What is pneumatics?
In a nutshell, pneumatics is a means whereby signals and energy are
transmitted, controlled and distributed using pressurized air as the
medium. Pneumatics can be effectively combined with other technologies
through the use of sensors, transducers and microprocessors.
What is hydraulics?
Simply put, hydraulics is a means whereby signals and energy are
transmitted, controlled and distributed using a pressurized liquid - most
often oil or water - as the medium. Hydraulics can be effectively combined
with other technologies through the use of sensors, transducers and
microprocessors.
What is fluid power?
Although the principle of fluid power can be traced back to Pascal and
the piston, it is only in the past few decades that the makers of fluid
power equipment have become, truly, an industry. It was the great era of
engineering development between the two world wars which begot the bulging
demand for the pumps, cylinders, valves, and motors of fluid power systems.
And thus our industry emerged. It has come a long way since then. It is
destined to go even further.
Today, the machines and equipment and appliances which rely upon fluid
power systems for their functioning are valued in many billions of dollars.
And it is difficult to find a manufactured product which hasn’t been formed
or treated or handled by fluid power at some stage of its production or
distribution.
All along the line, the world’s need for faster production, better
quality, less waste, lower costs, and more machine muscle has called for a
growing use of fluid power. Whether it is the building of a vital
transportation artery, the mining of a critical ore, or the tooling up for
a new home appliance, the fluid power industry has some part of the job to
solve.
Yes! Fluid power has become quite an industry.
Why is its use expanding?
The success of today’s fluid power applications makes it certain that
fluid power will carry a bigger and bigger load in tomorrow’s world.
One reason is automation – remote control, automatic control,
more machinery for manipulating and moving parts and products between
processes. This is fluid power’s bailiwick. A fluid can go anywhere a pipe
or tube can go. Valve levers and pushbuttons are all that are required to
start, stop, and control a fluid power system. And the air or hydraulic
cylinder, and the fluid motor, are among the most versatile “manipulators”
the engineer has at his command.
Another is design simplification – fewer parts, less complicated
mechanisms, putting output of power closer to points of use. Here again,
more fluid power! A pump, a fluid, controls, piping, hose, or tubing, and a
cylinder or fluid motor, are all there are to a fluid power system. Smooth,
effective motion is its prime characteristic.
The engineer recognizes other attributes of fluid power which recommend
it: easy speed control, absence of vibration, space saving, low cost,
versatility, and simplicity. These, too, indicate even greater usage.
Fluid power is, indeed, an expanding industry.
What are the advantages of fluid power?
Fluid power systems provide many benefits to users including:
- Multiplication and variation of force - Linear or rotary
force can be multiplied from a fraction of an ounce to several hundred
tons of output.
- Easy, accurate controls - you can start, stop, accelerate,
decelerate, reverse or position large forces with great accuracy.
Analog (infinitely variable) and digital (on/off) control are possible.
Instantly reversible motion - within less than half a revolution - can
be achieved.
- Multi-function control - A single hydraulic pump or air
compressor can provide power and control for numerous machines or
machine functions when combined with fluid power manifolds and valves.
- High horsepower, low weight ratio - Pneumatic components are
compact and lightweight. You can hold a five horsepower hydraulic motor
in the palm of your hand.
- Low speed torque - unlike electric motors, air or hydraulic
motors can produce large amounts of torque (twisting force) while
operating at low speeds. Some hydraulic and air motors can even
maintain torque at zero speed without overheating.
- Constant force or torque - this is a unique fluid power
attribute.
- Safety in hazardous environments - Fluid power can be used
in mines, chemical plants, near explosives and in paint applications
because it is inherently spark-free and can tolerate high temperatures.
- Established standards engineering - The fluid power industry
has established design and performance standards for hydraulic and
pneumatic products through NFPA, the National Fluid Power Association;
ANSI, the American National Standards Institute; and ISO, the
International Organization for Standardization.
Fluid Power Applications
- Mobile: Here fluid power is used to transport, excavate and
lift materials as well as control or power mobile equipment. End use
industries include construction, agriculture, marine and the military.
Applications include backhoes, graders, tractors, truck brakes and
suspensions, spreaders and highway maintenance vehicles.
- Industrial: Here fluid power is used to provide power
transmission and motion control for the machines of industry. End use
industries range from plastics working to paper production.
Applications include metalworking equipment, controllers, automated
manipulators, material handling and assembly equipment.
- Aerospace: Fluid power is used for both commercial and
military aircraft, spacecraft and related support equipment.
Applications include landing gear, brakes, flight controls, motor
controls and cargo loading equipment.
Fluid Power Products
Fluid power products are sold as individual components or as systems for
the original equipment manufacturing, maintenance, repair and replacement
markets.
A typical fluid power system includes the following components:
- Hydraulic pump or air compressor, which converts mechanical power
to fluid power.
- Cylinder or motor, which converts fluid power to linear or rotary
mechanical power.
- Valves, which control the direction, pressure and rate of flow.
- Filters, regulators and lubricators, which condition the fluid.
- Manifolds, hose, tube, fittings, couplings, etc., which conduct the
fluid between components.
- Sealing devices, which help contain the fluid.
- Accumulators and reservoirs, which store the fluid.
- Instruments such as pressure switches, gauges, flow meters, sensors
and transducers, which are used to help monitor the performance of a
fluid power system.
For more information, please contact us or
call:
Local: 281.873.8633 * Toll Free: 800.873.4247 * Fax:
281.873.9329
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