By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Moore’s Law states that the number of transistors in a microchip doubles every two years, increasing computing power exponentially over time. It seems no other technology experiences such a rapid progression, especially considering how relatively young the semiconductor industry is. Fluid power provides us with no such rate of performance […]
Danfoss launches two new game-changing products, boosting on- and off-highway electrification
Danfoss Power Solutions’ Editron division has launched two new electrification products at this year’s Agritechnica trade fair. Its’ ED3 onboard charger will enable heavy-duty electric vehicles to be charged overnight using readily available AC power outlets. The Editron division has also launched the LCL1200/1700 electric filter for off-highway applications, offering easy installation and design flexibility […]
Sodium-ion batteries on the horizon: Are they ready for mobile machines?
By Anton Zhukov, Electrical Engineer, an expert in uninterrupted power solutions To curb the limited supply and high price of battery-grade lithium, alternative sodium-ion batteries are one of the most developed technologies that can potentially become a viable option in many applications. However, new battery technology requires years of engineering for successful commercialization — and […]
Fluid power professional REACTS to fluid power trends
If you’re a longtime reader, you know I like to stay positive, keep it topical and look to the future. I try to stay up on fluid power trends. With trends, we often have to endure excruciatingly boring pitches from factory sales professionals acting like their new blah blah blah system will revolutionize the breather…
Material handlers lead the charge to the future
Material handling machines lead the pack in terms of electrification and autonomy, as their compact designs are a perfect fit to test out sustainable options. As battery-powered machines continue to grow in the mobile market, one area stands out as an obvious choice for their expansion — mobile material handlers. The smaller size and lower power […]
Eco-friendly shipping is possible with EALs
The global shipping and marine industry is, like all industries, pursuing new ways to become more environmentally friendly. The use of environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) can make a major impact in that push. By Joshua Dickstein, Ph.D., Technology Development Manager, The Lubrizol Corporation Industries around the world are making sustained efforts to better protect the […]
Understanding connected pneumatics and how they benefit manufacturers
In future, updating pneumatic circuits through the IoT will help manufacturers stay current and benefit from the opportunities available to them. Contributed by Mike Parzych, Product Marketing Manager • Norgren Smart, internet-connected devices have become increasingly significant in all areas of life, and industry is no exception. The use of automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced analytics […]
Are pneumatic technologies at risk of becoming obsolete?
Last month, I had the pleasure of attending Pack Expo in Las Vegas for the first time in about five years. I’ve always enjoyed that show, seeing all the packaging machinery and conveyors operating, watching the pneumatics and motion control technologies do what they do best. But I did notice one thing this year — a […]
Black Bruin launches upgraded hydraulic wheel drive systems at Agritechnica 2023
The global agricultural machinery and supplier industry will be on show at Agritechnica from November 12 to 18, demonstrating inspiration and solutions for the complex challenges of global crop production under the motto “green productivity.” Finnish hydraulic motor manufacturer Black Bruin is proud to be part of this with sustainable innovations to be showcased on […]
Electrification for yard loaders and telehandlers from a single source
Electrically driven yard loaders and telehandlers have already been working successfully in agriculture and at transshipment points for some time. The drive concepts are constantly being optimized, and new components are coming onto the market. HAWE’s electrification experts advise on concept development and component selection. In electrification, the entire vehicle is often not redesigned, but […]
Fluid power at sea
Learn how hydraulics are used in maritime vessels and why hydraulics is the technology of choice. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulics have played a vital role in various industries, and the marine sector is no exception. From small pleasure boats to large ocean liners, hydraulics are extensively used in a wide range of marine applications […]
Domin receives £4.4 million to revolutionize vehicle propulsion
Domin has been awarded £4.4 million by the Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC) to participate in Project Additive — an initiative to develop integrated wheel motor and active suspension technology that will revolutionize EV architecture and deliver new levels of electrified vehicle performance. The funding awarded to Domin is part of a wider £86.9 million investment […]
Hydraulic multicopters have the potential to save lives
