More in Fluid Power Basics

Valve cartridges provide only the internal moving elements of the valves. A cavity in a manifold or some other machine element serves as the body....More

Most hydraulic systems generate substantial heat, so they can benefit from using a heat exchanger. Here's why and how....More

The most common valves for controlling pressure include relief, reducing, sequence, counterbalance, and unloading valves....More

Like compressed air, vacuum puts the atmosphere to work. But unlike compressed air, vacuum uses the surrounding atmosphere to create the work force....More

Manifolds provide a convenient means for locating multiple valves in a centralized location. Benefits include lower cost, more compact design, less leakage, and simpler maintenance....More

In the age of microchips and personal computers, air logic can still provide an effective, efficient, and inexpensive means of control for certain pneumatic machines....More

Flow-control valves include simple orifices to sophisticated closed-loop electrohydraulic valves that automatically adjust to variations in pressure and temperature....More

Although air compressor operating specifications may look the same on paper, their fundamental designs and controls can make major differences in how they perform....More

Servo and servoproportional valves control pressure or flow, and ultimately, force or velocity. Unlike simple directional valves, they can maintain any position between fully open in one direction or the other....More

Every compressed air system needs a receiver, but the receiver alone is not always the answer to energy efficiency in the system....More

Hydraulic hose provides a basic means for transporting fluid from one component to another, and at the same time it supplies an inherent versatility to designers....More

To maximize the effectiveness of that familiar air-operation trio — the filter/ regulator/ lubricator — you need to know a little more than just the pipe size where it will be installed....More