Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from February 2004

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from February 2004

To the provider belong the spoils.(Editor's Page)
February 1, 2004... The above quote, paraphrased from former Senator William Learned Marcy's, "to the victor belong the spoils," should ring true for our increasingly service-oriented economy. You would think that, with all else being equal, whoever provides the...

NMW rallies for American manufacturing.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... National Manufacturing Week 2004 heads to Chicago's McCormick Place Feb. 23-26. The show provides education and networking for engineers needing to design products quicker, cheaper, and better. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Six different...

Ruby and sapphire orifices.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... These orifices are next to diamond in hardness, with five times the abrasion-resistance of carbide, and are essentially chemically inert. The orifices are laser drilled and wire lapped for tight repeatability of flow. They can mount into a...

Pneumatic valve manifolds.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... Two new valve manifold systems--HF 04 and LP 04--are compact without compromising flow, and consume less power. They are actuated by double pilots. Available as 2X3/2, 5/2, and 5/3, two to 12 valves (HF 04) or four to 16 valves (LP 04); power...

India hosts fluid power exhibition.
February 1, 2004... The Fluid Power Society of India, a nonprofit professional body committed to promoting fluid power knowledge and technology in the country, is holding its biennial Fluid Power Exhibition & Seminar May 27-30 in Ban-galore, India. [GRAPHIC...

Get a handle on Cleveland.
February 1, 2004... Touted as the largest material handling and logistics trade event held in the U.S. this year, the 2004 Material Handling & Logistics Show and Conference will run Mar. 29 to Apr. 1 at Cleveland's I-X Center. Nearly 400 exhibitors from the...

Circuits simplify wire forming.(50 Years Ago ...)
February 1, 2004... A wire-frame bending machine in the Superior Metal-ware Div. of the John Wood Co., St. Paul, utilizes a combination of air- and oil-powered circuits to turn out up to 900 formed pieces of steel wire or bar per hour--an average of approximately...

Game on: second in a series.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... Team 348 from Norwell High School in Norwell, Mass., put their game face on as the FIRST Robotics Competition kicked off in Manchester, N.H., last month. With the object of this year's game fresh in their minds, the team opened their new manual...

Helac Corp.(On the Move)
February 1, 2004... * Helac Corp., Seattle, announced the appointment of Marty L. Koval to director of sales. In this newly created position, Koval will oversee domestic and worldwide sales of hydraulic rotary actuators for OEM applications and aftermarket...

RB Royal Industries Inc.(On the Move)
February 1, 2004... * RB Royal Industries Inc., Fond du Lac, Wis., has appointed John E. Valek chief operating officer. Valek will continue to perform his duties as executive vice president and general manager.

Motion Industries.(On the Move)
February 1, 2004... * Birmingham-based Motion Industries has named Jim McCullar corporate vice president of Integrated Supply and Services.

simrit.(On the Move)
February 1, 2004... * Simrit, the industrial sealing division of Freudenberg-NOK, has opened a 54,000-sq-ft O-ring manufacturing facility in Queretaro, Mex.

Thrustmaster of Texas Inc.(On the Move)
February 1, 2004... * Houston-based Thrustmaster of Texas Inc., welcomes Karl Strauss as offshore projects manager. He will be primarily responsible for all offshore applications, including portable dynamic positioning systems and azimuthing thruster drives.

ASME fluid power conference.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... The ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition runs Nov. 14-19 at the Anaheim Hilton in Anaheim, Calif. As part of the event, the Fluid Power Systems and Technology Division of ASME will present a technical conference....

Anniversaries.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... Since its founding 50 years ago, High Pressure Equipment Co., Erie, Pa., has shipped more than two million valves, fittings, and accessories for high-pressure applications. The company manufactures a complete line of products designed to...

Online source for MRO products.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... MotionMRO.com, offered by Motion Industries, provides real-time access to more than two million parts for those in the automotive, chemical, food and beverage, wood, iron, pulp and paper, steel, and textile industries. Visitors can check stock,...

MTS Sensors launches product Web site.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... Expanding its magnetostrictive product and application offering, MTS Sensors, Cary, N.C., has developed a Web site to serve the off-highway mobile machine market. The site, www.mtsmobilesensors.com, features the latest news in closed-loop...

Congress on sound, vibration.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... The 11th International Congress on Sound and Vibration will be held July 5-8, 2004, in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Hotel Pribaltiyskaya. The congress is sponsored by the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration and the Noise...

