Design World’s annual LEAP Awards winners were recognized yesterday in a special video broadcast. Two components were recognized in the Fluid Power category, and four other hydraulic technologies were awarded across several other categories.
Taking the gold this year was Danfoss Power Solution’s X1P open circuit pump. Built on the all new X1 Platform, it is designed to deliver increased performance and power density over the competition and previous generations. The first release of X1P includes nominal displacements of 60 and 75 cc and is built around a patent-pending swashplate installation technique which delivers both the shortest 75-cc pump in the market, and up to 80% lower control hysteresis. This means that X1P fits into very tight spaces while being ready for advanced electronic controls of the future. These advantages come from a class-exclusive roller element cradle bearing, which also enables the highest temperature rating of the Danfoss lineup and contributes to elevated circularity and ease of remanufacturing.
Danfoss’ X1P open-circuit pump
This innovative X1P architecture is covered by an invention disclosure with the intent to file a provisional patent according to IN18020. Part of what makes X1P unique is that it brings a higher-pressure rating of 280 bar to the 75-cc displacement, and 310 bar to the 60-cc offering, all while fitting in the same compact housing. All these advanced design approaches and elevated performance levels make X1P particularly well-suited for construction, forestry, and specialty markets in machines such as mini excavators, compact track loaders, telehandlers, harvesters, and sprayers.
Judges were impressed with the X1P’s ability to “pack more power into a smaller package with its unique swashplate design.”
IMI Norgren’s KIP series proportional valve took silver this year. The KIP series offers variable and precise control of air and fluid flow in a compact, cost-effective design. Engineered for accuracy and responsiveness, the valve delivers smooth, precision flow control, best for applications that require exact dosing, mixing, or modulation. Its ability to adjust flow dynamically helps reduce energy and material waste by eliminating the need for constant full-flow operation.
IMI Norgren’s KIP proportional valves
Programmable and easily integrated with PLCs and control systems, the valve supports automated adjustments in real time, enhancing process efficiency and consistency. In addition to improving system responsiveness, the valve also promotes safety and longevity through its gentle ramp-up and ramp-down control, which reduces mechanical wear.
The KIP proportional valve delivers versatile, precise control across industries such as food & beverage, metal fabrication, and packaging. In food & beverage, it ensures accurate ingredient spraying and dosing; in metal fabrication, it dynamically adjusts coolant and shielding gas flow for optimized machining and laser cutting; and in packaging, it fine-tunes actuator speeds to align with varying production demands.
Additional fluid power wins included the following:
- Sun Hydraulics, LLC for its Energen valve, which took the Gold in the Motion Control category.
- Delta Motion’s EtherCAT MainDevice with Redundancy Port, which took Bronze in the Motion Control category.
- DGD Fluid Power, which took Gold in the Switches & Sensors category, for its CFT-Max (J1939 w/temp).
- GoldLeaf App Inc. which was awarded Silver in the Computer Hardware and Software category for its GoldLeaf App hose configuration web application
- Additionally, Joral was awarded silver in the Motion Control category for a Multiturn Position Sensor for Danfoss Hydraulic Motors – A Drop-In Motion Control Upgrade
Visit Design World for a complete list of winners.
Filed Under: Components Oil Coolers, News, Pumps & Motors, Tube & Hose, Valves & Manifolds
