distributors Association was founded in 1974 by hydraulic and pneumatic distributors. Several years ago, FPDA widened its horizons and embraced other motion control technologies, becoming The FPDA Motion & Control Network. Now, the group is changing the look of the group with a new logo and tagline. To better reflect technological advancements and…

The 2021-2022 NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge is seeing increased interest from both new and returning universities and is off to a promising start. Coinciding with their senior capstone design courses, 23 universities have registered to compete in this year-long program. The Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge is a yearly STEM competition that challenges college engineering…

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) has updated and launched its Hydraulic Specialist (HS) Interactive Study Manual. Whether you are preparing for the HS Certification test or just want to boost your skills, the HS Interactive Study Manual makes learning easier.  Purchasing the manual gives you access for one year, allowing users to learn and understand…

Micro-PLCs with support for Wi-Fi and industrial communication protocols make it possible to add IIoT to any type of machinery in an easy and incremental manner. Bill Dehner, technical marketing engineer, AutomationDirect Pneumatically- and hydraulically-operated equipment is found worldwide in machine shops, factory floors, and production sites. While these heavy-duty systems excel at manufacturing and…

A simple example of explaining a self-relieving pressure regulator is to imagine having a balloon with two normally closed ends. Call the ends supply and exhaust. Assume the balloon is empty and you ask for more pressure in the balloon. The supply end opens until the balloon pressure equals the requested pressure, then the supply […]

Several important trends are affecting the world of fluid power and, specifically, hydraulic power units. According to Axel Schwerdtfeger, CTO of HAWE Hydraulik, based in Munich, Germany, one important area involves digitalization and connectivity in systems. Also, electrification of mobile machines is on the rise, and thus miniaturization and decentralization of power packs — bringing…

Nitto Kohki USA has introduced a standalone vacuum pump device that is ideal for a range of pick–and–place applications, and is particularly useful when house air is not available. The LV–125A (Linicon) vacuum pump is compact, lightweight, and features an oil–less design to fit perfectly into clean room assembly operations. It has an extremely low […]

Hitachi Construction & Mining, a division of John Deere Construction & Forestry Co., announced the EX2000-7 — its latest EX-7 series mining excavator that is said to enhance efficiency, reliability and durability. Its new Cummins QST30-C engines cut fuel consumption for significant cost savings and lower environmental impact. Hydraulic pumps optimized with electronic regulation, high […]

Volvo Construction Equipment has introduced three new electric compact machines, the L20 Electric wheel loader and EC18 Electric and ECR18 Electric excavators. The units join the current L25 and ECR25 electric offerings, and give Volvo the industry’s largest range of electric-drive machines, according to company officials. Volvo CE’s growing range of electric-drive equipment is said […]

For any seal to function well in a fluid power application, it must resist the extreme forces attempting to squeeze the material through even the smallest gap like so much Playdoh. The gaps available to a seal to squeeze through are called extrusion gaps. To understand the extrusion gap, you must first understand the primary […]

Schroeder Industries is proud to release its Kidney Loop System Change-Over (KLCO). Through the use of the Kidney Loop System Change-Over (KLCO), plant owners and operators no longer need to compromise system/fluid condition during filter replacements. It goes without saying, the cleaner the fluid, the better the operating condition. According to sources like Noria Corp., contamination […]

Winners of the 2021 LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) were announced this afternoon in a digital ceremony, with products across 12 categories. This annual competition saw a record number of submissions, as it aims to celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking products serving the design engineering space. This year’s winners were chosen by […]

When the manufacturing workforce has the upper hand This past August in suburban Chicago, John Manzella, of the Manzella Report, spoke on “Labor, International Trade, and What’s Ahead” at the annual NFPA International Economic Outlook Conference. One of the issues he touched on was the current labor shortage. He explained that we have job openings…

Gates has introduced its latest breakthrough hydraulic hose, the MegaSys MXG 5K, which is lighter, more flexible and more durable than a typical 5,000 psi (350 bar) hydraulic hose. “Our ongoing commitment to research and development has resulted in another world-first innovation from Gates. MXG 5K sets a new standard for hydraulic hose,” said Mike […]

Purdue University researchers have undertaken a $3.2 million Dept. of Energy project to optimize the hydraulic systems that connect tractors and implements. “Fluid power is everywhere,” said Andrea Vacca, professor of mechanical engineering and agricultural and biological engineering, and director of the Maha Fluid Power Research Center, the largest academic hydraulics lab in the country. […]

Winning entries in the 2021 LEAP (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) Awards were announced by WTWH Media today in 12 categories, including Pneumatics. This year’s winners were chosen by an independent judging panel of 12 engineering and academic professionals. For each category, judges could award Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Honorable Mentions. The 2021 Pneumatics category winners […]

Once a hydraulic hose assembly has been properly cleaned and crimped, there is still one more important step to ensuring they remain clean and contamination-free before use. Plumbing systems are often the largest locations for built-in contamination versus the rest of the hydraulic system. So, immediately capping the hose ends with either protective injection molded […]

Pirtek USA, a global on-site and retail hydraulic and industrial hose service provider, has demonstrated the strength of its brand by signing eight new franchisees to the system during the third quarter of 2021. PIRTEK USA was also named #123 on the 2021 Franchise Times Top 400 list. Since July, Pirtek has signed franchise agreements […]

Kaman Distribution Group (KDG) has announced that it has acquired Integro Technologies Corporation. Based in Salisbury, N.C., Integro Technologies is a nationally recognized and industry-leading vision integrator and inspection company.  With more than 50 employees and 30 degreed engineers, Integro develops turn-key productivity solutions through machine vision and robotics. “We are very excited to have…

An automotive plant was having trouble with a finishing tool.  The device was sluggish and would easily stall.  It had no power.  It even sounded weak.  It didn’t have that nice “Vrrip, vrrip!” sound like a normal air tool.  A compressed air auditor was called in the investigate. The auditor took one look and frowned.  […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Accumulators wear out just like all components used in hydraulic machinery. And just like most other components, proper maintenance lengthens the lifespan of accumulators. Some accumulator designs are not repairable, like most diaphragm types, but maintenance will extend useful life especially in repairable bladder and piston versions. There is no…

The International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) announces that Denis Poirier, Jr., CFPAI, CFPAJPP/AJPPCC, CFPCC, CFPIHM, was elected 2022 president and chair during the IFPS annual meeting.  He is the 62nd president of the IFPS and will take office along with the 2022 Board of Directors in January 2022. Poirier Jr. began his career in the U.S.…

For precise load handling in maritime applications, Seaqualize in the Netherlands develops custom-fit solutions. The company is currently working on the Delta600 prototype — an accessory to turn standard heavy lift cranes into Active Heave Compensated (AHC) machines for use on the world’s oceans. This is the world’s first inline AHC tool for in-air lifting…

NOSHOK announces the availability of upgraded 810 series compact temperature transmitters with expanded temperature range options and additional stem lengths. Features include: Compact size Proven PT1000 sensor provides reliability, stability and unbeatable performance All 316 stainless steel housing and wetted materials Fully welded construction with M12 electrical connection provides enhanced durability Standard temperature ranges from…

Due to its numerous properties and, specifically, its corrosion resistance, powder coating is used for many applications in the industrial sector. The salt spray test is the oldest corrosion resistance test and the most widely preferred to evaluate anti-corrosion coatings. Coxreels has recently exceeded 20% more hours than the recommended industry standard for salt spray […]