By Robert J. Sheaf, Founder, CFC Industrial A customer of mine has a machine that threads both ends of a straight piece of rod stock which then is fed into a second machine to bend it in a “U” shape. This creates a clamp for various round pipe sizes. They had a problem with…

Kurt Hydraulics last month announced the opening of its new, centrally-located hydraulic hose warehouse in Fridley, Minnesota, approximately 3 miles from its headquarters. This allows for enhanced customer service, optimized logistics, and the ability to provide a more extensive range of hydraulic hose. The new location, strategically chosen for its accessibility and proximity to major […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Seals used for fluid power applications are highly varied and specific to each component and application. From simply sealing pressurized air from atmospheric air for pneumatic valves to preventing hydraulic oil from leaking into waterways from the rudder cylinder on watercraft, there are few conditions in which a fluid power […]

A compressed air auditor was assessing a compressor and dryer installation within a compressor room and noticed something strange. On a large air dryer, the outlet flange was of 6-in. size, yet the piping used to connect the compressors and filters to the air dryer was only 4-in. Further to this, the long piping link […]

Measuring and repairing compressed air leaks can easily reduce energy costs by 10 to 20%. Compressed air is used in factories all over the world to control machines, processes, and pneumatic equipment. It is a safe and easily available medium and can be used in all possible places via hoses and pipes. However, compressed air […]

Electrohydraulic actuators are standalone, self-contained systems that perform powerful tasks without external piping. They typically include an electric servomotor driving a hydraulic pump — often an axial-piston unit. Other components include a hydraulic cylinder, tank, valving and charging circuits. Because they are fitted with their own closed fluid circuit, they require only a small amount […]

DGD Fluid Power announces the release of the newest addition to its Cartridge Flow Transmitter (CFT) product line: the CFT-Max. Designed to meet the increasing demand to monitor hydraulic flows on mobile equipment, the CFT-MAX is J1939 compliant with an IP69 rating. Flows up to 150 gpm and a 6,000 psi pressure rating allow the…

Moog Inc. is proud to announce the launch of two new direct operated valve series: the D93x servo-proportional valve series and the D92x proportional valve series. Each series, with its unique features and capabilities, is designed to boost machine reliability and optimize costs for machine builders. The D93x servo-proportional valve series comprises the D936 (ISO…

A compressed air auditor had a system of measuring devices that was monitoring a compressed air system located in a metal foundry. Pressure, flow, and compressor power were all monitored to help determine if the system was running efficiently and effectively. An additional set of instruments were added to the monitoring suite due to some […]

Cranes lift heavy loads, and precise control of the lifting process is paramount for safety and efficiency. Proportional valves fine-tune the hydraulic pressure applied to the lifting mechanism so that operators can control speed and force while lifting and lowering. In 2021, Australian crane manufacturer Franna sought to improve the performance of its MAC 25 […]

As most users of fluid power technologies know, one of the most vulnerable systems for leakage is within hose assemblies. This is not because hose, fittings, and couplings are poorly designed but, most often, the result of improper assembly design and maintenance. That’s why XonKen, a Chinese manufacturer of hydraulic hose and fittings, has developed […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic hose bend radius, quite simply, describes how tightly circular a hydraulic hose can bend. More importantly, designers and technicians wish to know the minimum bend radius a hose handles while maintaining integrity. Although one might easily force a hose into a tight radius during installation, its design and construction […]

Tipco Technologies and Hose of South Texas (HOST) announced their partnership today. With a shared vision based on people, partnerships, and innovation, Hose of South Texas will be joining Tipco in its mission to become the largest independent distributor of fluid conveyance and sealing solutions in the United States. HOST will continue to operate under […]

A compressed air auditor visited a large mine and was asked to look for areas of improvement. The mine’s manager was interested in reducing the electrical consumption and had a hunch that the compressed air system was a good item to investigate. The facility was a very mature site, so there were many large compressors […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic hoses are designed to withstand much higher pressure than expected during regular operations, which everyone will agree is good. Should your machine’s working pressure fall within a typical 3,000 psi, you’d be little comforted by a hose designed to burst at 3,100 psi. The slightest pressure spike would lead […]

Recently, a compressed air auditor ran across a newly rebuilt compressor at a wood products company. The unit was cleaned up nicely and had a shiny new air end due to a rebuild — but because the unit had obsolete controls, this compressor continued to run very inefficiently. Saving money by rebuilding this compressor was […]

Managing pressure regulation in applications with low pressures and low flows is easy with the Proportion-Air QBX electro-pneumatic proportional pressure regulator. With customizable pressure ranges and accurate, repeatable results, these compact devices can improve application performance in nearly any environment. The QBX boasts accuracy of up to ±0.2% and repeatability of ±0.02%, regulating pressures from […]

Ohio Fabricators Company (OFCO), a manufacturer of stock and custom strainers, breathers, diffusers and screen assemblies for the filtration and fluid power industries, has been recognized by Parker-Hannifin Corporation, as a Gold Level Supplier, achieving exceptional supplier scores in Fiscal Year 2024. Parker rates suppliers annually on cost, delivery, continuous performance and quality. In a […]

By Joe Carr, product manager, specialty fittings, Brennan Industries, Inc. In the pursuit of industrial progress, companies are seeking innovation that extends to inconspicuous components like hydraulic fittings and flanges. Operating discreetly in the background, these parts take a crucial role in propelling industries forward. Hydraulic components are essential to machinery, directing high-pressure fluid flows […]

Quite often, people are surprised when they measure an air compressor and find the motor is consuming more than rated amps. One of the unfortunate things about the industry is that it is common to see motors are being stretched into the “service factor” in order to get more cfm out of a given compressor […]

Clippard’s high flow pinch valve provides the same functionality as the standard series but with the added benefits of a longer stroke. This makes it suitable for applications that require greater flow or those that use viscous or particulate-laden media. As with all Clippard pinch valves, each valve comes pre-installed with 12 in. (30 cm) […]

This article is the first in our series on hydraulic oil analysis programs. Hydraulic oil is the lifeblood of your hydraulic system, circulating primarily as a power transmission medium but also acting to lubricate, cool, seal and help remove contamination. Without oil, your hydraulic system is just a comatose pneumatic system, lying lifeless with no […]

Uniflex is responding to the need for smaller, more portable hose service tools with tis new mobile workstation. The battery-powered UMAT 2 hose service workshop can cut, crimp and process hydraulic hose up to 1 in. 4 SP and 1 ¼ in. 2 SN anywhere, from the raw material to the ready-to-install hose assembly. The workstation […]

One hidden problem in many compressed air systems is something called “artificial demand.” Many users are unaware of the effects of this component of compressed air demand as evidenced by higher than needed compressed air pressures on most systems.  Artificial demand in a compressed air system refers to the excess consumption of compressed air caused […]

Cleanova is a new entrant in the industrial filtration sector with a fresh approach to delivering a cleaner future. Comprising four established brands – Airpel, Dollinger, Plenty and Vokes – the company has been established to provide innovative filtration solutions that allow customers to sustain their industrial processes and protect the environment by increasing efficiency, […]