By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If your hydraulic cylinder is moving slowly and you’re reading this article, your cause is not likely a lazy operator. Your situation is obviously one where an expected performance isn’t being met, or there was a sudden and dramatic slowdown of your cylinder velocity. Diagnosing the cause of a cylinder…

  A compressed air auditor regularly flow-tested the compressors under his study. This generally would be done if the air compressor was drawing low amps — a telltale sign that the unit is producing low flow output — or if the compressor has excessive hours. Often times, internal wear due to age will reduce output […]

TIPCO Technologies and Charter Industrial Supply recently announced their new partnership. Charter Industrial Supply will continue to operate under the leadership of Dan and Dave Scordato, sharing a unified vision of growth through people, partnerships, and innovation. Since its founding in 2000, Charter Industrial Supply has established a solid reputation for reliable performance, quality service, […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic hoses come in many sizes and designs, and the expression of each design is a result of the purpose of that hose. Generally, there are three common locations where a hose is used in a hydraulic system: suction lines, working lines and return lines. Each location has its own […]

Contributed by Enrique Busquets  •  Director of Engineering Systems and Components, Bosch Rexroth Fueled by unceasing innovation, electric motors have solidified their position as a catalyst for change, reducing countries’ greenhouse gas emissions (ghg) and lowering total cost of ownership for heavy- and medium-duty vehicles and machinery. The accelerated adoption of electric motors has been […]

Bonfiglioli is gearing up to showcase its suite of gear units for mining equipment manufacturers at MinExpo 2024, which will take place September 24-26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The company will demonstrate how its combined expertise in mobile and industrial applications empowers OEMs to build next-generation mining machines. “Modern mining equipment requires a […]

The EHS series of high-pressure electronic valves from Clippard is precision-engineered to deliver robust performance in higher pressure (up to 1,000 psig) applications, prioritizing both safe functionality and the reduction of potential leak points. Building upon the foundation set by the ES series, the EHS incorporates key features such as substantial cross sectional O-rings, proven […]

MinExpo 2024 returns to the Las Vegas Convention Center September 24-26. With all the big players already announcing major machine developments, it’s clear that MinExpo promises to be a return to its pre-covid self with massive machinery setting the stage. MINExpo, owned and produced by the National Mining Association, brings professionals, experts and decision-makers from […]

My father was from Ireland, and I’ve spent many a summer enjoying all this beautiful country has to offer. I am now introducing my own children to the joys of a couple of weeks spent in simpler pleasures — long walks along the bay hunting for sea life, mooing and baaing at cows and sheep,…

Contributed by Robert Sheaf, Founder of CFC Industrial Training In this month’s challenge, we go out into the utility world, where digger derrick trucks operate to prepare worksites. Here, a digger derrick truck could not operate any function that required pressure above 50 psi. The pump load sense was set at 300 psi with the…

It is common to see the air in a complete plant dried by a desiccant dryer only to service one small end-use that is subject to freezing temperatures. The purge from a large desiccant dryer is much more costly than that of a small point-of-use dryer, which can be placed on the outdoor feed. The […]

With 3D printing, brushless dc motors, and high-speed digital controls, Domin is at the forefront of revolutionizing how the aerospace industry uses hydraulics. Aerospace dramatically influenced hydraulics’ evolution in the last century. The move from manual to hydraulic actuation happened quickly in the 1950s and 1960s, yet fundamental hydraulic designs in aircraft have not changed…

Motion Industries Inc. is pleased to announce a new Motion Repair & Services location at 10710 Sharmon Road, Houston, Texas, 77038. The new shop, which is entirely dedicated to repair and services, is slated to open in September 2024. The modern, well-equipped repair facility features a full suite of CNC and manual machine tools, lifting…

At iVT Expo last week, Sun Hydraulics was highlighting some of its newer technologies, including its eSense counterbalance solution. This load-holding technology allows users to save energy without sacrificing performance. Designated as part of Sun’s ecoline program, this solution adapts to any load and provides up to 85% of energy-efficient power to applications. Combatting the […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In the bustling battlefield of pneumatic systems’ hose and tubing, two contenders stand ready for combat: polyethylene and nylon tubing. Armed with unique strengths and weaknesses, they prepare to face off in the high-pressure war, so let’s dive into this skirmish and see who emerges victorious. Round 1: The Durability […]

Cobalt, copper, lithium, and nickel are among “the electric 18” critical materials needed for clean energy production, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Average consumers driving EVs, installing solar panels on their roofs, and coordinating their lives via smartphones may not connect the dots as they oppose mining operations in the U.S. But the…

PMC Hydraulics Group, a Nordic provider of hydraulic systems and components for OEMs across Europe and Asia and part of Dacke Industri, entered an agreement in July 2024 to acquire the remaining shares in Hydroquip Hydraulics in Bangalore, India. Hydroquip Hydraulics started in 1996 in Bangalore, distributing hydraulic components primarily for Kawasaki Precision Machinery and…

Understanding the intricacies of aircraft hydraulic systems provides insight into the engineering marvels that keep aircraft flying safely through varying conditions. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Aircraft hydraulic systems are a special breed of essential components in modern aviation, providing the power and control necessary for various functions that provide the safe and efficient flights…

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 […]

Motion Industries Inc. signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire the operating assets of Canadian-based LSI Supply Inc. and its sister company 273 Ontario (which trades as LSI). The transaction is expected to close later this month, subject to customary closing conditions. Headquartered in Windsor, Ontario, LSI Supply has five area locations and distributes bearings,…

Operator comfort and ergonomics are significant considerations in mobile machine design. Sure Grip Controls, a Bailey International company, has launched new armrests for heavy equipment that are fully customizable, including cushion materials and colors and integrating various components such as joysticks, LEDs, and push buttons. Features include: Can be fully sealed up to IP69K Rated […]

Unitized sealing solutions feature over-molding and precision machining to eliminate challenges inherent in standard piston and gland designs. Contributed by Andrew Iddeson, Product Technology Director, Advanced Sealing Technologies and Chuck White, Global Product Development Manager Hydraulic cylinders are a key component in efficiently harnessing the power created by a fluid power system into usable linear […]

In linear motion applications, pneumatics, servo pneumatics, and controlled pneumatics each deliver unique motion and force capabilities. Contributed by By Frank Langro, Director of Product Market Management, Pneumatic Automation, Festo Pneumatic linear actuators are fundamental for automation because of their low cost, ease of installation and operation, high yet compliant force, speed, compactness, safety in hazardous areas, […]

Contributed by Gary Molton • BSc, Owner, Engineering Adventures Poor assembly or using the wrong type of fluid power fitting has been shown to increase risk of fluid leakage and industrial injury. Fitting designs have changed considerably over the last 30 years to reduce these risks but this has resulted in a myriad of assembly […]

Compactness is crucial for many equipment applications, with machine builders aiming for smaller parts that maintain high power. Finnish hydraulic motor manufacturer Black Bruin launched its new X-series for such applications, including recycling, marine and offshore, construction, mining, and material handling. With its patent-pending design, the company aims to enhance the performance, durability, serviceability, and […]