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Sun Hydraulics Introduces XMD Electro-Hydraulic Drivers

New compact, bluetooth-configurable drivers are for mobile and industrial applications. 

Sun Hydraulics has introduced the first product in the company’s new line of low-cost, high-performance electronics developed in conjunction with recently acquired Enovation Controls of Tulsa, Okla. Sun’s new XMD Bluetooth Configurable Electro-Hydraulic Drivers are both CE and E-Mark rated, achieving 100-V/m radiated immunity (Level 3, Class A) for the most demanding applications. That means
they’re ready out of the box to meet the needs of international mobile and industrial equipment customers to control electro-hydraulic actuators used in on- and off-highway equipment in agriculture, forestry, construction, marine, earth moving, material handling
and many other applications.

The new XMD Drivers offer a range of advanced features, including simplified configuration via a free cell phone App, SAE J1939 CAN communication capabilities, a selection of pre-programmed profiles for common tasks, a comprehensive diagnostic mode and the
ability to easily shape and apply output curves.

“The XMD Drivers are the answer to customer requests for simple and configurable electronic control products that live up to Sun’s reputation for quality and performance while delivering outstanding value in today’s cost-conscious hydraulics market,” said Gary
Gotting, Global Director of Product Management. “They combine Sun’s hydraulics experience with Enovation’s electronics expertise in a solution tailored to the present and future needs of the global mobile and industrial hydraulic markets.”

The compact, 3.381 x 2.303 x 1.403 in (85.87 x 58.49 x 35.62 mm), XMD driver is completely sealed in an IP69K-rated, solid-potted enclosure engineered to stand up to the extreme environmental conditions frequently encountered in mobile and industrial hydraulic applications.

Initially offered in two models – the XMD-01 with a single universal input and PWM output and the XMD-02 with two universal inputs and two PWM outputs – the new drivers can handle a full range of common input formats, all of which are software configurable:

• 0-5 Vdc
• 0-10 Vdc
• 4-20 mA
• Digital
• 60 Hz-5 kHz Pulse
• 60 Hz-2.5 kHz PWM
• 0-10 kΩ
• SAE J1939 Messages

PWM outputs range from 0-3000 mA with ± 1-mA resolution at 0-5 kHz high-frequency PWM and the ability to superimpose 30-500 Hz dither in 1-Hz intervals to improve the performance and precision of controlled devices including pumps, valves, motors and cylinders.
Also included are integral diagnostics for open/short circuit detection, integrated flyback protection, a +5-Vdc reference output, and a 0-65-second ramp time programmable in 1-mS increments.

XMD Drivers are compatible with standard DIN 35-mm rails and can also be mounted to any flat surface such as a manifold block using an innovative snap-in-place installation bracket. The bracket allows the XMD Driver to be mounted either vertically or horizontally with the connector facing up/down/left/right as required by the application. Both the bracket and the XMD enclosure are patent pending.

Electrical connection is made via a standard 12-pin Deutsch connector. The XMD’s open architecture allows many compatible connections and coil types, including DIN 43650, Amp Junior Timer, twin-lead, metri-pack and Sun’s upcoming line of FLeX coils.

CAN bus communication is accomplished via a select set of core aspects of the SAE J1939 protocol which allow the XMD Driver to be configured as a remote CAN node. Used with a CAN display or master controller, the XMD Driver makes it easy to design and implement
small intelligent systems with minimal I/O investment.

Parameter configuration is accomplished with the XMD Mobile App available free from the Apple and Android stores. The app provides a simple way of incorporating I/O curves to linearize hysteresis in proportional valves for better and more linear performance. The I/O curves can
also be used to create non-linear outputs for greater usability and controllability of booms and hoists or develop a multi-speed output for motor control.

The app includes several pre-configured quick select profiles for typical single and dual coil applications that allow the XMD to be configured with a single tap of the screen. Each profile is supported by a detailed functional explanation that is available instantly to the user.

Once the XMD is configured, a password can be set to make diagnostic parameters viewable to service personnel while remaining tamper proof. If needed, an engineer can simply text, email, and even tweet the saved device configuration to service personnel with the
profile password.

Sun FLeX Series Solenoid Valves & Coils

Performance driven. Market priced. 

Sun Hydraulics has just launched its new Sun FLeX™ family of competitively priced, high-performance electro-hydraulic products. These 16 completely new solenoid-operated cartridge valves and three new coils are the first products in the FLeX Series Solenoid Valves for both the mobile and industrial hydraulics markets.

Designed to outperform comparable valves in the market, FLeX Series solenoid valves deliver what you’re looking for in a range of solenoid valves:

• Consistently better pressure drop in a virtually leak-proof poppet-style valve
• Designed and tested to exceed 10-million-cycle operations
• Zinc-nickel plating standard (1000-hour salt fog) on valve and coil
• Coil options that include interchangeable low-power, high-power and hazardous location (explosion-proof) versions for expanded configuration flexibility.
• Valve and coil package that delivers a perfect market-priced solution.

