Parker Electro-Hydraulic Cylinders deliver speed, power andprecision (Jan 2011)
OEMsand end users alike will benefit from the speed, power and precision of a newand highly advanced electro-hydraulic cylinder, which has been launched by Parker Hannifin.The new HMIX cylinder is a fullyintegrated sub-system, combining proven Parker tie-rod cylinder technology witha high precision feedback transducer, manifold and pipework, into a single easyto fit unit.This enables machinedevelopers and builders to enhance the functionality and performance of machinesystems, quickly and simply, while reducing installation, configuration andmaintenance times.
Keyto the overall performance of the new HMIX electro-hydraulic cylinder is asophisticated, internally mounted magnetostrictive transducer. This providescontinuous analogue or digital feedback of the actuator's position, derived fromthe interaction of two magnetic fields.These are generated by a permanent magnet attached to the actuatorpiston, and by a magnetic pulse produced by a current pulse launched along acopper core inside a waveguide tube, which runs the length of the pistonrod.
Theinteraction between the two fields produces a torsional strain pulse, whichtravels down the waveguide tube and is sensed by a coil at the end of thedevice. The position of the piston-mounted permanent magnet is established bymeasuring the elapsed time between the start of the current pulse and thearrival of the strain pulse, with interface electronics then being used toconvert this information to a digital or analogue output.
Thisrobust and reliable technology can be used under closed or open loopcontrol.For the former, thetransducer can provide accurate information of position, velocity or motioncontrol over the full stroke of the cylinder, while in the latter mode thetransducer acts as a continuous, infinite resolution position monitoringdevice.
Thecompact design of the transducer means that the new HMIX electro-hydrauliccylinder is only slightly longer than a standard device, helping to simplifymachine layout.Similarly, thenon-contacting design of the transducer, the tough steel protection tube for thetransducer electronics and connector, plus the use of high tensile, carbon alloysteel piston rods and one-piece steel piston, mechanically locked to the rod,ensures a long and trouble-free operating life.
Theprecision machined steel manifold and rugged steel pipework have been engineeredto offer exceptional levels of reliability, even under the most arduous ofconditions, and are designed todeliver optimum flow dynamics, to improvesystem performance and speed of response.The manifold can be connected directly to a wide range of industrystandard control valves, and can be supplied to fit NG6, NG10 and NG16 valvesizes, depending on the power and speed requirements of eachapplication.
Thenew HMIX electro-hydraulic cylinders have been introduced for designers andmachine builders assembling a system from off-the-shelf, pre-assembled andtested components. Where a full, integrated electro-hydraulic axis controlsystem is required, Parker offers a purpose-built cylinder with dedicatedcontrol valve and digital controller, supplied complete and ready forinstallation.
HMIXelectro-hydraulic cylinders are ideal for operating pressures up to 210 bar, andare available in a range of eight mounting styles, with bore sizes from 40mm to200mm and stroke lengths of up to 3000mm. Typical applications include machinetools, plastic injection moulding machines, welding machines and testequipment.
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