Hydraulicspneumatics 2155 Blog Synch
Hydraulicspneumatics 2155 Blog Synch
Hydraulicspneumatics 2155 Blog Synch
Hydraulicspneumatics 2155 Blog Synch
Hydraulicspneumatics 2155 Blog Synch

There's more than one way to synchronize cylinder motion

April 20, 2014
Here are some simple ways to synchronize motion of multiple cylinders without using electronic controls.

A motion axis driven by a pair of hydraulic cylinders often requires synchronized motion of the cylinders. One of the most common ways of doing this is to incorporate a linear displacement transducer into both cylinders to provide position feedback. Routing signals from the transducers back to an electronic controller. The controller closes the control loop by monitoring position of both cylinders and regulating electrical power to the solenoid(s) controlling each cylinder's proportional directional valve.

However, many applications can forego the cost and complexity of colosed-loop electronic control using only hydraulic components. Here are links to a two-part article we published a few years ago describing ways to synchronize motion of hydraulic cylinders:

Getting Your System in Synch, Part One

Getting Your System in Synch, Part Two

But that's not all. We also describe synchronizing circuits in our Fluid Power Handbook & Directory

And if you still want more, our eBook covers synchronizing circuits even more extensively.

But there's nothing like leanring by example, so our eBook also examines the design and operation of circuits in existing systems.

About the Author

Alan Hitchcox Blog | Editor in Chief

Alan joined Hydraulics & Pneumatics in 1987 with experience as a technical magazine editor and in industrial sales. He graduated with a BS in engineering technology from Franklin University and has also worked as a mechanic and service coordinator. He has taken technical courses in fluid power and electronic and digital control at the Milwaukee School of Engineering and the University of Wisconsin and has served on numerous industry committees.

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