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…
A primer on fluid power fundamentals — what is Pascal’s Law?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Pascal’s Law, a fundamental principle of fluid power, explains how pressure in an enclosed fluid is uniformly transmitted to move and support loads. Sometimes, we fluid power professionals can’t see the forest for the trees. We take for granted the first-day education we experienced in college or university that provided…
How do you specify belly box remotes for mobile hydraulic operation?
When specifying belly box remote controls for mobile hydraulic machines, considering all the possible factors improves both operational efficiency and user safety. Belly box remote controls, often used in crane trucks, stone slingers, and other mobile hydraulic systems, provide the operator with wireless control over the machinery from a safe distance with often improved sightlines. […]
Duradry dry screw vacuum pump is designed for harsh industrial use
Leybold’s new Duradry is a dry screw vacuum pump designed for medium-harsh industrial production processes where high temperatures, high oxygen contents and corrosive conditions prevail. Its features make it suitable for applications like crystal pulling, plasma cleaning, heat treatment, coating and battery production. “The pump’s main advantages are its ease of operation and low maintenance […]
Festo brings controlled pneumatics to the U.S. with digital closed-loop control
Last week, Festo introduced its Controlled Pneumatics, a digital closed-loop control strategy for delivering energy efficiency, high dynamic response, and precision movement. Controlled Pneumatics is a suitable solution for web tensioning; welding; surface processing; flexible gripping, including vacuum gripping; dispensing and pumping; PET bottle blowing; and diaphragm pump control. See a technical overview on how […]
Get easier access to more of our content with new digital-only issues of Fluid Power World
Every other month, readers of Fluid Power World have access to our beautiful print and digital editions, where we share a selection of the best fundamentals content, technology news, case studies, and technical articles that cover the gamut of hydraulics and pneumatics system design. But we only have so much space in each print edition…
Easy integration of Webtec CTA hydraulic flow monitor with new 4-20mA output
Following its introduction in 2022, the heavy-duty yet compact Webtec CTA series flow monitor for hydraulic systems now features a 4-20 mA output. While this device can already monitor and transmit oil flow and temperature data via a J1939 CAN-bus interface, the addition of a 4-20 mA (3-wire loop) analog output for flow reporting facilitates […]
NOSHOK announces new vice president – AI strategic innovations
NOSHOK has welcomed Kellan Williams to the team in the role of Vice President – AI Strategic Innovations. NOSHOK said that Williams, a seasoned AI and machine learning professional, joined the team to drive NOSHOK’s commitment to leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) for optimized processes, enhanced operational efficiency, and superior customer experiences. Williams’ expertise will allow…
New Danfoss Editron electric motor paves way for higher voltage mobile use
Danfoss Power Solutions has launched its Editron EM-PMI375 690-V electric motor. Based on synchronous reluctance assisted permanent magnet technology, the EM-PMI375 functions as both a motor and a generator. It is designed to work with the Editron EC-C1700B inverter, offering a system solution for 690-Vac and 1,050-Vdc applications such as winches, cranes, marine vessels, and […]
When should you use welded or bolted flange connection systems?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are three ways to plumb a hydraulic system — rigid systems, flexible systems or a combination of the two. Rigid systems include pipe and various forms of tube, while flexible systems are assembled using only hydraulic hose. Most machines today are created using a combination of fixed plumbing, where […]
Continental launches X-Life XCP5 premium flexible braided hydraulic hose
Continental today announced the X-LifeTM XCP5 hose, a new flexible braided hose for high-pressure hydraulic applications requiring extra abrasion resistance. The hose is part of the company’s initiative to offer a premium braided hose portfolio that is also ISO 18752 compliant. The new X-Life XCP5 is designed as a premium hose with braided construction for […]