Getting Down to Fundamentals

With all the emerging technology, it’s important to remember what I like to call “the nuts and bolts of nuts and bolts.” The fundamental principles of fluid power don’t change any more often than the laws of physics, yet in all the new technology, it’s easy to overlook the building blocks of the industry.

That’s why the editors of Hydraulics & Pneumatics compiled the most popular articles from our coverage to an easy reference tool: our Fluid Power Fundamentals e-book.

The Fundamentals guide includes information on everything from pneumatic logic systems to hydraulic fittings and flanges to issues such as noise reduction. It’s a great guide for new employees and a refresher for those senior-level fluid power professionals, as well.

Four Factors on Ball Screw Speed

A new article from Motion and Thomson Industries discusses the use of ball screw for high-speed operations. While there is a limit to speed in any system, the ball screws have been preferred for their value to operate at constant higher speeds.

There are four things required of an optimized system:

• Fixed end supports for the screw assembly
• Higher leads to increase linear speed
• Large-diameter screws to increase the load capacity and the RPM rating
• Internal return systems for the ball nuts

But, as the article notes, “many other factors come into play, including load characteristics, positional accuracy, repeatability, required life expectancy, dimensional constraints, input power requirements, environmental conditions and available budget.”