By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Urethane (or polyurethane) seals are among the most versatile and durable materials used in fluid power sealing. Urethanes are cast into billets or molds to create the seals used in many of the hydraulic components you see every day, such as pump shaft seals, cylinder pistons and rod seals. The material … [Read more...] about What are the benefits of urethane seals?
Blogs
Laws are infallible
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Physical laws, unlike governmental laws, are perfect. The heavy hand of the (physical) law keeps our fluid power realm in check, dictating liquids and gases' behaviours at every location. I'd like to say very few alternate engineering fields so heavily rely on these laws and principles as fluid power, but a … [Read more...] about Laws are infallible
Schroeder Industries wins coveted 2020 LEAP Award
Winners of the LEAP Awards (Leadership in Engineering Achievement Program) in the category of test & measurement include Schroeder Industries with its Schroeder Pro: Total Fluid Health instrument, notching the Bronze award in this category. The LEAP Awards honor innovative product technology in 12 categories. As determined by 14 industry … [Read more...] about Schroeder Industries wins coveted 2020 LEAP Award
The democratization of IoT
Most advocates for fluid power technology are well aware of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), where factory floor and mobile equipment are fitted with sensors, connected to wireless networks and send vast volumes of data to the cloud. Analyzing the data in real time gives manufacturers a better idea of how their production lines are … [Read more...] about The democratization of IoT
Hydraulic Symbology 304 – conditioning and monitoring
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The use of hydraulic symbols must be comprehensive in your efforts to detail the workings of a complete hydraulic system. Hydraulic machines consist of more than pumps, valves and actuators, of course, even though they are often the stars of the show. Those stars would quickly fall into the other side of fame … [Read more...] about Hydraulic Symbology 304 – conditioning and monitoring
MFP Seals steps up injection molding production in response to COVID-19
As it continues to operate as an essential supplier during the COVID-19 pandemic, MFP Seals' team of engineers and machine operators are working hard to meet demand. The company is designing and manufacturing (or adapting someone else's design to its injection mold and CNC machines), working hard to turn around projects in days, rather than the … [Read more...] about MFP Seals steps up injection molding production in response to COVID-19
How does hydrolysis affects seals?
Literally, every fluid power system counts on soft-sealing technology to contain high-pressure liquid, allowing hydraulic energy to transmit useful work. The most common rubber technology in today’s fluid power system is synthetic, such as Buna nitrile or urethane. Each type of polymer has its advantages, but they also differ in their … [Read more...] about How does hydrolysis affects seals?
Filter maintenance 101
Setting planned and intelligent filter maintenance programs can reduce downtime, increase efficiency and usher your hydraulic systems into the IoT future. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Plant maintenance practices vary by industry, by economic conditions, by process and by employees. Some plants may have strict preventive maintenance … [Read more...] about Filter maintenance 101
How do water hydraulics work?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Most of you are familiar with the use of oil as the fluid medium for hydraulic systems, which is inherently excellent at its job. It lubricates well, provides good heat capacity and is stable over various pressure and temperature ranges. As good as oil is, it’s not the only power transmission liquid in use … [Read more...] about How do water hydraulics work?
How should you store your elastomer seals for hydraulic and pneumatic use?
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, but experts also offer some important recommendations on proper safekeeping if seals will be stored for a period of time prior to installation. Elastomer … [Read more...] about How should you store your elastomer seals for hydraulic and pneumatic use?
