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| The latest information on hydraulic and
pneumatic motion control.
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September 8, 2009
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Summer's at an
end
I hope you all had an enjoyable, last holiday weekend of the summer.
We here at H&P are ready to start seeing things pick up, as the
fall and winter months set in, and, as many of our economic experts have
indicated, we should start to see a small bounce-back from the recession
starting early next year.
In the meantime as we settle into the busy fall season, enjoy a few
articles about unique uses of fluid power, including how hydraulics are
being used in the music industry, a continuation of general fluid power
education with more information on pumps, and more.
- Mary C. Gannon
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How to boost energy efficiency in industrial
machines
Equipment manufacturers aiming to improve the energy efficiency of
their machines tend to focus on using power sources other than
pneumatics, such as electro-mechanical or hydraulics. That’s because
pneumatics is traditionally viewed as inefficient, due to factors such
as leakage and the endemic practice of supplying higher pressure than an
actuator requires to perform a task.
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Pump it up with fluid power basics - Part
2
Last month, we featured Part 1 of "Chapter 8: Pumps and Accessories"
of our eBook from fluid power consultant Bud Trinkel. In Part 2 of this
chapter from the eBook Fluid Power Basics, Trinkel highlights
even more common hydraulic pumps, including wobble-plate piston pumps,
bent-axis pumps, and more. He also introduces problems pumps can
encounter, such as cavitation, and how to properly maintain and test
them.
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Hydraulic Replacement Seals Available
from ExpresSeal®
in 24 to 48 Hours
 ExpresSeal®
can replace your existing hydraulic or pneumatic seal with near replicas
or replacements of the original manufacturer seal in 24-48 hours.
Popular materials include Polyurethane, Buna, EPDM, Viton, HNBR, Teflon,
filled-Teflon, Silicone and engineered plastics (special compounds are
available). As the fastest way to get the seal you need, ExpresSeal®
delivers off-the-shelf solutions from an extensive inventory of standard
seal profiles or instant prototypes. Seals for emergency replacement can
be produced and quickly shipped in virtually any standard
profile.
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Understanding parallel connected valves
In the past few editions of “Motion Control,” two types of open
center valves were covered: the full series connection and the partial
series connection. In this issue we’ll look at the third and final
configuration: the parallel connection. Although referring to those
issues to compare details of the three open center valve types would be
helpful, here is a brief summary as far as principle characteristics and
features are concerned:
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Web Exclusive - Hydraulics set the stage for
U2 concert
The Belgian company Stageco has constructed three gigantic,
identical stages for the current U2 360° Tour. What makes this project
special is that high-pressure hydraulics are being used for the first
time ever to assemble and dismantle the 230-ton construction — also
known as “the claw.” Together with Enerpac, Stageco has developed a
unique system, based on Enerpac’s Synchronous Lift System, to raise
the modular construction to a height of 30 m quickly and safely.
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Explosion-proof indicating switch
Line of 220 / 240 explosion-proof, differential indicating switches
from Mid-West Instrument is CSA, UL and ATEX certified. They are
available in compact, lightweight aluminum (or 316/316L ) and feature a
weather resistant, 4½-in. gauge front. The 220 piston style
operates in working pressures 4000 PSI and ranges from 0-5 to 0-100
psid. The 240-diaphragm style offers total separation between high and
low side. It operates in working pressures to 1500 psi and ranges from
0-20 in. H20 to 0-100 psid.
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Microcontrollers
MC038-010 and MC050-055 microcontrollers from Sauer-Danfoss are part
of the PLUS+1TM family of mobile machine management products. They are
general purpose controllers, equally suited for use as part of a
distributed machine control system, with intelligence in every node, or
as a stand alone controller – for both hydraulics and other machine
functions. Designed as a 38-pin controller, the MC038-010 features 15
inputs and 13 outputs, including 6- and 10-A outputs. The MC050-055
features 36 input pins, three CAN ports, three output pins, and three
levels of sensor power supply.
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Two-valve manifolds
Line of 2-valve static-pressure and liquid level manifolds from
Noshok combine isolating and venting in a single manifold, eliminating
the need for tubing and fittings. Block valve isolates downstream
fluids and bleed valve exhausts upstream fluids,enabling static pressure
transmitters, switches or gauges to be removed without disturbing
permanent piping installation. Metal-to-metal hard seat design is
pressure rated to 10,000 psi at 200°F and soft Delrin tip design is
rated to 6000 psi at 200°F. Stem seal, with Viton O-ring and Teflon
back-up ring, is below the threads and prevents galling and corrosion.
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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!
UPCOMING WEBCASTS
Optimizing Mechatronic Systems Using Simulation
Sponsored by The MathWorks
DATE: September 10th, 2009
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
Are you encountering integration errors in mechatronic systems late in
development during hardware prototyping?
Simulating mechatronic
systems in one environment that combines mechanical, electrical, and
control system modeling makes it easier to find performance errors early
in your development process. In addition, current simulation technology
allows integration of engineering data from different CAE tools, such as
CAD and EDA, reducing translation errors.
Attend this live webcast and learn how simulation can help you:
- Build multidomain mechatronic system models
- Predict and optimize system performance
- Understand and manage complex system interactions
- Detect design inefficiencies and integration errors during
development
- Verify and test mechatronic systems before building hardware
prototypes
Click here learn more and to register!
How to Select the Right Dispense Valve
Sponsored by EFD
DATE: September 17th, 2009
TIME: 2:00pm ET/11am PT
This webinar will provide an overview of the different types of dispense
valves and review criteria for matching valves to specific fluids and
applications.
Topics will include:
- Common types of assembly fluids
- Fluid/valve compatibility
- Matching the valve to the application
- Choosing a fluid reservoir
- Benefits of using a dedicated valve controller
Click here learn more and to register!
ARCHIVED WEBCASTS AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIEWING
Click
Here for a list of archived Machine Design webcasts.
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Pneumatic cylinders
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
Machine Design
1300 E. 9th St.
Cleveland, OH 44114
©2009 Penton Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
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