Hydraulic actuators are one of the core components of hydraulic systems. Sharmistha Sarkar tracks the key developments in hydraulic actuators market in 2017.

 

Hydraulic systems have been an important development in the history of mankind. They have revolutionised the way industries carry out their day-to-day work. They offer immense power with precise control, greatly improve work productivity and efficiency, and help conserve energy. Moreover, they are simple to use and are more durable. One of the core components of hydraulic systems is the hydraulic actuator or hydraulic cylinder. Comprising of several components such as barrel, head, piston, seals and more, hydraulic actuators use a pressurised hydraulic fluid to produce linear force and motion. They are used in a wide number of applications and are seen at work in industrial applications including hydraulic presses, cranes, tractors, elevators, etc. and in mobile applications including agricultural machines, construction vehicles, marine equipment, etc.

 

Hydraulic actuators are a preferred choice in a wide number of industries today. Due to the growing demand, the market is also witnessing a rapid growth. The market is driven by the increasing use of hydraulic systems in mining, construction, and agricultural equipment. The development of electro-hydraulic technology is also fueling the demand for hydraulic cylinders. Moreover, the combination of hydraulics with electronics has expanded the use of hydraulic cylinders. Nonetheless, the high cost of manufacturing impedes the market growth. In a report published by Allied Market Research, the hydraulic actuators market is likely to reach a value of $ 2.4 billion by 2022, growing at a CAGR of 3.6% from 2016 to 2022.

 

Manufacturers are increasingly bringing innovative and advanced hydraulic cylinder systems in the market to differentiate themselves and cater to the needs of consumers. For instance, Bimba recently launched the compact hydraulic series of actuators that offer significant space savings without sacrificing performance. Thomson Industries announced that its Electrak HD heavy duty electromechanical linear actuators have new synchronisation capabilities. HydraForce recently completed the acquisition of Hydraulic Designers Ltda, its distributor and global systems integrator in Brazil to expand its market reach. Olsen Actuation, UK’s leading provider of linear actuators recently launched a new product in the UK. Parker Hannifin Corporation recently completed the acquisition of Helac Corporation, a provider and designer of helical rotary actuators.

 

Bimba introduces new series of actuators

In October 2017, Bimba, a global provider of hydraulic, electric, and vacuum motion solutions, introduced Compact Hydraulic series of actuators. Complementing its existing NFPA hydraulic products, the products offer great space saving and efficient performance. The new product family offers two series namely Medium (CMH) and High Pressure (CHH). The CMH offers pressures up to 2030 psi (140 bar) while the CHH offers pressures up to 3000 psi (206 bar). Both provide longer cylinder life via several features.

 

Thomson Industries announces new capability of its actuators

In August 2017, Thomson Industries Inc, a global leader in mechanical motion technology announced that its Electrak HD heavy duty electromechanical linear actuators have new synchronisation capabilities. The synchronisation feature has been done by integrating all load handling technologies in a single electromechanical actuator, which is then wired with about three other similarly equipped actuators. By using several actuators, synchronisation enhances the system movement speed. The new feature allows designers to easily handle heavier loads as well as the obstacle of actuating uneven loads. Synchronisation can be used with the simple flip of a switch and allows new application opportunities where a single actuator is unable to manage the load.

 

“The ability to synchronise movement of large and potentially awkward loads is something our customers have been requesting as they seek to automate larger applications or improve ergonomics. We are pleased to announce that we have tapped into the advanced electronics capabilities of our popular Electrak HD heavy duty linear actuator technology to achieve synchronisation more easily and cost-effectively than is possible with any other available approach,” said Anders Karlsson, Product Line Specialist for Industrial Linear Actuators at Thomson.

 

HydraForce buys Hydraulic Designers Ltda

HydraForce, a provider of hydraulic cartridge valves, manifolds, and electro-hydraulic controls completed the acquisition of Hydraulic Designers Ltda, its present distributor and global systems integrator in June 2017. The acquisition provides HydraForce with a greater presence in the fast-growing South American off-highway equipment market and broadens its hydraulic manufacturing capabilities.

 

Jim Brizzolara, President of HydraForce, commented, “We have been strategic partners with Hydraulic Designers for several years now, and this acquisition is the natural progression of our successful business relationship. For 15 years, Hydraulic Designers has been providing advanced technical solutions to equipment builders in Brazil, and HydraForce is very fortunate to be able to expand upon that partnership. We will be leveraging the talents of both companies to bring greater value and capability to customers not only in Brazil but throughout South America.”

 

Olsen Actuation launches product in the UK

In October 2017, Olsen Actuation, UK’s leading provider of linear actuators launched a new product in the UK. The Electro-Hydrostatic Drive (EH-D) the solution integrates the adaptability, efficiency, and programmability of an electric actuator with the abilities of a hydraulic cylinder. Characterised by a compact design, a 20,000,000 cycle lifetime capability, and a capsule design, the system promises to revolutionize industrial workflow. Moreover, the risk of leakage is nil as there are no pipes, cooling or wearing parts. The EH-D is also highly efficient and saves up to 10 times more energy than traditional hydraulics. It helps increase productivity by reducing downtime and is perfect for a myriad of industrial applications.

 

Parker acquires Helac Corporation

In May 2017, Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies acquired Helac Corporation, a designer and manufacturer of helical rotary actuators. Helac combined with Parker’s cylinder division within the Hydraulics Group. With the acquisition, Parker also gains access to Helac’s line of attachments applied for material-handling and construction equipment.

 

According to Andy Weeks, President of the Parker Hydraulics Group, Helac is a strategic addition to their leading hydraulics product portfolio, offering customers solutions in several markets. He also said that they are looking forward to the future opportunities to strengthen their position in key growth markets and expand the reach of Helac products through their global sales channels.

 

Dean Weyer, CEO, Helac Corporation, said, “As we looked at options for future growth we sought a partner that shares our deep commitment to innovation, serving our customers’ needs and delivering high-quality products and services. Parker Hannifin has all of those qualities along with an entrepreneurial culture and decentralised operating model that will allow Helac employees to thrive and grow.  We are excited about the future of our business working in concert with such a well-respected global leader in hydraulics.”

 

Manufacturers are increasingly bringing innovative and advanced hydraulic cylinder systems in the market to differentiate themselves and cater to the needs of consumers.

 

Sharmistha Sarkar is the Senior Content Writer at Allied Market Research.