Radwell International’s Blog

When deciding between fluid-driven and electromechanical linear actuators, close consideration of long-term benefits to the intended end user can help original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system designers maximize both product value and return on investment (ROI).

Fluid-driven actuators translate electric energy motion through a column of air, gas, oil or other media. While the motion they provide is simpler than with other type actuators, the infrastructure required to support them is not. Hydraulic actuators require an external system of pumps and valves; Pneumatic actuators require complex air delivery systems. For both, stroke length is defined by a mechanical hard stop.

In the industrial industry there are many instances where two or more requirements must be fulfilled at the same time. Combining gases or fluids, controlling multiple valves, operating pneumatic and hydraulic systems can all demand that multiple functions be performed simultaneously. Incorporating a manifold into a fluid power application in hydraulics or pneumatics can provide an easier and more efficient performance.

What is an Actuator?

An actuator is the main component of a mechanical device that allows the device to move. This movement can be in two forms, one being linear the other being rotary. Linear movement means it can move back and forth on a set path in a straight motion. Rotary movement means movement in a rotational fashion. These two types of movement allow for actuators to be broken down into a linear actuator and a rotary actuator.

What is a Piston Pump?

A piston pump is a type of reciprocating pump that moves and pressurizes fluid by using one or more reciprocating pistons. Three main components can always be found in every piston pump; a piston, a crank, and inlet and outlet valves. The piston is the main source for allowing the liquid to flow in and out through the valves. Attached to the motor, the crank will move in a rotational fashion allowing the repetitive back and forth movement of the piston. Finally, each piston pump will have an inlet and outlet valve. These two valves allow for the liquid or gas to enter and exit the cylinder.

Hydraulics has played a significant role in creating valuable devices throughout history. The power generated from water has been improving industrial performances and creating useful systems. Find out more about how hydraulics work here. Let’s take a look at hydraulics from Ancient Rome through the modern era.

Romans and Hydraulics

The Bramah Press was one of the first devices to be powered by hydraulics. This system allows for a pressurized fluid to power a given machine through science and engineering.

Hydraulics have been around since the Egyptians and the Babylonians. However, the critical development and science behind the law of fluid motions started with the Greeks and was implemented by the Romans. Ancient Rome is known for its use and development of various hydraulic applications during its beginnings. An array of different hydraulic practices were manufactured in its infancy

A Pneumatic Cylinder is a mechanical device that takes the power of compressed air to produce force and motion, in a linear fashion. Pneumatic cylinders can be divided into a variety of types. There are cylinders with piston rods, rod less cylinders, swivel cylinders, tandem and multi-position cylinders, stopper cylinders, clamping cylinders, drives with linear guide, and bellows and diaphragm cylinders.

The most common and well known out of the above stated pneumatic cylinders are cylinders with piston rods. The two most common cylinders with piston rods are single acting cylinders (SAC) and double acting cylinders (DAC). Both share a similar makeup; cylinder barrel, bearing cap, end cap, piston, and piston rod are the key components that make up both a SAC and DAC. A pneumatic cylinder isn’t made up of only those 5 parts. There are seals, bearings, guiding bands, permanent magnets and many more, but these five as I stated are the KEY parts.

Cylinder barrels were originally just tubes on pneumatic cylinders. Today the cylinder barrels have adapted to an extruded profile instead of a tube. Adapting to this extruded profile gives the pneumatic cylinder one big advantage. The ability to mount more sensors and attachment parts. For example, mounting a clamp or jaw would allow the pneumatic cylinder the ability to pick and place objects.

Piston pumps are used across manufacturing industries as simple hydraulic pumps with many different uses. Some people mistakenly believe that since piston pumps are simple, that maintenance won’t be required. Let’s talk about what a piston pump is, how it’s used, and why it’s so important to maintain.  

What is a piston pump?  

A piston pump works by moving fluids and gases into and out of its chamber. When the piston cup, or moving part within the piston, pushes down, it creates high pressure which allows the chamber to fill. When the piston cup completes its upstroke, that pressure is relieved, which forces the fluid or gas in the chamber out for use.  

Countless industries use hydraulic machinery in different settings. Automotive repair, the construction industry, the entertainment business, aerospace companies, and municipalities all rely on hydraulics to keep their businesses running on a day to day basis.  

Keeping your hydraulic machinery functioning means regularly auditing it. You want to make sure you identify any signs of trouble before problems become serious. Some new machinery has the ability to alert you through a maintenance system when there is a problem and the machine needs service. But of course, simply checking the machine on a regular maintenance schedule will ensure that the machinery is working properly.  

You should also train all of your employees to recognize the early signs of hydraulics malfunction. 

In today's manufacturing environment, safety fencing plays an integral role in protecting employees from hazards posed by industrial machinery. Threats to operator safety can be found on automated machinery, process control equipment, robotic work cells, and many other areas on a manufacturing floor.

A physical barrier between hazards and operators is an effective, low-tech solution for significantly reducing the risk of injury and the costly lawsuits or machine downtime that result from these accidents.

Before implementing a safety fencing system, these five considerations should be taken into account.