As reported by Power & Motion in their article “Hydraulics Undergoing a Technological Revolution,” the hydraulics industry is currently experiencing significant transformation due to the integration of electronics within hydraulic systems. This revolution is driven by broader industry trends towards electrification and automation, which aim for more efficient and precise hydraulic systems.
Power & Motion spoke with Matteo Arduini, President of Hydraulics, EMEA, and Rick Martich, President of Hydraulics, Americas and SVP, Global Operations and Systems Sales at Helios Technologies. They highlighted the increasing demand for “smart” electrohydraulic solutions that integrate hydraulics and electronics into intelligent systems for enhanced functionality.
This shift is also influenced by the consolidation of major manufacturers, such as the mergers between Danfoss/Eaton and Hydraforce/Rexroth, reshaping the industry landscape. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the risks of a fragmented supply chain, prompting OEMs to localize hydraulic component production. This has underscored the importance of streamlined supply bases and regional manufacturing capabilities.
System integrators now play a crucial role in collaborating with engineering houses to specify and implement products. Additionally, the use of telematics and sensors has grown, adding complexity and potential to hydraulic systems. The push towards electrohydraulics (EH) is driven by major OEMs’ focus on energy savings and economies of scale, aligning with the industry’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). This has spurred innovations in hydraulic system design to optimize the use of EH components.
The industry also emphasizes the need for regionally sourced products, influencing design considerations to offer an improved value proposition. As competitors replicate high-performing products like counterbalance valves, the design process now balances high performance with local availability, adding another layer of complexity.
Click here to learn more about Malone Specialty’s products.
Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of powermotiontech.com
