Parker E:Trainer Offers Hydraulic System Knowledge

Parker Hannifin has launched an interactive online learning programme - E:Trainer - designed to help OEMs and end users of hydraulic systems to improve system performance and profitability. The free e-learning facility is said to provide a simple but effective method of helping engineers understand the problems that can be caused by moisture or particle contamination and the latest solutions available for different applications.

The E:Trainer website allows all those involved in the specification, design, operation and maintenance of hydraulic systems to access interactive modules that make learning easy and convenient. Modules cover hydraulic fluid basics, the sources of particle contamination, water contamination and the ways in which contamination can cause damage to different system components.

Once users have completed the online e-learning modules they are able to register free-of-charge for Parker's residential courses that are run throughout Europe and explore different aspects of filtration technology in considerable detail. Users can then use this knowledge to assess their own systems, to identify possible areas of weakness, and then improve the cleanliness and reliability of equipment by installing effective filtration solutions.

Curtis Offers Traction/Hydraulic System Controller

The Curtis Model 1298 integrated AC traction and hydraulic system controller combines AC traction motor control with solid-state DC hydraulic pump and proportional valve control. The Model 1298 is designed primarily for Class III material-handling vehicles that require variable-speed or soft-start and soft-stop control of the lift-and-lower functions.

Fully-featured generic software is included for Walkie and Walkie-Stacker applications. Other applications can be easily supported with alternative VCL programming.

Features include: high-frequency, silent operation; powerful operating system for parallel processing of vehicle control tasks, motor control tasks, and user-configurable programmable logic; Curtis field-orientated vector control algorithm for peak torque and optimal efficiency across the entire operating range; full regenerative braking and precise zero-speed control; in-vehicle motor characterisation for easy tuning of the controller to any AC motor; half-bridge pump output for regulation of pump motor speed and current demand; built-in battery state-of-charge algorithms and hour meters; field-programmable; special features and I/O for electromagnetic brake, DC pump motor, and hydraulic valve control, for economical control of the entire vehicle system; software-selectable options for variable-speed lift-and-lower or single-speed lift-and-lower; Curtis vehicle control language (VCL) for easier system design - alternatively, the user can quickly and easily write their own functions and algorithms; CANbus connection for communication with other CANbus-enabled system components such as the Curtis TH-1 tiller head - the protocol meets CANopen standards, or is customisable through VCL; easy programming through the 1311 handheld programmer or 1314 PC programming station; insulated metal substrate (IMS) power base provides effective heat transfer for increased performance and reliability; fail-safe power component design; redundant hardware and software watchdog timers; reverse polarity protection on battery connections; short circuit protection on all output drivers.

Ford Buys Schuler Hydraulic Press

Schuler SMG has installed a hydraulic press at Ford's facility in Saarlouis, Germany, for forming car body parts. The line the hydraulic press replaced had teeth that often needed repairing, bringing production to a halt. As a consequence, the press force had to be reduced from 10MN to 8000kN. Manuel Pleitgen, project manager at Schuler SMG in Waghausel, said: 'The new more-powerful Schuler line has a press force of 22.5MN and can also process high-strength steels.' Ford uses these steels in floor panels for its Mondeo, S-MAX and Galaxy models.

The new press allows Ford to process these materials instead of outsourcing. The press was installed and put into operation in just 36 days. Robert Steier, from Ford's factory-planning division, said: 'The lead-off press is running trouble-free and was soon able to reach the required cycle time of eight seconds.' Up to twelve large parts can be produced per minute in highest deep draw quality.

In two-shift operation, the new hydraulic lead-off press supplies large body parts - such as roofs, side walls, floor panels and fenders - for the Ford models Focus and Focus C-Max, produced in Saarlouis. With its more powerful lead-off press, the plant can also produce panels for other German and European facilities and reduce capacity bottlenecks.

The press weighs 500 tonnes and is taller than 10 metres. It boasts a total press force of 22.5MN (2,250tonf). The die-clamping surface measures 4600 x 2500mm, the slide stroke 1950mm and the maximum drawing-depth is 350mm. The crown weighs 115 tonnes, the press bed 90 tonnes and the slide and blank holder 50 tonnes.

Parker Introduces Parfit Hydraulic Filter Elements

The Filtration Division of Parker Hannifin has introduced a range of hydraulic filter elements designed to eliminate the problems of equipment downtime and failure caused by fluid contamination. The Parfit elements are interchangeable with products from all other suppliers, giving end users the option of sourcing all filter elements from a single manufacturer.

This approach can reduce stock levels and, as the Parfit elements are manufactured to high standards, can extend operating life. Suitable for use in a wide range of applications including industrial and mobile plant, test rigs, aircraft ground support equipment, steel and paper mills, the Parfit elements have been developed to allow both system designers and end users to meet current and future environmental regulations.

In particular, the Parfit filter system uses a standard metal housing and replaceable element, which can be changed during routine maintenance, leaving the housing in place, and reducing both waste disposal and element replacement costs.

In addition, Parfit filter elements can be used as a direct replacement for competing products and are manufactured to stringent quality standards.

Every unit is produced to extremely tight tolerances with features including corrosion resistant end caps and fully bonded construction for maximum strength. The new Parfit elements conform to international ISO standards, governing collapse and burst resistance, fabrication integrity, material compatibility and flow fatigue characteristics, as well as to the internationally recognised multipass test.