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 […]
How to ensure proper hydraulic fitting assembly
Contributed by Gary Molton • BSc, Owner, Engineering Adventures Poor assembly or using the wrong type of fluid power fitting has been shown to increase risk of fluid leakage and industrial injury. Fitting designs have changed considerably over the last 30 years to reduce these risks but this has resulted in a myriad of assembly […]
NITRA nickel-plated brass PTC fittings from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added a variety of new NITRA push-to-connect fittings. These fittings feature durable nickel-plated brass bodies, threads, and release sleeves. They have a maximum pressure rating of 300 psi and can withstand temperatures up to 175℉. Numerous fitting styles have been added, including male straight fittings, male elbows, branch tees, union straight fittings, union […]
What is the proper torque for hose assemblies?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When installing hydraulic hose assemblies, if tight is good, then tighter is better, right? To be sure a hydraulic hose never accidentally loosens during operation, should we get the biggest pry bar we can find to help lock that hose fitting in for good? Not precisely — torquing your hose […]
What’s in the cards for leakage?
Will hydraulics ever get past the leakage issue? I’ve heard people discuss this question countless times over the three decades that I’ve worked in and written about the technology. Time and time again, people bash this useful technology because of perceived problems with leakage. I have encountered this negative talk on factory floors, in educational…
The impact of hydraulic fittings and flanges on industry advancements and innovations
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 […]
Follow these 9 tips to prevent pneumatic hose leaks
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Air hoses are vital for many pneumatics-heavy industries, serving as lifelines transporting air to power machinery and tools. However, leakage is a common and frustrating issue that often arises in many pneumatic distribution systems. Leaks hinder efficiency and lead to unnecessary energy wastage and increased operational costs. Thankfully, preventing pneumatic […]
IFPE 2023 wrap-up: Hose Box keeps equipment running with Emergency Hydraulic Kits
If you stopped by the Brennan Industries booth at IFPE 2023, you might have had the same chance I did — to meet Perry Detton, founder of Hose Box. Hose Box has brought to market a series of Emergency Hydraulic Repair Solutions. Hose Box products are targeted for use by end users, such as construction […]
Sun Hydraulics distribution channel now offering Taimi swivel cartridges
Helios Technologies Inc. announced the integration of the Taimi Swivel Cartridges through the distribution channel of its operating company, Sun Hydraulics. The integration provides the expansion of product offerings for Sun’s longstanding sales distribution channels around the globe. The Sun offerings will include O-ring Face Seal (ORFS), British Standard Parallel Pipe (BSPP), and Joint Industry […]
When should you use O-ring fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Some objects are universal by their very nature, mattering not where you reside or if you’re part of a colonial legacy. No matter where you travel, a wheel is a wheel because it’s so absolutely perfect for the job that it leaves any other method of moving heavy objects obsolete. […]
Reliable and corrosion-resistant plugs from JW Winco
JW Winco continues to expand its selection of standard parts of AISI 316L (A4) stainless steel — now including threaded plugs, magnetic plugs, and robust oil sight glasses for hydraulics in an entirely new design. At first glance, the Fluid Fill/Drain Plugs offered by Winco as GN 742.5 appear to follow the established level of technology…
Stauff to present new QRC-FG series of threaded flat-face couplings at Bauma
Stauff will present a new QRC-FG series of threaded flat-face couplings at Bauma, the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles, and construction equipment. Stauff’s new series is the consistent further development of their existing QRC-FT coupling series, which has proven itself in the market for more than 10 […]
When should you use banjo hose fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There isn’t much in the fluid power world taking a unique spin on a familiar concept. Pumps, valves and actuators operate and look much the same as decades ago, especially if you ignore electronic advancements. Hydraulic components like the internal gear pump and electrohydraulic actuator are certainly worth your time […]
Kurt Hydraulics expands braided hose couplings to more than 743 styles and sizes
