By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Three-way valves, common and versatile tools in fluid power, demonstrate their precision by effectively diverting, selecting, or mixing three flow paths as the circuit requires. These valves, available in lever or solenoid actuation, are widely used for directional control. Their construction style varies, ensuring suitability for diverse applications. The three-way…
Troubleshooting challenge: new valve locks up on rod threading machine
By Robert J. Sheaf, Founder, CFC Industrial A customer of mine has a machine that threads both ends of a straight piece of rod stock which then is fed into a second machine to bend it in a “U” shape. This creates a clamp for various round pipe sizes. They had a problem with…
DGD Fluid Power launches J1939-compliant CFT-Max cartridge flow transmitter
DGD Fluid Power announces the release of the newest addition to its Cartridge Flow Transmitter (CFT) product line: the CFT-Max. Designed to meet the increasing demand to monitor hydraulic flows on mobile equipment, the CFT-MAX is J1939 compliant with an IP69 rating. Flows up to 150 gpm and a 6,000 psi pressure rating allow the…
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…
Direct-operated proportional valves boost reliability and optimize costs
Moog Inc. is proud to announce the launch of two new direct operated valve series: the D93x servo-proportional valve series and the D92x proportional valve series. Each series, with its unique features and capabilities, is designed to boost machine reliability and optimize costs for machine builders. The D93x servo-proportional valve series comprises the D936 (ISO…
Proportional valves make crane precision possible
Cranes lift heavy loads, and precise control of the lifting process is paramount for safety and efficiency. Proportional valves fine-tune the hydraulic pressure applied to the lifting mechanism so that operators can control speed and force while lifting and lowering. In 2021, Australian crane manufacturer Franna sought to improve the performance of its MAC 25 […]
ATAM invests in new overmoulding presses for encapsulated coil processes
ATAM has recently completed the replacement of the majority of its overmoulding presses at the Agrate Brianza plant, adding six new machines, each one with a different tonnage. This major investment allows the company to improve production capacity, flexibility in switching from production of one encapsulated coils to another, and it offers the possibility of…
7 signs your hydraulic valve has failed
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor There are very few hydraulic systems operating without directional valves, and aside from modern technologies that can make do with a servo-driven pump and a single actuator, you’ll be hard-pressed to think of a way to control actuators without them. They are responsible for managing the flow and direction of…
Clippard release AIV series air-piloted media isolation valves
Like Clippard’s NIV and PIV lines of isolation valves, the AIV series features Clippard’s unique multi-functional valve stem design for longer life and minimal dead volume. The difference with the AIV series is that is that it also provides the added benefit of air operation, which is — by definition — intrinsically-safe. No solenoid means […]
Is the sequence valve obsolete?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor We don’t hear much anymore regarding sequence valves, and probably for good reason. A sequence valve is like a self-regulating inline relay that opens when work pressure overrides the spring setting. It’s a form of hydraulic automation that provides sequential operation for two or more functions using one fluid supply…
Smart management, smart control blocks
By Michael Pyper Bucher Hydraulics High hydraulic performance is crucial in mobile machinery. Especially in this era of increasing electrification, hydraulics remains vital. This is particularly true for agricultural and forestry machines where compact installation and weight optimization are essential. Fluid power plays a significant role in energy efficiency and, when intelligently combined, electric and […]
Expanded tractor valve platform enables use on wider range of models
Danfoss Power Solutions has enhanced its tractor valve platform with additional electrohydraulic module sizes as well as new mechanical modules, enabling the valve to be used on a wider range of tractor models. Proven in farm fields for more than 20 years, Danfoss’ tractor valve provides rear implement, front implement, and front loader control. Built […]
Test rig for 70-ton vehicles uses advanced controls and hydraulics
Moog Inc. has delivered a high-performance test system for Spain-based Piedrafita Systems that the company now uses to design vehicle suspensions. Among its current projects, Piedrafita is using the new test rig — installed in July 2023 — for the SRB Project, which aims to develop a revolutionary hydropneumatic rotary suspension for armored vehicles. Through…
