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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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,…
NewTek enhances large-bore LVDT sensor capabilities
NewTek Sensor Solutions is expanding its capacity to customize large-bore LVDT position sensors for applications where standard or small-bore sensors do not meet performance, durability, or measurement range requirements. These sensors are designed for systems with large moving components, high mechanical loads, or harsh environmental conditions. NewTek’s large-bore LVDTs are often used with isolation tubes…
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…
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…
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 […]
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 […]
P.Trace industrial pressure transducer with ceramic measuring cell
Norstat now offers the P.Trace, an industrial pressure transducer with a high degree of accuracy and short response time that is suitable for a wide range of applications. The P.Trace industrial pressure transducer from M-P Sensors is an ultra-compact, stainless steel transducer that has the unique ability to measure liquid, gaseous or viscous fluids from…
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 […]
VS6 electronic differential pressure sensor is a filter clogging indicator
The Filtration Division of Eaton has launched its new VS6 electronic differential pressure sensor. This advanced clogging indicator continuously measures the differential pressure within hydraulic and lubrication oil filters for users to easily evaluate the status of the filter elements. The VS6 sensor features a dust and splash-proof stainless steel housing and is suitable for […]
New Proportion-Air Supply benchtop testing device saves time
Proportion-Air is expanding its proportional electro-pneumatic pressure and flow control into the testing equipment field with its newest product, the Proportion-Air Supply. This benchtop unit for lab or manufacturing use is designed to regulate compressed air and other gases within prescribed pressure and flow limits for easy use. Suitable for developing, testing, and diagnosing pneumatic […]