Koul Tools has released the EZ-ON Hose Press Model 223 installation tool for 2-3 in. industrial, hydraulic, and agricultural hoses. It features a robust lead screw system with a 6:1 gear reduction drive and a newly designed, patent pending fitting holder. The 223 model is operated by a battery-powered impact gun, facilitating on-site installations while […]
How does fluid selection affect hose assemblies?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic hoses are constructed from a combination of soft polymers and wire reinforcements, most commonly made from high-tensile steel. Although the choice of hydraulic fluid plays little role in the degradation of steel, the materials chosen for the inner tube and outer cover are affected by the fluid you run […]
ControlAir introduces regulators for low emission applications
ControlAir LLC announces the release of the Type CG330 and CG340 gas regulators. This innovative product line is specifically engineered to address the growing demand for low-emission solutions in industrial applications involving compressed gases such as inert gases, natural gas, and other sensitive media. The CG330/CG340 series of compressed gas filter regulators are designed to […]
How do seal geometries affect performance?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Let’s start by stating the obvious: seal geometries matter, or the fluid power realm would use only geometrically simple O-rings. The other two critical factors for effective seal performance are polymer composition and a machined groove to call home. However, even considering the latter, a seal geometry of the same […]
Universal Hydraulics becomes Dakota Fluid Power and moves to new location
Universal Hydraulics is proud to announce its transformation into Dakota Fluid Power and its relocation to a new, state-of-the-art facility. These changes reflect the company’s ongoing commitment to growth, innovation, and enhanced service for its customers. The name change to Dakota Fluid Power aligns with the company’s vision for the future while maintaining its core…
Brian Weisbarth of anyseals appointed to ISD board of directors
anyseals Inc. announces the appointment of Brian Weisbarth, Head of Finance/Controlling & HR, to the board of directors of the International Sealing Distribution Association (ISD). Weisbarth’s extensive experience in financial management and human resources positions him to impact the organization’s continued success. His appointment reflects anyseals’ ongoing commitment to supporting industry leadership in the industrial […]
A review of push-to-connect pneumatic fittings
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Push-to-connect fittings are a staple in pneumatic systems worldwide. Earlier pneumatic compression fittings using nuts and sleeves were more complicated and fussy, with no standard between manufacturers to allow interchangeability. If you needed to replace a sleeve, for example, you were often limited to a few manufacturers offering the same […]
Piab expands product offerings with magnetic grippers
Piab is pleased to announce the addition of magnetic grippers to our product portfolio, reinforcing its commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to industrial requirements. The integration of magnetic grippers addresses specific market demands. These magnets are designed to support various automotive applications, particularly in areas like stamping and body-in-white. The magnets are intended to […]
HED Inc. welcomes John Thomas as new CEO
HED Inc. announces the appointment of John Thomas as its new Chief Executive Officer. Thomas brings more than 20 years of experience as a growth-oriented, global C-suite executive dedicated to driving value creation, enhancing customer-centric strategies, and fostering strong corporate cultures. His proven leadership has led organizations through significant growth, operational excellence, and transformational change.…
Bio-Ultimax 1200LT hydraulic fluids conquer cold weather challenges
Renewable Lubricants’ Bio-Ultimax 1200LT hydraulic fluids are environmentally friendly, biosynthetic formulas that provide outstanding reliability in low-temperature conditions. These ultimately biodegradable fluids help users avoid the nagging problems of winter, including slow startup, sluggish performance, seal leaks and moisture contamination. Bio-Ultimax 1200LT outperforms mineral oil-based options, maintaining cold temperature pumpability down to –40°C (–40°F) with […]
Vented linear position sensors offer accurate and precise cylinder displacement
NewTek vented M-375 series of linear variable differential transformers (LVDTs) are widely used in hydraulic cylinders to precisely measure position and monitor the position of pistons. This capability helps prevent piston over-extension or under-extension, ensuring safe and high-precision operation. In industrial automation applications, these miniature AC-operated sensors provide essential feedback on cylinder positions, facilitating accurate…
How do you prevent microbes in hydraulic oil?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Microbes aren’t the most common contaminant in hydraulic oil, but they do become a problem when conditions are ripe for their proliferation. Anaerobic bacteria of various forms are the most common to be found within hydraulic fluid, although it’s not unheard of to see fungi (molds and yeasts) in very […]