Try this trick to avoid buying a pressure compensated pump
Hydraulic piston pumps are the current standard for power, control and efficiency, but such a position in the hierarchy comes with more significant investment and responsibility. Piston pumps are expensive, complicated and involved compared to their lessor counterparts, such as the venerable gear pump. Inexpensive piston pumps still start in the four-figure range, and once…
Electro-pneumatic proportional pressure regulator for high flow applications
Engineers and other manufacturing professionals looking for a single device that regulates pressure extremely accurately while handling high flows will find it in the Proportion-Air QB4 electro-pneumatic proportional pressure regulator. The QB4 pressure control valve is a complete electronic pressure regulating package consisting of a pilot unit with two solenoid valves, closed-loop electronic controls and […]
D927 proportional valve offers higher flow rates, long service life for less cost
Moog Inc. has introduced the new D927 proportional valve to complete its direct operated servo-proportional valve line. The D927 is an ISO 4401 size 05 valve, built to complement the D926 size 03 valve introduced in April 2022. Like the D926 valve, the D927 is a direct-operated valve with integrated electronics driven by two proportional…
Troubleshooting challenge: large ram press stutters during extension
A company had a press used for forming steel bumpers for large trucks. The circuit was designed with a logic-type prefill valve. This valve was used to bypass the cylinder’s retraction flow of 290 gpm back to tank. It also featured a low-pressure closing spring to reduce any vacuum on extension. The 4-way directional valve…
Four hydraulics designs honored in the 2023 LEAP Awards
This year, four companies have been recognized in the new combined Fluid Power category of the LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Awards). Since the awards inception, fluid power was broken out into Hydraulics and Pneumatics but have been brought together under one umbrella. The LEAP awards acknowledges innovation and engineering achievements from around the globe.…
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 […]
Series 35G5 solenoid valve offers reliable fluid control for harsh environments
Spartan Scientific proudly releases its latest engineering success, the Series 35G5 diaphragm style solenoid valve. Designed to excel in challenging environments and engineered for exceptional durability, this stainless-steel valve brings a new level of reliability and versatility to fluid control applications. The Series 35G5 solenoid valve is available in 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 in. NPT […]
Emerson’s new IO-Link master saves costs and future-proofs air systems
Emerson has introduced a new Class A, IO-Link master that provides customers with a cost-effective solution for smart and analog sensor connectivity on the Aventics Series G3 Fieldbus platform. The G3 IO-Link Master is suitable for machine architectures with many sensors and pneumatic valves, and where it’s important to have reliable digital data communication between […]
What type of miniature pneumatics technologies are available?
In the realm of fluid power engineering and manufacturing, innovation knows no bounds. The advent of miniature pneumatics has ushered in a new era of precision and efficiency, enabling a wide range of industries to benefit from compact and surprisingly powerful pneumatic systems. These miniaturized marvels have found their way into various sectors, using low […]
Domin revolutionizes hydraulics with innovative additive manufacturing approach
Domin recently announced its latest development in the manufacture of hydraulic systems using an innovative approach to additive manufacturing. Recognizing the limitations and inefficiencies of traditional hydraulic systems, its ground-breaking approach to designing and manufacturing hydraulic systems combines additive manufacturing with cutting-edge technologies such as high-speed motor controls, onboard electronics, and intelligent data integration. These advancements…
Domin receives new patent for rotary valve
Domin has been granted a new patent for its ground-breaking rotary valve technology in the U.S. This significant milestone further strengthens Domin’s position in the high-performance servovalve market, bolstering its existing coverage in the U.K. and EU. The newly awarded patent for this rotary valve technology underscores Domin’s relentless commitment to innovation and technological advancements…
Check valves serve critical role in work trucks with aerial work platforms
Even when workers follow job site safety protocols to a T, emergencies can happen. And when working with large, powerful machines in dangerous or challenging environments, things can become catastrophic quickly. However, there is one small but critical machine component that can help minimize equipment damage, limit project downtime and keep workers safe – the […]