OTC pumps up business.(Industry News)
February 1, 2004... Ohio Transmission Corp., Columbus, an independent industrial distributor of pumps, motion control, power transmission products, and air compressors acquired the assets of Hydro-Power Inc., based in Terre Haute, Ind., with offices in...

Web site redesign.(NFPA News)
February 1, 2004... NFPA's Web site, www.nfpa.com, has been redesigned and reorganized. Streamlined navigation now makes it even easier to access a wealth of resources--information on fluid power, market data, standards development, and industry events. ...

More power added to Electronic Statistical Toolkit.(NFPA News)
February 1, 2004... Since January 2002, NFPA members participating in NFPA's Confidential Shipment Statistics program have used the Electronic Statistical Toolkit to make more efficient and extensive use of NFPA aggregate statistics and their own company data. ...

Coming soon ...(NFPA News)
February 1, 2004... NFPA has signed an agreement with Technomic International for a study of the future of in-plant motion control, with a particular emphasis on looking at the competitive position of hydraulics and pneumatics versus electronics in traditional...

Mark your calendar.(NFPA News)
February 1, 2004... NFPA's Economic Outlook Conference (EOC) Aug. 17-18, 2004 Pfister Hotel Milwaukee Fluid Power Pavilion at IMTS 2004 Sept. 8-15, 2004 McCormick Place Chicago NFPA 2004 Fall Conference NFPA Educator/Industry...

Bobcat on the FastTrack to better designs.(Ideas & Applications)(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... Bobcat's new 430 excavator is a true zero house swing (ZHS) unit with the power and operating comfort of a mid-size machine. The excavator features the industry's first all-hydrostatic drive system and improved maneuvering and traveling...

Haptics gets a feel for the job at Georgia Tech.(Ideas & Applications)
February 1, 2004... Haptics is a new, but increasingly important, word in operator interfaces for fluid power. It refers to the feel of the lever, joystick, wheel, or other operator control--the tactile sensations and force felt in response to motion of the...

Hose displays nice form.
February 1, 2004... For decades, thermoplastic hose has been replacing rubber hose and metal tubing. Formed hose hose formed into a specific shape by heating and cooling offers a multitude of benefits for hydraulic equipment. The hose can be formed and installed...

Why formed hose?
February 1, 2004... Zero scrap * Formed assemblies arrive ready for installation. * No custom bending or fitting is needed. Fewer leak points * Flexible hydraulic hoses can be formed in multiple dimensions over the entire length of a chassis. ...

How is formed hose produced?
February 1, 2004... * Detailed prints are obtained for the application. * The appropriate hose is selected for the application based on: Pressures Temperatures Volumetric expansion Price * Couplings are identified, designed, and...

Learning about valve frequency response.(Motion Control)
February 1, 2004... The graph shows typical frequency response curves for a proportional valve. The blue trace is the amplitude, that is, a measure of how well the spool travel keeps up with the sinusoidal command signal as the frequency changes. At the low...

Book teaches servohydraulics.
February 1, 2004... Designer's Handbook for Electrohydraulic Servo and Proportional Systems covers electrohydraulic system design, control, and analysis by teaching principles and reviewing practical problems from the real world instead of endlessly discussing...

Save big bucks.(Fluid Management)
February 1, 2004... Oil additives from RohMax USA Inc., Horsham, Pa., can save money by reducing maintenance costs by more than 50%, according to recent fluid testing studies. High viscosity index fluids can also lower fuel/energy costs, downtime, and disposal...

Don't be degraded.(Fluid Management)
February 1, 2004... United Air Specialists, Cincinnati, is offering its Kleentest analysis free of charge. Kleentest is a scientific method of identifying, measuring, and analyzing the hidden degrading contaminants not captured by mechanical filters and strainers....

Bearings: getting your proper.(Fluid Management)
February 1, 2004... The Timken Co., Canton, Ohio, recently began distributing a new line of industrial lubrication products, including All-Purpose Industrial Grease; Off-Highway Grease featuring heavy-duty Moly; Pillow Block Grease for ball bearings; Premium Mill...

Clearing the air on motors: air motors harness the safe, reliable power of compressed air to generate torque and rotational motion. Several different designs are available to serve a wide variety of applications.(Pneumatic Systems)
February 1, 2004... Air motors are used to produce continuous rotary power from a compressed air system. They boast a number of advantages over electric motors: * Because they do not require electrical power, air motors can be used in volatile atmospheres....

