Sensors are not as talked about as some other Internet of Things technologies, despite their critical role within the Industry 4.0 community at large. Sensors are technologies in fluid power that read, interpret, and transmit data based on one or more criteria important to observe: pressure, temperature, flow, contamination, water saturation, and vibration, to name…
AutomationDirect adds Ashcroft T4 mechanical temperature switches
AutomationDirect now offers Ashcroft T4 series mechanical temperature switches which provide reliable temperature monitoring and control for demanding industrial applications. These rugged switches feature high 15A SPDT switch contacts that can directly control larger loads, reducing or eliminating the need for external contactors or interposing relays. The T4 series offers field-adjustable setpoints over a wide…
Building the right diagnostic kit for hydraulic troubleshooting
This guide breaks down budget, midrange, and premium test kits to help technicians quickly pinpoint losses in pressure, flow, and efficiency in hydraulic systems. Hydraulic troubleshooting requires a fundamental understanding of thermodynamics, experience with various machine types, as well as years of familiarity with various hydraulic schematics. In some ways, it’s like being a doctor…
DGD Fluid Power receives fourth U.S. Patent for CFT cartridge flow meter tech
DGD Fluid Power announces that it has been awarded its fourth United States patent related to the innovative CFT Cartridge Flow Meter product line. The newly issued U.S. Patent No. 12,650,323 recognizes breakthrough advancements that further redefine how hydraulic flow measurement is achieved in demanding mobile and industrial applications. The latest patent covers enhanced functionality…
QMEH cartridge valve flow meter offers precise measurement
Sun Hydraulics released its innovative QMEH cartridge-style flow meter late last month, which it soft-launched at CONEXPO in March. It features a new custom-built, state-of-the-art position sensor and is suited for use on hydraulic power units, aerospace ground support test equipment, telehandlers, and excavators operating in high-pressure environments. Engineered to deliver precise, real-time flow measurements for even…
Canfield Connector introduces 8A series cylinder sensors for reliability and efficiency
Canfield Connector announces the release of its new 8A series reed and electronic sensors, engineered to deliver reliable cylinder sensing performance while improving durability and reducing overall cost for OEMs and system designers. Built on the proven performance of Canfield Connector’s widely used 8000 series, the 8A series introduces a fully molded, encapsulated housing that […]
Why sanitary gauges could be the most expensive piece of equipment in your facility
By Jermaine Perry • Sales Manager, Daughtridge Sales, an MCE Automation company Walk through almost any manufacturing plant — food and beverage, pharmaceutical, biotech — and you’ll see pressure gauges everywhere. They’re mounted on tanks, filtration systems, and process lines. Their familiarity makes them dangerous. Pressure gauges are sometimes treated as commodity items, something to…
Festo launches SDAC-MHS position transmitter sensor
Festo introduced SDAC-MHS C-slot programmable position transmitter. The sensor combines analog, digital and IO-Link outputs in a single compact device, reducing the need for multiple sensing components. The sensor is intended for OEMs monitoring the position of pneumatic cylinders and grippers in applications such as product selection, press-fitting, riveting and ultrasonic welding. By sensing the magnetic piston, it […]
NewTek AC-LVDTs provide high-temperature position sensing
NewTek manufactures custom linear position sensing units in multiple strokes, sizes and materials designed for operation in harsh environments with temperatures up to 200 °C. Unlike magnetostrictive position sensors and other electronic sensing technologies that rely on integrated electronics that can degrade under prolonged heat, NewTek AC-operated LVDTs contain no internal microelectronics at the sensing…
ControlAir adds 0–5 psig output option to Type 900X
ControlAir LLC announced that it has added a 0–5 psig output range to its Type 900X Miniature I/P, E/P Transducer, expanding low-pressure control options for precision pneumatic applications. The Type 900X Transducer uses a closed-loop, self-correcting design to maintain accurate, stable pressure control, including in environments with vibration, temperature variation or fluctuating supply pressure. The […]
AW-Lake introduces TH Series high accuracy turbine flow meter
AW-Lake, a flow instrumentation manufacturer, announced the TH Series High Accuracy Turbine Flow Meter for precision liquid flow measurement in industrial applications. The meter features stainless-steel construction with precision machining and tight internal tolerances to support stable performance in continuous operation. It is designed for low-viscosity liquids such as oils, water and many process chemicals.…
Webtec releases latest digital hydraulic tester with QuickCert+ App