Kurt Hydraulics announced the vast expansion of its braided hose coupling line to over 743 styles and sizes. These compression-style hydraulic hose fittings feature RoHS-compliant plating that makes them ideal for a variety of industry applications and deliver superior performance, durability, and quality. Kurt Hydraulics’ braided hose couplings are available with many different end configurations, […]
Split hydraulic flange plugs protect against damage and debris contamination
MOCAP is pleased to announce that it has added another product line to its ever-expanding offerings: the SHF series Split Hydraulic Flange Plugs. These plugs are designed for use on SAE 3,000 lb., four-bolt split hydraulic flanges, allowing for maximum flexibility. Designed to protect the port, flange surface and bolt holes from damage and debris […]
Why you should avoid NPT fittings
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor No matter how malevolent, some objects of desire seem to allure us despite our righteous awareness – diesel engines, plastic bags, Tik Tok. Indeed, we like to think that we always choose what’s best for our conscience when offered a choice, assuming we have one. Unfortunately, sometimes we indulge in […]
Air-Way Global Manufacturing celebrates 70th anniversary
This year, Air-Way Global Manufacturing is celebrating its 70th year of operations. The family-owned company, started in an old airplane hangar in Romeo, Mich., has since become the largest independent hydraulic fitting manufacturer in the United States. Since its start in 1950, Air-Way Global has thrived amongst its competitors, serving numerous industries and hundreds of […]
What should you know when specifying quick couplings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic quick couplings provide users with the ability to rapidly connect and disconnect hydraulic hoses to machines or other sections of plumbing. Also called quick-connects or quick disconnects, these fittings allow fluid to flow when the male and female sides are locked together. Conversely, when disconnected, the quick couplings prevent […]
Flat-face couplings couplings prevent fluid leaks and protect the environment
Parker Hannifin has expanded its flat-face couplings offering with the SCFF series. This series of couplings offers users a number of benefits ranging from low-leakage decoupling to the avoidance of air entrapment during coupling. The couplings, which are tested in accordance with ISO 7241-2, are easy to clean and very flat. Whether being used in mobile […]
How do you identify fitting thread types?
There are several thread types available when selecting the correct fittings for your pneumatic equipment. Choosing the correct thread type will ensure optimum compatibility with your equipment and avoid malfunction. You will find yourself looking through an endless amount of fitting options, so how do you select the right one? This guide will help you […]
Beswick expands adjustable and fixed position elbow fittings
Beswick Engineering Co. Inc. has expanded its family of adjustable position and fixed position elbow fittings from the common 10-32 UNF thread size to include both smaller and larger thread sizes. In addition to several 10-32 threaded elbow models, the company now offers M3 metric, M5 metric, ¼-28 UNF, 5/16-24 UNF, 1/16 NPT, 1/8 NPT, […]
USCG-accepted high-temperature hose for medium and high-pressures
Kurt Hydraulics introduces two new lines of US Coast Guard (USCG) accepted high temperature hose. Kurt High Temp Hydraulic Hose (SAE R16 DIN EN 853) — Recommended for high pressure, high temperature hydraulic oil lines, this Kurt hose handles both high pressure, high temperature applications. It is SAEJ1942 USCG accepted hydraulic only. It features two […]
Hose assembly tool for 1 and 2 in. barbed fittings
Koul Tools has released the EZ-ON Hose Press Model 454 hose assembly tool for 1-2 in. hose sizes. It features the same patented vise clamp and lead screw drive system found on the 409B model, but scaled up for larger sizes. The new 454 model is compact, lightweight, and has the power to handle difficult […]
Cracking the code on existing pneumatic fittings
Here are some tips to properly identify pneumatic fitting and component sizes when working on or retrofitting existing older machines. Contributed by Kevin Kakascik, Technical Marketing Engineer, AutomationDirect It’s just another typical day in your operations office, located right off the manufacturing floor. Demand for the company’s product is very high and the entire production […]
Tool ensures easy maintenance for hose and fitting changeovers
Assembling Push-Lok style hose and fittings can be a tedious, time-consuming and sometimes even unsafe task. And if the hose and fitting assemblies are not assembled correctly, their use could lead to potential dangerous applications down the road. A new tool, the Barb-Tech II, easily assembles Push-Lok style hose and fittings from 1/4 to 3/4 […]