What pneumatic valves should you select for automation systems?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are a lot of pneumatic directional valve options on the market. There are the big players in the game who take up half the market under only a couple of brand names, but the remaining half of the industry contains hundreds of players with myriad options. When selecting valves […]
Versa Products announces leadership changes
Versa Products Co. Inc. is pleased to announce strategic changes to its leadership team. These changes underscore Versa’s commitment to driving growth, fostering innovation, and maintaining its reputation for delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer satisfaction. Rob Healey has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and will play a pivotal role in advancing Versa’s…
HLD desiccant air dryer’s twin-tower design delivers control and efficiency
ELGi North America announced the launch of the Airmate HLD series modular desiccant compressed air dryer, a state-of-the-art solution for applications that demand ultra dry compressed air. Engineered to achieve ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2 compressed air quality, the new desiccant air dryer consistently maintains –40°C pressure dew points. This meets the demanding requirements of industries […]
Can you change the speed of your hydraulic pump?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Sometimes, the selection or use of hydraulic pumps is not as linear and straightforward as selecting them from a catalog. You may already have an old or spare pump kicking around that was surplus from a long-dead machine, or perhaps you’re in need of something quickly, and your local farm […]
7 reasons why you should use draw-wire encoders
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor A draw-wire encoder (also known as a cable extension transducer or string potentiometer) is ideal for measuring linear displacement (distance) in a variety of applications where precise position is required. A draw-wire encoder uses a wire or cable wound around a spool, connected to a rotary encoder or potentiometer housed […]
What is the life expectancy of a hydraulic cylinder?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If you didn’t already know, I work for a company that manufactures hydraulic cylinders. A common question from customers is, “What is the life expectancy of your hydraulic cylinders?” My response is often to take a deep breath and then sigh because the correct answer is never straightforward. The salesman…
Fundamentals lead the pack of top fluid power content in 2024
Every December, as one calendar closes and we’re set to open another, we look back at our websites to see what worked best to ensure we’re providing our readers with the content they’re looking for. And every year, some similar trends take shape. Across the Fluid Power World brands, we offer five websites focusing on…
Linear hydraulic snubber ensures controlled movements on mining shovel bucket doors
Open Loop Energy Inc. was founded more than 30 years ago as a hydraulic repair business for mining and construction machinery in the Southwest United States. But the company soon saw a need to manufacture a very specific component used on the bucket doors of the massive shovels used in these applications. Critical yet often […]
Liebherr to highlight its newest cylinders at bauma, with lightweight, sustainable designs
Liebherr’s next-generation hydraulic cylinders are designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable, smart, high-performance machinery. The new, innovative hydraulic cylinders deliver peak efficiency, while reducing environmental impact, and offer a forward-thinking solution for industries that strive to meet both performance and sustainability goals, the company said in a press release. With a team of […]
Festo officially launches its VTEP proportional valve terminal
Festo has officially introduced the VTEP, which it says is the world’s first proportional valve terminal, to the U.S. market. The VTEP is suitable for flexible gripping, web tensioning, force-controlled polishing, precision piloting, dispensing, dosing, and diaphragm pump control. This solution was discussed in our article on linear motion technologies in August, where the company […]
Hydraulic oil analysis part 8: a round-up of all oil analysis tests
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor As the last article in the series on laboratory-based hydraulic oil analyses, we thought we’d provide a single article to recap the tests in one convenient location. For the past six months we’ve discussed just as many topics important to your predictive maintenance program. Each one of these parameters is […]
How electrified controls simplify hydraulic machines
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulics is a venerable technology as mature as any competing force transfer system outside of straight mechanical conveyance. Most recent hydraulic advancements aren’t from any fundamental changes in the pump, valves and actuators used in hydraulic systems but rather from the implementation of increasingly advanced electronic technology. Early fluid power […]
Daniel Winter to succeed Eric Alström as President of Danfoss Power Solutions
Danfoss today announced that Daniel Winter has been named president of Danfoss Power Solutions. He succeeds Eric Alström who, after 12 years with Danfoss, has decided to seek new challenges outside the company. Daniel Winter will join the Danfoss Group Executive Team and take over as President of Danfoss Power Solutions on January 1. He…