When I write my commentary pieces, I’m always trying to find unique subjects to discuss, since you can only address the importance of filtration so many times. And despite the threat of actual nice weather looming, it was only last month that I wrote about meteorological patterns, so I’ll leave that to the old men…
Airflex failsafe caliper brake maximizes safety, durability and serviceability
Because of the power durability they offer, most machines with a heavy load require hydraulic braking systems. To that. end, Danfoss Power Solutions has launched of its Airflex ACB-F3 Failsafe Caliper Brake. The spring-applied, hydraulically released brake is engineered for optimal safety, durability, and serviceability. A new solution for park-and-hold or emergency stop applications, the…
What are the advantages of hydraulic brakes?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic brakes are a specific fluid power application so well-suited to their purpose that I find it difficult to imagine being replaced by any other force transfer method. Hydraulic brake technology has been used in its current form for decades, and small changes in only the control method have changed…
Stainless steel and steel sealing plugs for fluid power systems
For hydraulic or pneumatic units to function properly, they must be closed systems with no pressure loss whatsoever. During production, it is often necessary to drill auxiliary bores for all channels required in the system. For these systems to function properly and to prevent pressure losses, these bores must be sealed tightly afterward. Component specialist…
Custom designs and multi-head connectors for industrial fluid power
Norstat now offers a full line of specialty connectors for hydraulic, pneumatic, and industrial automation applications such as robotic cells, packaging, or material handling. Along with an extensive selection of standard DIN connectors and molded cable assemblies, Norstat also offers a complete line of specialty connectors including Multi-Head Connectors in DIN Forms A,B and C…
Domed bolt and nut caps protect equipment and personnel
MOCAP has added a new protective solution to its product catalog: BNCD series of domed bolt and nut caps. They provide protection and a finished appearance, while covering exposed bolt and nut heads in a variety of industrial, commercial and consumer applications. Molded in durable black polyethylene plastic, these domed caps are designed to snap…
Detecting faults in hydraulic systems
By Darrell Taylor • Director of Global Acoustics Business Development, Teledyne FLIR We live in a society that wants things quicker, builds bigger, and travels faster. The machines that put this world together work longer and harder than ever. At the core of these machines, one type of power transfer is commonplace — namely, hydraulic…
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. […]
Danfoss launches ACL 3.2 software for autonomous self-guidance capabilities
Danfoss Power Solutions today announced the launch of its PLUS+1 Autonomous Control Library (ACL) 3.2 software for off-highway machinery. PLUS+1 ACL 3.2 consists of new and updated blocks that enhance machine self-guidance capabilities through improved obstacle and hazard detection and environmental landmark identification. Danfoss PLUS+1 ACL software comprises preprogrammed and pretested software blocks covering areas […]
Mid-size datalogger from Webtec has many uses for field service engineers
New from Webtec is a mid-size hydraulic data logger with a large range of features and functions at an affordable price. With its graphical/numerical touchscreen control and up to 14 channels, users of the HPM5000 can measure, log, and analyze mobile and industrial machinery data in fault finding, preventative maintenance, pre-dispatch inspection, R&D, and test […]
Where are ground compression springs used in hydraulics?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor During everyone’s basic training in fluid power, we talk about “spring-centered” this and “spring-retract” that. Springs are used in nearly every component in hydraulics; valves, pumps and cylinders. So prolific in hydraulic components that it’s clear we’re taking springs for granted. Ground compression springs are used in most pressure valves…
EIS Pull Plugs simplify permanent sealing in hydraulic systems
Contributed by Brian Krieger, North American VP of Sales & Global Marketing Manager, EIS- Engineered Inserts & Systems Inc. Over the years, sealing expansion plugs have evolved from the ball style expansion plug replacing standard threaded O-ring seals, to the rivet style and other adaptations. Unfortunately, all those offer only single tiered solutions. …
Molded connector replaces traditional Deutsh connectors in hydraulic applications
As it continues to fine-tune its GT Connector line of products, Canfield Connector, a div. of Canfield Industries, has seen the use of its series of molded receptacle and plug connectors replace more traditional Deutsch designs, particularly in mobile machinery. Through investigation and product development, Canfield has come to market with molded versions in 2,…
Permanently sealing hydraulic fluid passages
Contributed by Brian Krieger, North American VP of Sales & Global Marketing Manager, EIS- Engineered Inserts & Systems Inc. Since the inception of hydraulic systems engineers were faced with challenges to permanently close off (seal) ends of cross drilled holes that created a pattern of flow for actuation. Due to the high pressures 3,000- 5,000 psi or…
New submerged HPUs give boat lifts a boost
In recreational boating, hydraulic power units (HPUs) provide the muscle behind critical operating machinery used to transport, launch, or secure small craft, including lifts, trailers, and jacks. For boat lifts alone, OEMs produce a variety of configurations, such as bottom standing, piling mount, floating, and shore mounted. These machines and configurations rely on hydraulic systems […]
Ready-to-pour printed ceramic shell molds expedite investment casting of fluid handling components
For decades, fluid handling system components, such as impellers, vanes, pumps, and housings, have been manufactured using a labor-intensive, lost-wax investment casting process that requires 12 separate steps. This challenging, costly, and time-consuming process requires additional steps and tooling to create soluble or ceramic cores that form complex internal ports, passages, channels, and baffles. Now,…
Straight plastic caps protect against contamination
In an effort to continually update and add to its extensive range of products, MOCAP is pleased to announce that it has expanded its offerings of its S Series Straight Plastic Caps. These caps are ideal for use as shipping caps, end caps, pipe caps, product protection, paint protection and thread protection. These S Series…
The difference between automotive and industrial shock absorbers
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Your first thought upon hearing the term shock absorber leads your mind to the cylindrical tubes mounted to the four corners of your vehicle’s suspension system. Other than the misnomer (“shocks”), your correct thinking applies to the term. Even the term “shock absorber” is a bit misleading, and industry professionals…
How do hydraulic clutches work?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor A clutch is a mechanical device that disconnects a driveshaft from its input shaft, pausing output torque. Clutches — hydraulic or otherwise — often use friction to engage the input and output ends of the assembly. The friction material is not unlike the compound employed by vehicles for their brake […]
Dellner Bubenzer launches new disc brake line
Dellner Bubenzer announced today the launch of the new SB 28.5 disc brake, which is now available to the global market. The new SB 28.5 brake upgrades the industry-leading SB series equipment with optimized technology and maintenance service. This new product launch marks the first since the global Dellner Bubenzer merger in June 2021. “Dellner…
Joysticks for controlling X, Y, and Z axes of 1, 2, 3 axis stages and actuators
OES (Optimal Engineering Systems Inc.) has expanded its line of Joysticks for 1, 2 and 3 axis stages and actuators. These are easy to use, single-handed, ergonomic joysticks that provide proportional control of the X, Y, and Z axis of from one to three actuators. Low, medium, and high speed ranges are button selectable. The […]
Intelligent power unit allows data acquisition, diagnostics and more
As it was working to develop a new power pack, one thing quickly became clear: if HAWE were to develop a completely new hydraulic power unit, it would not only have to surpass the characteristic values of the currently available units, but would also have to be forward-looking. This is how the INKA type came…
Tandem PGS3 pneumatic clamping vise
Collaborative robots and an abundance of integrators have made it easier than ever to implement automated machine tending. Many small to medium size manufacturers are making the investment into automation and seeing returns in less than six months. The Schunk Tandem PGS3 vise further supports this trend. Featuring reliable, quality construction, the Tandem PGS3 reflects Schunk’s […]