The FLeX Series valves use Sun’s unique floating-style design, adding an extra layer of security in those harsh applications where torque and force can become excessive. FLeX Series products are available for order now through Price Engineering and begin shipping in January, 2018.

FLeX Performance Advantages

FLeX valves offer significant performance advantages over competitive valves. For example, the FLeX DTBF normally closed, direct-acting blocking poppet valve, like all the FLeX valves, was designed with advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation tools to optimize flow path geometries. It is coupled with a solenoid actuator that provides optimized actuation force at critical points in the valve stroke. The result, as shown in the performance curves, is the following:

• Lower pressure differential across the valve at a given flow rate
• Increased shift performance at higher pressures and flows.
• Performance Comparison – Sun’s DTBF vs Competition

In practice, this means hydraulic systems utilizing the DTBF valves will see significant improvements in both efficiency and reliability while providing higher pressures and flow rates over competitors’ products.

Bimba Launches Compact Hydraulic Actuators

Bimba, an industry-leading innovator of pneumatic, hydraulic, electric, and vacuum motion solutions, has launched the Compact Hydraulic series of actuators. The Compact Hydraulic actuator product line complements Bimba’s existing NFPA hydraulic products by offering significant space savings without sacrificing performance.

This new product family offers two series: Medium (CMH) and High Pressure (CHH). The CMH offers pressures up to 2030 PSI (140 Bar) whereas the CHH offers pressures up to 3000 PSI (206 Bar). Both series offer extended cylinder life through numerous standard features, including a hard-chrome plated steel piston rod that reduces wear on the rod wiper and seal. The CMH can provide an optional switch slot to easily integrate position sensing without compromising the space-saving design.

“The Compact Hydraulic product series is designed to offer performance and power in a small space,” says Kerry Reinhardt, General Manager for Bimba | TRD. “This new series is ideal to meet the tight application demands that customers have been searching for, especially within the tool and die, work-holding, specials manufacturing, and plastic injection molding industries, among others.”

Interested in learning more about the compact hydraulic actuators? Email or call Price Engineering today! 

 

Speed Controls in Compact Power Units

For high operating rations and efficient hydraulics.

With a speed-controlled motor, the efficiency of a hydraulic drive in the lathe can almost be doubled. The supply of the
functions is tailored to the needs and thus as efficient as possible. But other applications also benefit from this type of
drive, for example, by a very precise speed control. Read more from Hawe Hydraulics. 

Hydraulic and Automation Suppliers added

The addition of Poclain Hydraulics and Danfoss Drives round out a comprehensive portfolio.

Price Engineering, a leading distributor and systems integrator in the state of Wisconsin, continues to add to its supplier line-up with the additions of Poclain Hydraulics and Danfoss Drives.

Poclain Hydraulics is a world leader in hydrostatic transmissions based on high performance, cam-lobe and radial-piston motors. Price will have access to their full line of motors, pumps, valves, electronics and other related hydraulic components for mobile vehicles.

Danfoss, a global provider of industrial automation products, will work with Price to supply their Danfoss VLT® and Vacon variable frequency drives (VFD’s). Used to control the speed and torque of electrical motors, the addition of these drives is an additional step in Price’s automation strategy.

“We are proud to join forces with these two world class leaders in the hydraulic and VFD markets.” says Tom Price Jr., president and CEO of Price Engineering. “With the addition of these two suppliers we are continuing to provide OEM’s and users with a comprehensive portfolio of quality hydraulic and automation products.”

Each of the product lines work well in industrial markets such as marine, construction, mining and rail. For both suppliers, Price’s territory covers Wisconsin, Upper Michigan and Northern Illinois.

The addition of these suppliers comes only weeks after Price announced a distribution agreement with Rethink Robotics, a Boston, MA company that builds smart, collaborative robots.

Bimba Enhances “Blue and Improved” Cylinder Line

Introduction of the Blue and Improved Flat-1®, including nineteen new features. 

University Park, IL, USA – Bimba, an industry-leading innovator of pneumatic, hydraulic and electric motion solutions, today announced the release of the latest in its cutting edge, compact air cylinders – the Blue and Improved Flat-1®. “Blue (as in New) and Improved” designates Bimba products that have been redesigned to offer enhancements applying the most recent advances in design technology. 

The Blue and Improved Flat-1® features 19 new product enhancements such as permanent grease lubrication, hard chrome-plated piston rods and an improved bumper design. The Blue and Improved Flat-1® continues the Blue and Improved program initiated a few years ago with the release of the Blue and Improved Original Line®. 

