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The latest information on hydraulic and pneumatic motion control. August 3, 2009


Take a break with Engineering TV
Last month, we delved into hydraulic hybrid technology, with two articles highlighting the advantages of hydraulic hybrids, and some of the many on-going research and design projects that are currently under development nationwide. If you didn't catch those articles, read them now.

One project we highlighted came out of Colorado's Lightning Hybrids, which is designing a compact passenger vehicle that is powered by a hydraulic drivetrain. Our Engineering TV crew visited the folks out there and filmed a series of videos about the drivetrain, the car, and the company itself. Click here for the first installment in the drivetrain design, and be sure to view the 10 other videos as well.

- Mary C. Gannon


Articles

Compactor runs double time
Walk through any machine shop, and you'll likely see conveyors transporting metal chips, saw cuttings, lathe turnings, and similar material to a central location for recycling. Simply loading the metal fragments into a dumpster and carting it away is not an effective way of recycling the metal because it takes up so much space. Instead, the metal fragments usually are compacted into dense pellets, as shown in the photo.

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Seal It, Protect It!

A Smalley Laminar Seal Retaining Ring is a metallic labyrinth seal consisting of multiple rings in a groove. To seal an assembly from contamination while withstanding high temperatures and corrosive environments, laminar rings are produced from metal, not rubber, neoprene, or other non-metallic materials. The arrangement of the rings and the specific orientation of the rings are dictated by the application and the severity of the environment. Numerous configurations are available; standard sizes from 5/8" to 50".


Vacuum upgrades packaging machine
Since its inception in 1946, Herr Foods Inc. has continually introduced innovative snack food products and packaging. Now with more than 340 products including its staple potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, and onion rings, the company stays on the cutting edge by offering high quality snack foods with an environmental conscience. Naturally, then, Herr Foods looks for partners that share in its principles and foresight.

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Steerable wheel drives make loader light and nimble
Even in a sour economy, industry keeps moving — maybe not as fast as we'd like, but consumables, replacement components, and even new equipment does get sold. This is where the recent trend toward smaller equipment has paid off. As older equipment must be replaced, mini excavators and loaders may get the nod as a cost-effective alternative to their full-size counterparts. True, they’re not as productive or as capable as full-size equipment, but their lower price tag can help contractors and equipment rental establishments get by in these tough times.

Web Exclusive - Intelligent hydraulics simplifies and smartens plastics sheet extrusion
Davis-Standard LLC, Pawtucket, Conn., builds equipment for the plastics industry and has a long history of producing quality machines for foam, flexible, and rigid sheet plastics extrusion. Their fully-integrated extrusion solutions are at work in packaging, automotive, building trade, medical, and many other industries. Thanks to the combined efforts of Bosch Rexroth Corp., Bethlehem, Pa., and its local distributor Airline Hydraulics Inc., Bensalem, Pa., Davis-Standard now provides advanced precise gap control technology. Airline and Rexroth provided an alternate system solution to replace Davis-Standard’s existing hydraulic “hands-free” gap control system for the plastics extrusion industry.

New Products

Mini pressure regulator
Model 72 miniature precision pressure regulator from Fairchild Industrial Products is designed for applications where output pressures to 100 psi must be tightly controlled to within ±0.2 psi or better, even with a fluctuating or rapidly decreasing supply pressure, and has supply capability up to 300 psi. Bubble-tight supply valve allows for precision pressure control whether the output is flowing or dead ended. Low deadband makes it ultra responsive, stable, and accurate in holding the desired setpoint. Made from aluminum and stainless-steel components, it is just 65 mm tall.

Pneumatic cylinders
New pneumatic linear actuators from Beswick Engineering Co. are suited for food-packaging machinery and other applications requiring long life and corrosion resistance. The 1.0-in. bore brass or stainless-steel cylinders have a clevis-style tail. Two composite bushings, one in the nose and the other in the tail assembly, support the piston rod. Separated bushings adequately handle most side loads or stress reversals and, thus, minimize premature failures. Dynamic lip seals have a U-shaped cross section. The rebuildable cylinders fit most standard mountings and do not require lubricated air. They function well in linkage applications and can essentially serve as an extendable link.

Pressure transducers
Stellar Technology's series GT34XX pressure transducers feature solid stainless steel construction and proprietary sensor technology. Sensing element consists of a sputtered thin film bridge network and a unique isolation layer that protects the strain gauges in harsh environments. They operate in pressures from 300 to 15,000 psig. Internal signal conditioning electronics are industrial grade and EMI/RFI protected. Standard analog ouputs are 4-20 mA, 0-5 Vdc, 1-5 Vdc, 0-10 Vdc, and 1-10 Vdc. Standard digital output is CANopen. Standard compensated temperature range is -15°F to 185°F. Standard pressure ports are ¼ NPT male and G ¼ male and the standard electrical receptacle is a M12x1.

Spiral hydraulic hose
New 772LT spiral hose from Parker Hannifin Corp. is designed to work to -70°F without loss of performance, reducing downtime and increasing productivity for machines that operate in extremely cold environments. It is is engineered for high impulse, heavy-duty applications and incorporates four-spiral steel wire reinforcement that provides longer life than standard braided hose. It is available in -8, -10, -12 and -16 sizes, is rated up to 4000 psi, and is compatible with petroleum-based hydraulic fluid and lubricating oils. With a nitrile synthetic rubber inner tube and MSHA-accepted abrasion resistant synthetic rubber cover, it has an operating temperature range of -70°F to 212°F.

News from MD



Check Out the New EET Website

Are you looking for more information on energy efficiency? EETweb.com features the latest efficiency updates, information on the basics of energy efficiency and products available for energy efficient designs. Click here to visit the site and learn more!


Now Available On-Demand
The Energy Efficiency Web Conference & Expo

Engineers saw and heard great educational content at the Energy Efficiency Web Conference and Expo. If you missed the live virtual event, don’t despair! An archive of the full day’s agenda is now available.

Design engineers are required to integrate energy efficiency into their designs while maintaining lower costs, the highest reliability or both. The editors of Machine Design understand these challenges and have developed this conference to help engineers understand the recently imposed energy mandates. The information presented at this educational event will help engineers compare the different technologies and product related to energy efficiency. Attendees will gain access to the technical information needed to help them make the best decisions without having to travel or take time away from current projects.

Visit the archive to:
  • View informative webinars on energy efficiency
  • Visit interactive booths where you can contact suppliers
  • Peruse the Resource Center where you can download or link to additional pertinent energy efficiency information
Register Now!


ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING


Click Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.

Featured Links



Kurt Hydraulics
The number 1 hydraulic hose and coupling alternative. Over 1500 coupling models and over 3 million feet of hose. interchangeable with other popular brands and meet SAE specifications.
www.kurthydraulics.com

Direct-acting valves
Air cylinders are available in heavy-duty brass or stainless steel in bore sizes to 3 in. They are corrosion resistant and operate for millions of production cycles. Online configurator offers CAD models in 2D and 3D for easier ordering.
www.clippard.com/cylinders/



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Contact Information
Editorial questions:   Mary Gannon 216-931-9498
Advertising/sponsorship opportunities:   Virginia Goulding 216-931-9893

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