All in one.(Design Closeup)
February 1, 2004... Smooth, guided motion is easy to obtain with this rugged actuator. A compact extruded aluminum body incorporates a pneumatic cylinder, switch grooves, and guide shafts. Composite bearings running on large-diameter stainless-steel shafts stand...

Vital stats.(Design Closeup)
February 1, 2004... On display: Extruded linear thruster Key feature: Combines cylinder bore, switch mounting grooves, and guide shafts in a single, compact housing. What it means to you: The housing keeps the thruster aligned and allows it to carry heavy...

An inside view.(Design Closeup)
February 1, 2004... Switch grooves allow positioning proximity switches anywhere along the stroke. [GRAPHIC OMITTED] The cylinder, switch grooves, and guide shafts are tucked inside the aluminum extruded body. Two stainless-steel guide shafts resist...

High-speed, multi-outlet valves.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: 10 bar Frequency: 200 Hz FEATURES * 2-, 3-, 5-way configurations * Separately controlled outlets * 2 ms closing response time * 500 million cycles Matrix SpA ...

Pneumatic cylinders.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bore: 3/4, 1 1/8, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 4 in. FEATURES * Viton seals * Hard-coated bore eliminates scoring of walls * Oil-impregnated rod bearing * Hard chrome-plated piston rod *...

Linear slide tables.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stroke: 30 to 150 mm Port: 6 to 32 mm FEATURES * Compact, precision, low-profile, synchronous, adjustable formats * Quick/easier load attachment * Ideal for pick-and-place, fluid...

Pressure regulators.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: vacuum to 500 psig FEATURES * Easy-to-read LED display * Reads in tenths of lb to 200; lb increments from 200 to 500 * Single closed-loop, 2-loop units * Continuous visual...

Air motors.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Speed: to 4,000 rpm FEATURES * D71 output flange * Helical, worm-style gearboxes * Fail-safe brake * Lever-, pilot-operated valves * Suitable for pharmaceutical, food industries...

Multi-stage ejector pump.(Products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Only 1.08-in. high * Generates vacuum of 24.9 in.-Hg at feed pressure of only 26 psi * Reduces compressed air costs * Easy to install * Gives off no heat; no cooling needed PIAB...

Linear actuator.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: 10 bar Bore: 20 to 100 mm FEATURES * Uses FDA-approved grease, materials * SUS304 stainless steel external parts * Rod scraper minimizes water infiltration * Nitrile,...

Valves.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: 12 to 174 psi Temp: 14[degrees] to 140[degrees]F Flow: 0.50 [C.sub.v], 0.85 [C.sub.v] FEATURES * ISO size 01, 02 * 100 million cycles * Self-lubricating *...

FRL units.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Size: Micro to Maxi, M5 to G1, 10-32 to 1-in. NPT connections Flow rate: 100 to 12,000 lpm Pressure: 12, 7 bar FEATURES * Die-cast housing * Manual or automatic condensate drain...

Vacuum cup fittings.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thread: 10-32 to 1/8-in. UNF FEATURES * Provides leakproof, tight-fitting seal * Machined groove for Buna-N O-ring * Eliminates need for replacement gaskets, washers * Grooved design...

Rodless rail slide.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bore: 27 mm, 40 mm Travel: to 3,400 mm FEATURES * Stainless steel outer band * Saddle scraper seal * Adjustable cushions for smooth deceleration * Side switch slots for...

Nylon fittings.(Products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Available in black, red, blue, green, orange, yellow, purple * Connectors, Y, T, tube-to-port, luer compression fittings * Color easily identifies water or air fittings, high or low pressure,...

Directional control valve.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: to 116 psi Temp: -40[degrees] to 149[degrees]F FEATURES * Inline 3/2, 5/2, 5/3 types * For single-, double-operated actuators * Port sizes: G 1/4, 1/4 NPT, G 1/2, 1/2 NPT...

Air preparation unit.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Flow rate: 35,000 l/min Pressure: to 17.5 bar FEATURES * Regulator features electronic pilot control or integrated pilot valve * Filter-water-separator equipped with automatic drain valve...