Webtec has launched the third generation of its best-in-class portable Digital Hydraulic Multimeter (DHM). Offering quick and convenient field-testing of hydraulic pump, motor, valve and hydrostatic transmission performance, the DHM displays accurate flow, pressure and temperature measurements in digital format. Notably, users of the new generation testers can now take advantage of Webtec’s QuickCert+ App…
DGD Fluid Power secures third U.S. patent for Programmable Cartridge Flow Meter
DGD Fluid Power announces that Dale Dietel, CEO, has been granted U.S. Patent #12,535,344 for its Programmable Cartridge Flow Meter. This marks Dietel’s third patent for this technology, as he works to redefine how the industry monitors hydraulic health. Dietel received his first patent for the CFT in 2023. For decades, harvesting real-time flow data…
NOSHOK launches PTI10 & PTII5 intelligent pressure transmitters with IO-Link
Noshok has introduced the newest additions to its proven PTI Series – the PTI10 and PTI15 intelligent pressure transmitter and transmitter/ switch with IO-Link communication. These transmitters combine advanced digital connectivity with the performance reliability and durability common in Noshok instrumentation. The Noshok PTI15 series transmitter/switch is replacing the 800 series electronic indicating pressure transmitter/switch…
PT series pressure transmitters from Noshok now feature front flush connection
A few years ago, Noshok reimagined its pressure transmitter lines with the PT series transmitter portfolio, which replaced several older models. Now, the company has expanded further, with a front flush diaphragm process connection on its PT30 series high performance fixed range transmitters and transducers. The NOSHOK PT Series transmitter portfolio provides significant performance enhancements,…
CFT-Max expands capabilities with the addition of CANopen communication
DGD Fluid Power announces that its CFT-Max Cartridge Flow Transmitter (CFT) is now available with CANopen communication. This is the latest in a series of updates to the technology, including temperature sensing. CANopen is an international standard for embedded control systems (EN 50323-4). It is used in all kinds of mobile machinery, medical devices, rail…
Webtec unveils phosphate ester flow indicators for aviation Ground Support Equipment
Webtec is launching its robust, easy-to-use FI 750/1500 series of phosphate ester compatible in-line flow indicators. The new indicators are dedicated to the continuous or intermittent monitoring of flow in hydraulic systems that use phosphate ester-based fluids, such as those found commonly in aviation ground support equipment (GSE) and some specialized industrial applications. Functionally aligned…
Smart technologies for industrial hydraulics
Smart sensors, edge computing and AI are practical tools that boost uptime and cut costs for the future. By Josh Cosford, contributing editor Fluid power is an interesting industry. On the one hand, enormous mills are using fifty-year-old hydraulics while producing hundreds of thousands of tons of steel per year. On the other hand, new factories…
Smarter hydraulic maintenance: how smart testing strategies save money
Smart testing tools and structured maintenance strategies help companies extend equipment life, cut costs, and boost uptime without compromising safety. By Martin Cuthbert, Managing Director, Webtec For a busy company supporting mines and oilfields with hydraulic powered machinery, one factor second only to safety is maximizing machine uptime. Fleets of mobile and industrial machines inevitably […]
Inline pressure sensor with analog output for continuous data
Norstat now offers the Inline pressure sensor with analog output for applications that require continuous data and reliable integration. With the new Inline pressure sensor there are no connection threads — you just cut the hose and install Inline in between. Its ultra-compact design and light weight requires no additional fastening or bracketing making it…
DGD Fluid Power adds temperature sensing to CFT-Max (J1939)
DGD Fluid Power announced that its Cartridge Flow Transmitter CFT-Max is now available with temperature sensing. The CFT-MAX monitors hydraulic flows on mobile equipment and is J1939 compliant with an IP69 rating. Flows up to 150 gpm and a 6,000 psi pressure rating allow the CFT-Max to be used on the vast majority of systems…
Where are strain gauges used in fluid power?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Most of the articles I write are assigned to me by super-editor Mary Gannon, and this article on strain gauges is no different. Oddly enough, I helped our Amtec Hydraclamp division technician assemble and test high-pressure spring clamps just yesterday, which we tested using a strain gauge. These clamps are…
How can you prevent pressure spikes?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic pressure spikes aren’t extremely common but occur in certain circumstances, which may lead to expensive damage. Pressure spikes occur in poorly designed systems or those that are misused, and you’d be surprised by the actual cause. When they do occur, pressure spikes can damage plumbing and cause erratic operation […]
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…
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 […]