Argo-Hytos, Kraichtal, Germany, has announced a new filter-element series that reportedly offers significant performance improvements over the company’s current Exapor Max 2 elements. The new-generation series, called Exapor Max 3, will be officially introduced at the Hannover Fair in April. According to company engineers, development of the … [Read more...] about Argo-Hytos announces new filter series
What is Shore Hardness?
Hardness, in basic terms, is the resistance of a material against intrusion and permanent deformation by a harder body. It is one property that is important for the proper specification and function of seals and other critical components in fluid power systems. Hardness of seal materials like rubbers, elastomers and plastics are typically … [Read more...] about What is Shore Hardness?
What is the Varnish Potential Rating?
Problems that crop up in hydraulic systems are often caused by contaminants like dirt and water in the oil that lead to corrosion, wear and premature failure. But many performance problems are due to another contaminant: varnish that coats control valves, restricts filters, and fouls reservoirs and other internal parts. Most hydraulics users are … [Read more...] about What is the Varnish Potential Rating?
Mini filter offers max protection
The smallest non-woven filter element ever produced by Argo-Hytos, Kraichtal, Germany, has a diameter of just 25 mm (0.98 in.) and a height of 35 mm (1.38 in.). It is used in the control block of a wheel loader. The miniature filter from Argo-Hytos is only the size of a thumb but, according to company officials, it does not compromise on … [Read more...] about Mini filter offers max protection
Parker releases new O-ring guide
Parker Hannifin’s O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division, based in Lexington, Ky., has published the 2018 O-Ring Material Offering Guide (ORD 5712). It is a condensed version of the company’s comprehensive O-Ring Handbook seal catalog. The newly updated edition is filled with quick references and technical details, including material and design … [Read more...] about Parker releases new O-ring guide
What is the “toast” test?
An important characteristic of many hydraulic fluids is the ability to maintain performance at high temperatures. Higher temperatures can cause oxidation—the reaction of the fluid and its constituents with oxygen. The rate of reaction accelerates as temperature increases, as does the presence of catalyst metals like copper and iron, especially at … [Read more...] about What is the “toast” test?
Storage and cleaning of elastomer seals
Elastomer seals are built to handle a wide range of demanding hydraulic and pneumatic applications. A seal’s design and its material properties are two keys to lasting performance. The engineers at Parker Hannifin’s Engineered Materials Group in Germany also offer some important recommendations on how to store, handle and clean seals prior to … [Read more...] about Storage and cleaning of elastomer seals
Microfiltration reduces microplastics in bottled water
Media outlets across the globe recently reported on the disquieting news that most commercial bottled water contains microscopic bits of plastic. According to a study released last month, researchers at the State University of New York at Fredonia looked at 259 bottles of water from 11 producers, including such well-known brands like Aquafina, … [Read more...] about Microfiltration reduces microplastics in bottled water
O-ring selection made easy
Parker Hannifin's O-Ring Selector is an engineering tool which offers O-ring material and size selection combined in one software package. Both are interlinked, thus helping ensure the best possible combination of the calculated O-ring size and material choice. The O-Ring Selector covers both imperial and metric standards. The program lets … [Read more...] about O-ring selection made easy
Track contamination, not people
Nobody likes a micromanager. A boss constantly looking over your shoulder is at best annoying and more often counterproductive, demotivating and the root cause of high turnover. Yet in recent head-scratching news, Amazon has patented a tracking wristband that monitors a worker’s every move and vibrates when they do something wrong. Ostensibly, … [Read more...] about Track contamination, not people