Hard-to-access locations aren’t hard to come by these days. With wars, natural disasters, and political unrest, people worldwide suffer from wounds, illness, and famine in harsh environments. Though local and global organizations gather food and supplies to deliver to those in need, sometimes the aid can’t get there, or the mission puts crews at risk. […]
Pursuing victory in the America’s Cup
The America’s Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious and oldest sailing competitions. It has a long and storied history, dating back to 1851 when the first race was held around the Isle of Wight in the U.K. The yacht “America” won the trophy, which is how the race got its name. Since then, […]
What hydraulic pumps are best for electrified systems?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Before I begin, let me preface this article with my definition of “electrified.” It’s rarer to find a hydraulic machine with no electrical or electronic components, so electrified might be redundant. In this case, I’m discussing the motion control and automation side of hydraulics, where the electric more is more […]
Danfoss receives $6.1 million to decarbonize excavators
Danfoss Scotland has received a grant worth £4,941,809 (approximately $6.1 million) from the U.K. Government’s Department for Energy Security & Net Zero through the Red Diesel Replacement Phase 2 Competition. The program provides funding for projects developing low-carbon alternatives to red diesel for the construction, mining, and quarrying sectors. Danfoss will use the funds to […]
Hybrid mobile machines offer a bridge to the future
Diesel-electric mobile machines provide many of the benefits of electrification without the shortcomings. The push for electrification of mobiles equipment is in full swing, with dozens of OEMs showcasing battery-electric models that promise zero emissions, low noise, and minimal maintenance headaches. But the current generation of electric machines also has serious drawbacks. They struggle to […]
Utilities equipment jumps on the latest trends in fluid power
From mobile electrification to telematics and IoT, modern utilities equipment is becoming more controllable and smarter for efficient and reliable designs. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The most conspicuous trend in the utility equipment industry — as with most mobile machinery — is electrification. Electrification of mobile machinery previously referenced electric control through solenoid or […]
Unveiling the future: alternative power trends at The Utility Expo
Contributed by the Utility Expo staff Sustainability initiatives, new regulations, and technological innovation have opened a world of possibilities for the utility industry, and The Utility Expo, the largest and fastest growing trade show in the utility industry, will highlight alternative power throughout the show, September 26-28 in Louisville, Ky. With intense global initiatives to […]
It’s the age of the digital centaur — are you on board?
At the NFPA IEOC earlier this month, one of the most interesting presentations was not an economic talk at all. Instead, “Technology Frontiers” by Scott Klososky, a renowned futurist, delved into the popular (and somewhat controversial) topic of AI. Less than a year ago, AI platforms took off with the popularity of sites such as…
From challenge to opportunity: Tips on overcoming labor and supply chain shortages
Uncertainty creates opportunities for innovation and progress. Those who embrace change and adapt tend to come out on top. Recently, Fluid Power World had the opportunity to interview Paul Kundinger, third-generation president of Kundinger Inc, a Wisconsin and Michigan-based company delivering fluid power, automation, process control, and product solutions to a wide range of industries.…
Multi-chamber cylinders increase excavator efficiency
Norrhydro, based in Tampere, Finland, and Volvo Construction Equipment are moving ahead with field trials of a new excavator concept that engineers say could revolutionize machine hydraulic performance. If proven successful and widely adopted, the system could improve overall productivity of various types of off-road equipment and help meet the mobile industry’s sustainability targets and […]
Buyer beware when replacing hydraulics with electric actuators
Given heightened interest in battery powered mobile equipment, engineers are starting to weigh the benefits of hydraulic versus electric drives to power various machine functions. During the recent Future of Electrification conference, hosted by the Zapi Group, Kirk Martin, Global Director of Sales for Mobile Machinery at Ewellix explored this topic in his presentation, “The […]
High-performance 3D-printed servovalves set sail in America’s Cup race
Domin announced today a new partnership with INEOS Britannia, one of the six sailing teams competing in the upcoming America’s Cup race. As part of this collaboration, Domin is supplying INEOS Britannia with state-of-the-art high-performance servovalves, enabling them to enhance the performance and agility of their race boat. Domin is a global leader in hydraulic…
Hydraulics key to energy efficient mobile machines
Engineers at Sennebogen, Straubing, Germany, are embracing advanced diesel, hydraulic, electric and control technologies to design machines that generate significantly fewer emissions, compared to traditional equipment, and cut energy consumption in half. They’re building on proven and, in some cases, simple concepts that greatly benefit equipment users. Here’s a look at some of the innovations […]