Kent Sowatzke, Bimba’s Chief Operating Officer, says, “The Blue and Improved Flat-1® project reflects Bimba’s continued commitment to improving our core products and providing solutions that serve our customers in the compact cylinder market. For applications in which space is tight, the Blue and Improved Flat-1® offers durability and precision, across an industry-leading breadth of cylinder options.”

Price Engineering to Partner with Fluid Power Technology Conference

Join Price for two-full days of keynote sessions, technical sessions, and a technology expo at the Fluid Power Technology Conference. The program will take place May 16-17, 2017 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering. Price customers receive a special registration rate of $150.

Visit http://www.fluidpowertechconference.com/marketing-price-engineering/ for more information.

Price Engineering Hosts 2nd Annual NFPA Fluid Power Challenge

Watch as more than 80 middle schoolers (ages 11-14) comprising a total of 21 teams will compete in National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) Fluid Power Challenge hosted by Price Engineering, Eaton Corporation and Waukesha County Technical College (WCTC). Only in its second year, the event and number of teams has more than doubled from its inaugural year.

The teams will each have three hours to construct a fluid power mechanism they have been working on designing during recent weeks. To complete the task, each team will be supplied the same challenge event kit consisting of various wood pieces, corner gussets, wooden wheels, plastic tubing, and glue.

Each team’s fluid power mechanism will then be placed into an 11” square, surrounded by a 1” high by 1.5” thick wall. The goal of the competition will be to see how many objects the fluid power mechanism can pick up from one platform, rotate, and place on another platform in a two minute period without touching any part of the wall.

With additional support from both Eaton Corporation and WCTC, engineers and staff from both organizations will be judging the student team’s fluid power mechanisms and presenting awards in five categories – Overall Champion, Design Champion, Teamwork Champion, Portfolio Champion and Team Challenge Champion.

WHEN:

Friday, March 31, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
9:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. constructing fluid power mechanisms
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. testing mechanisms in the two minute challenge
2:30 p.m. presentation of awards

WHERE:

Waukesha County Technical College
800 Main St., Building S Gymnasium, Pewaukee, WI 53072

Murrelektronik to Show Off All-Star High Current Switch

Machine connectivity and control devices manufacturer to showcase state of the art battery disconnect switch

A world leader in power supplies, cordsets and I/O systems to decentralize automation systems in machines and applications, Murrelektronik will be exhibiting at the upcoming ConExpo Exhibition in Las Vegas, NV, USA.

“ConExpo is a great show for discovering the latest and greatest technologies impacting the construction industry,” said Kristian Gullikson, Business Development Manager – Mobile at Murrelektronik. “We’re excited to show the breadth of our product portfolio, including our 300A high current battery disconnect switch.”

Designed for continuous duty switching and capable of handling loads up to 300A, the High Current Switch is IP67 rated. The switch provides the long-term reliability associated with non-mechanical solid-state components. Unlike traditional mechanical kill switches, the solid-state design means no moving parts and no degradation over time, therefore no need to replace switches every season. This is the level of superior component quality that has become synonymous with Murrelektronik.

Features and specifications of the 300A High Current Switch include:

• Internal protection for inductive load switching
• Operating voltage: 9 – 16.5V DC
• 300A Steady State
• 500A Inrush Current 1sec
• Max. Voltage Drop: .3V @ 150A
• 125mA Max. Current, 12V DC Control Input
• Switch ON Time: 50mSec
• Switch OFF Time: 150mSec
• DIMENSIONS (H x W x D): 2.75” x 4” x 4.5”
• WEIGHT: 1.5 lbs

Visit Murrelektronik in ConExpo’s Bronze Hall, Booth B92213.

Connection Verification Technology Added to Quick Connectors

FasTest’s revolutionary SMART technology verifies the connection before running a leak test. 

FasTest, Inc. introduces Connection Verification™ technology to its industry leading pneumatically actuated FE Series and FI Series quick connectors. This new SMART technology provides a highly accurate electrical output with immediate connection status feedback.
Connection Verification enabled FasTest quick connectors increase production efficiency by reducing wasteful rework associated with regular leak test systems.

Connection Verification technology utilizes an embedded sensor in each FE and FI in a test cell to provide instantaneous connection status data to the user or PLC. This allows manufacturing personnel to immediately identify problem connections without having to diagnose each connection individually. Connection Verification is easily integrated into automated or bench top leak test stations, as well as pick and place and production filling applications. “Our Connection Verification technology was specifically designed to eliminate waste caused by unidentified failed connections during leak tests,” said Dustin Sirny, Product Development Manager. “By signaling that a connection has failed prior to running a leak test, we are able to help our customers eliminate the diagnostic processes often caused by failed connections, drastically reducing unnecessary rework costs.”

Contact Price today to see how this latest technology can help you!

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