A sugarcane-based polymer from Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, Plymouth, Mich., is aiming to help reduce CO2 emissions while being bio-renewable. The ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber compound is made from a polymer produced from sugarcane-based feedstock. Development began in 2012 for the bio-renewable material. A sugarcane-produced ethanol is converted into ethylene which forms a substantial portion of […]
Call for papers for the Fluid Power Innovation & Research Conference
As previously reported, The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP) have partnered to expand the industry’s annual industry and academic research conference, the 2015 Fluid Power Innovation & Research Conference (FPIRC 2015). For its second year, the NFPA and CCEFP are inviting both industry and academic […]
Engineering students break the chain with hydraulics
I always get energized when I see students and future engineers working on a hands-on project that uses fluid power. So I was even more energized this afternoon (and a little sunburned, too), as I watched nine teams compete in Parker Hannifin’s Chainless Challenge event at the Great Park (the old El Toro Marine base) […]
Bosch Rexroth redesigns its Hägglunds hydraulic motors
Calling it the Hidden Beast, Bosch Rexroth has repackaged its line of Hägglunds industrial hydraulic motors, giving them a more powerful, yet compact design. The new Hägglunds CA 10 to 40 motors are smaller and lighter, but offer the same output. This gives them unmatched power density, with the unique ability to deliver full torque and […]
Let’s keep fluid power education and research moving forward
Over the years, I’ve had several discussions with various members of the industry on the importance of education for the future of fluid power technologies. Although opinions vary, the general consensus has always held that more formal training and early exposure to hydraulics and pneumatics is critical to attracting youth to the field and moving […]
Viscosity versus viscosity index
By David Marlowe • Owner/CEO • DMAR Technical Training and DMAR Business Centers USA Petroleum-based hydraulic fluid has a variety of desirable characteristics, including lubricating and anti-wear properties, so it is often the preferred fluid for hydraulic systems. For these uses, petroleum oil is highly refined to remove undesirable chemicals while other chemicals, such as additives, are added […]
Lightning Hybrids moves forward with hydraulic hybrid technologies
For the last six years or so, I have been covering with great interest the development of hydraulic hybrid technologies for on-road vehicles. Some companies have tried to demonstrate this fuel-efficient technology in smaller automotive vehicles, but have found that its use in medium- and large-duty trucks and buses is truly the way to go. […]
12 questions to answer for shredding equipment design
By Dave Ebert, Product Manager, Gold Cup Pumps & Motors, Hydraulic Pump Div., Parker Hannifin Corp. High-production shredding applications reduce material—appliances, concrete, tires, and so on—into smaller particles for recycling and re-use. Hydraulics is a natural fit for both systems with gearboxes and those that use high-torque, low-speed motors as a direct drive. In operation, […]
Bosch Rexroth launches its 2015 hydraulic training schedule
Bosch Rexroth is accepting registration for all courses in its training program designed for industrial and mobile hydraulics systems engineers. Rexroth’s Hydraulics Technical Training is targeted toward individuals who maintain hydraulic systems, design new systems or want to upgrade existing systems with new technology. Classes run through December. Although the Center for Compact & Efficient […]
New rod wiper test method helps protect hydraulic systems
A partnership between Hallite Seals Americas Inc., Wixom, Mich., and The Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Fluid Power Institute (MSOE) has resulted in the development of a new test procedure for assessing the amount of dirt and dust that enters a typical hydraulic system through the rod wiper. According to Hallite, the test for rod wipers […]
