Despite careful design and implementation of sophisticated control electronics, fluid power system performance can be degraded by the incorrect sizing or physical location of system components. A common design oversight is the use of undersized cylinders. In an attempt to increase actuator speed, designers may specify small bore cylinders, based on the assumption that for a given amount of oil flow, a smaller cylinder will produce higher velocities. However, this assumption only holds for very light loads.
For cylinders moving moderate to heavy masses, the acceleration, velocity, and deceleration are limited by the available force, rather than oil flow. Because cylinder bore determines the force an actuator can produce, if the cylinder diameter is too small, the actuator may not be capable of attaining the desired speeds or required cycle times needed for the application.
Flowtech Fluidpower PLC (LON:FLO) is a leading specialist in fluid power products and solutions. Through hydraulics, pneumatics and associated industrial products, they focus on moving liquid, gas or air to generate power which keeps industry moving.