Compact pressure regulator.(Products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Designed for OEM market * Low-torque, nonrising adjustable knob with locking capability * Types for air, water applications * Easy, precise adjustments Dwyer Instruments Inc. ...

Pressure transducer.(Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pressure: to 140 psi FEATURES * High EMI/RFI immunity * Wide temperature range * Resists vibration * Mounts at any angle * Piezoceramic beam technology Marsh Bellofram ...

Remote control system.(Products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * Can incorporate 13 modules (2X, 8X) * Compatible with Rockwell Point I/O system * Pneumatic or electronic * Rail-mount assembly Burkert (800) 325-1405 www.burkert-usa.com...

Exhibitor list.
February 1, 2004... AMK Drives & Control, Richmond, Va. www.amkdrives.com Baldor Electric Co., Ft. Smith, Ark. www.baldor.com Bison Gear & Engineering, St. Charles, III. www.bisongear.com Bodine Electric Co., Chicago ...

In review.(Lunch & Learn)
February 1, 2004... On Sept. 26, Hydraulics & Pneumatics and Motion System Design magazines held the first Motion System Technology Fair Lunch & Learn event at the Wyndham Inner Harbor Hotel in Baltimore. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Looking ahead.
February 1, 2004... Here's a sneak peek at the Lunch & Learn schedule for this year. Check to see if we're coming to a city near you! May Charlotte, NC September Milwaukee, WI October Detroit, MI November Cincinnati OH

Motion control for the real world: electronic motion control for hydraulics isn't black magic, but it can be complex. Here's an explanation that may help reveal some possibilities.(Electrohydraulic Control)
February 1, 2004... Hydraulic control systems have come a long way and have found new opportunities for improving quality and cutting life cycle costs in machine operation. The key to advanced motion control is choosing the right components and effectively...

Start with proper component sizing, selection.(Electrohydraulic Control)
February 1, 2004... As with any motion control system, optimum performance from an electrohydraulic system can be achieved only if the appropriate components making up the system are selected and adequately sized. Here are guidelines summarizing key components of...

Is automatic tuning possible for hydraulic systems?(Electrohydraulic Control)
February 1, 2004... Is automatic tuning possible for hydraulic systems? The short answer is yes! Manually tuning a controller can be a challenging process, especially if feed forward and PID control are to be used. The control parameters available to someone doing...

Valves to go with the flow: flow-control valves include simple orifices to sophisticated closed-loop electrohydraulic valves that automatically adjust to variations in pressure and temperature.(A Staff Report)
February 1, 2004... The purpose of flow control in a hydraulic system is to regulate speed. All the devices discussed here control the speed of an actuator by regulating the flow rate. Flow rate also determines rate of energy transfer at any given pressure. The...

Sand and deliver: hydraulics helps a matchplate molding machine quickly and precisely deliver ready-to-pour flaskless green sand molds.(Electrohydraulic Control)
February 1, 2004... In 1914, Elmer Beardsley and Walter Piper conceived the idea of mechanically throwing sand--an idea that revolutionized the foundry industry. In subsequent years, Beardsley and Piper became the inventors and builders of Sandslingers, which...

Hydraulic filters.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Capacity: to 40 gpm FEATURES * For hydrostatic transmissions * Filtration as low as 3 [micro]m * Filters oil returning to tank * Supplies oil to suction side of charge pump * Eliminates potential for charge...

In-line filter fitting.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Pressure: to 6,000 psi Flow capacity: to 100 gpm Size: 3/8 to 3/4 in. FEATURES * Designed for bidirectional flow * Zinc-plated steel * Vibration, shock resistant * Element can be cleaned, replaced ...

Off-line filtration.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Flow: 5 gpm FEATURES * 2-micron element holds 200 g (7 oz) dirt * Ultra-high efficiency * Element available to remove water from hydraulic fluid * Beta ratio >1,000 removing 2- [micro]m particles ...

High-pressure filters.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Pressure: 2,000 to 6,090 psi (working); 4,500 to 12,000 psi (static) FEATURES * Meet HF 2, HF3 specifications * Synthetic fiber for liquid filtration * Aluminum (HPK); cast iron (FPK) * Bypass, seal, length...

Stainless-steel filters.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Pressure: to 2,000 psid Input: FEATURES * Easy to install, service * Flexible porting system reduces piping, adapters * Drain port allows all oil to drain before servicing * Optional visual, electrical...

