Hydraulic cylinders - the state of play

01 April, 2016

Lighter weight

High pressure hydraulic products require high strength structural components. Traditionally, high strength steels have been used for typical mobile and industrial applications, while more expensive lower density alloys were used where reduced weight was critical. However, the introduction of carbon fibre composite materials has opened up new possibilities for the design of lightweight, high-strength components. These lighter-weight cylinders are suitable for a range of applications. Lightweight composite cylinders permit greater boom reach and a reduced stabilizer envelope for mobile concrete pumps. High performing composite cylinders can be ideally suited for various aerospace applications – for example to operate in wing flap test rigs. Faster acceleration, reduced energy demand and shorter cycle times are achieved by using composite hydraulic cylinders to operate an industrial robotic arm. Composite cylinders provide greater corrosion resistance and increased payload for sub-sea drilling rigs. Working offshore, weight is critical. Using lightweight, corrosion-resistant composite cylinders as assembly tools for wind turbines increase the work rate of crews, enhance safety and reduce crane loading. Reducing axle load through the use of composite materials frees up capacity elsewhere; for example, in military applications for additional armament.

RFID

Another area of development that supports the Industry 4.0 concept is that of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology that can open up new approaches to seal management. RFID chips placed onto seals can facilitate more accurate identification and traceability; substantially simplifying maintenance and replacement tasks.

About the author

Trevor Hornsby is Chairman of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) Technical Committee 3 (TC3) Cylinders.

bout the BFPA

The BFPA is a full service Trade Association representing the interest of companies selling hydraulic and pneumatic equipment (also known as ‘fluid power’ equipment), including manufacturers and distributors. The UK fluid power industry is worth around £1 billion in the UK and employs over 10,000 people in the manufacture, supply, design, training, servicing and repair of hydraulic and pneumatic systems which are used within almost every part of the manufacturing sector. Fluid power is the controlled transmission of energy by oil (hydraulics) or compressed air (pneumatics), providing the energy to control a wide range of industrial machinery and equipment.