PNEUMATICS & HYDRAULICS FEATURE


CORRECT SELECTION for any application


Hydraulic connections need to be secure - they are frequently under high pressure, need to withstand vibration or are subjected to pulsating pressure changes. Hydraulic connectors from Stäubli’s specifically designed range can provide the solution


Left and below: frequently companies rely on the experience of Stäubli engineers who are trained to fully consider all aspects of the application and are skilled in evaluating the combination of requirements


S


electing the most suitable connectors for any hydraulic circuit is not


straightforward - there are numerous types of connector available from a wide range of potential suppliers. Making the wrong choice can lead to unreliability, poor performance, circuit failure and leakages. Stäubli, specialists in connection technology, recognise these difficulties and provide step by step selection advice, making recommendations on the choices available, working closely with the user to ensure that the optimum connection solutions are chosen that will perform reliably over many years with minimal maintenance. The specific connector requirements for


any application are often viewed in isolation with flow, pressure and temperature being the main (and often the only) factors considered. Selection of the most suitable connector calls for a much deeper evaluation, taking into account all the anticipated requirements and considering how these may interact with each other.


QUESTIONS THAT NEED ANSWERING How the connection will be made needs close consideration. Is a facility for blind mating required? Is indication of successful connection needed? Will the connection be made in difficult to reach positions? Is automatic locking with single handed connection required? Will the connection be made under pressure? Would mounting several connectors onto a plate to make all connections in one be an option? Defining these requirements identifies the model of connector required,


e.g. a compact CBX connector for difficult access conditions and for automatic connection or an SPX for blind connection. Any leakage obviously needs to be


avoided, but is any spillage on disconnection permissible? If not, then a non-spill, clean break connector is required such as Stäubli’s HPX. The flat faced design of this connector also ensures that there is no ingress of air or contaminates into the circuit on both connection and disconnection. The environmental


conditions in which the connectors will be used are important, such as temperature, atmosphere, corrosion, shock loading and vibration. These requirements may lead to selecting a stainless steel connector if corrosion is a concern or a connector with a secure robust bayonet or screw locking system to withstand vibration. Maximum working pressure


is obviously important in the selection, and Stäubli have connectors capable of working at the highest pressures. The required flow rate will also be a major factor - full bore, unrestricted flow connectors offer the highest flow rate within any specified coupling diameter. Choice of seal is equally important too,


particularly when operating at higher temperatures - select from nitrile,


/AUTOMATION


fluorocarbon, ethylene-propylene or perfluoroelastomer to suit the application.


APPLICATIONS What are the typical applications for hydraulic connectors? These are fairly widespread right across industry from robust high pressure connectors on steel rolling mills to compact spill-free connectors on the brake lines of Formula One cars. For applications where pulsating


hydraulic pressure or vibration is present such as on hydroforming, which is frequently performed at a pressure of 2000 bar, Stäubli recommend its range of robust, hydraulic couplings. These couplings are capable of withstanding difficult operating conditions. The two stage locking system - an initial screw thread followed by an automatically applied claw type locking sleeve - ensures a positive and secure connection under


pressure, while the pre- guiding system of the


plug into the socket makes


connection easy. Dust caps are securely fastened to each coupling to protect the connection face on tools not in use. Selecting the ideal hydraulic connector calls for evaluation of many parameters in the planned


application. Stäubli engineers are trained to fully consider all aspects of


the application and are skilled in


evaluating the combination of requirements. They will provide advice from the design stage onwards on the most suitable connection solution for any hydraulic application to ensure excellent performance, long term reliability and requiring the minimum of maintenance.


Stäubli (UK) www.staubli.com T: 01952 671 918


Enter 214 AUTOMATION | APRIL 2014 29


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