Seal-and-dry filter.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Converts open systems to closed systems * 10-in. diameter, 28-in. long * 5-gal bladder * Prevents contaminants from entering oil reservoir * HDPE housing with molded supports * Pressure/vacuum relief valves...

In-tank filter/breather.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Pressure: 150 psi Flow: to 40 gpm return Port: 1/2, 3/4, 1 in. FEATURES * Built-in 10- or 40-[micro]m breathers * Aluminum casting, nylon lid * Indicator available to monitor oil condition * Optional...

Saturation monitor.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Range: 0% to 100% saturation Power supply: 9 Vdc FEATURES * Measures water concentration in oil * Portable, consists of display unit and capacitive sensor * Works with petroleum-based or synthetic fluids *...

Filter elements.(Focus on Filters)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Length: 18, 39 in. Flow: 150, 250 gpm FEATURES * Replaceable pleat pack design * Lowers disposal costs * Collapse pressure rating of 150 psi * Filtration: 1, 3, 6, 12, 23 [micro]m [ILLUSTRATION...

Digital test gauge.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * 12 selectable engineering units * 6 languages * Available in vacuum to 7,000 psi * Display features adjustable contrast levels * Weatherproof case * Portable, easy to read [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

O-ring compounds.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * Meet FDA 21 CFR 177.2600 requirements * Available in all standard O-ring dimensions * Compliant to U.S. Pharmacopoeia Class VI standards * Choices include EPDMs, silicones, fluorocarbons, fluoroelastomers,...

Open-circuit pumps.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Pressure: to 5,801 psi FEATURES * Two new models: Frame E (100 to 147 cc); Frame J (45 to 75 cc) * Servo pistons located near pump controls * Single-piece housing minimizes potential leak points * Low noise...

Flange protectors.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 3/8 to 16 in. FEATURES * Meet ANSI B16.5, DIN 2627-2638 specifications * Made of low-density polyethylene * Standard yellow * Push-in design allows one part size to fit, protect different size flanges ...

Linear displacement transducers.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Measurement range: 30 in. Size: FEATURES * Flexible, heavy-duty cable * 2-axis rotation * Withstands harsh climate * Easy to install * Flexible mounting bracket [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Celesco...

Shutoff valves.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 1/16 to 4 in. Pressure: to 12,000 psi FEATURES * Temp: -452[degrees] to 700[degrees]F * Material: stainless steel, Monel, brass, Hastelloy C, titanium, Carpenter 20 * Meet NACE MR-07-75 requirements ...

Differential pressure gauge.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Pressure: to 5,000 psi Dial: 2 1/2, 3 1/2, 4 1/2 in. FEATURES * Aluminum or stainless-steel body * Over-range protected in either direction * Upper differential pressure to 400 psid * Optional magnetically...

Flexible chafe guard.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Size: 1/8- to 1 1/2-in. OD FEATURES * For bundles up to 10 in. * Conforms to ASTM D-1044 * Spirally cut expandable polyethylene * Unaffected by sun, fuels, oils * Removes, reinstalls without tools ...

Miniature ball valve.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... FEATURES * 3-way configuration with 0.141-in. orifice * Trunion style for severe duty * Shuts off gas, liquid flow through 10,000 psi * Half turn changes port outlets * Stainless-steel construction * Viton O-rings,...

Fire-resistant hose.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Bore size: to 2 in. (multispiral); to 1 in. (wire-braid) Pressure: 3,000 psi (multispiral); 5,000 psi (wire-braid) FEATURES * Can be used as blow-out preventer * Glass-fiber braiding eliminates asbestos * With...

Pressure transducers.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Pressure: to 15,000 psi Output: 4 to 20 mA, 0-5V, 2 mV/V FEATURES * All-welded NEMA 4X design * Spike, vibration, shock resistant * 3X overpressure rating * 1 ms response time [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

All-metal sensors.(New Products)
February 1, 2004... SPECS Length: to 250 mm Stroke: 72.3 to 250.1 mm (10 sizes) Temp: -40[degrees] to 105[degrees]C FEATURES * Metal sensor tube * Analog, PWM outputs * Custom-length electrical pigtails directwire to controller ...

Test site.(Web Wire)
February 1, 2004... TriviaPlaza, located at www.triviaplaza.com/geo.htm, has a variety of fun quizzes, including geography, movies, and pop music. They're easy to navigate and the site gives feedback and a score at the end of each quiz.