How can I automate a manual hydraulic machine? 2

[ze2ez]

can you guys help me, giving some ideas on how to automate a manual hydraulic machine that uses a hydraulic jack, or we can use other type of component to press any object.

Here the structure so far:

I would really appreciate if any of you guys could share any ideas, that would be awesome

 

[mcgyvr]

automate how?
actuator to replace the human pumping the handle? motor on the release screw?
replace with other hydraulic/servo press?

you don't give any details on its function/forces involved/budget/cycle times/etc.. so an alternate suggestion is impossible.

 

[BrianPetersen]

Replace the bottle jack with a normal hydraulic cylinder actuated by directional valves and a hydraulic power pack.

Be very careful. A mechanism like this is potentially subject to safety standards that apply to power presses. Due to the significant potential of someone having fingers, hands, or arms flattened, these standards are very stringent. If you don't have experience with this sort of thing, it is likely time to call in the experts - there are plenty of companies that specialise in power presses and would know what needs to be done.

 

[Tmoose]

How much force is really needed? Maybe a motorized screw could be substituted?

 

[Jboggs]

Check Enerpac cylinders. Control with standard solenoid valves, flow controls, and switches to achieve the motion desired. DO NOT ignore BrianPeterson's advice above! Be aware of all safety requirements (OSHA, etc).

 

[tbuelna]

It would likely be cheaper and less hassle to purchase a hydraulic press that already has the control capabilities you require.

When using a hydraulic press with high force capability, you need to be careful. It is very easy to damage parts being assembled when applying several tons of force. A manually operated hydraulic cylinder is actually a good idea in one respect, since it allows some feedback when cycling the pump lever.

 

[moltenmetal]

If all you want to do is to reduce the amount of manual pumping required, you can buy a pneumatically driven manual jack for very little money.

If you truly want to automate it, you will need to do a lot of work or a little, depending on what the intended purpose is.

 

[gruntguru]

Using a pneumatic cylinder or bellows loses the displacement control inherent in a hydraulic system due to compressibility of the working fluid. I shudder at the thought of using a pneumatic actuator to press a bearing out of a housing!

Of course pneumatic over hydraulic is another story.

je suis charlie

 

[moltenmetal]

If you read my post, what I suggested was pretty clear:

Such a device is, in every meaningful way, STILL a hydraulic jack, with no significant worries due to the compressibility of the working fluid since it is merely used to operate the jack pump mechanism.

The term "air over hydraulic" does not properly describe the device I suggested in my opinion.

 

[gruntguru]

True, I didn't read your post carefully enough - apologies!

Great photo - havent seen one of those before - gets a star.

je suis charlie

 

[moon161]

The jack shown in the first post has a problem as shown. The guide rod blocks access to the bleed screw.

 

[chicopee]

Enerpac has literature on single and dual stroke hydraulic jacks. In your case you have to figure out if the threaded fittings which one is apparent in your pictures will lend to hose connections to the hydraulic pump which Enerpac also sales. Make sure that the jack maximum allowable working pressure is compatible with the hydraulic pump maximum delivery pressure.

 

[verymadmac]

The jack layout shown in the first post, could possibly be improved by placing the springs on the same axis as the guide rods because at the moment if the sring tension is uneven it might cause the platform to tilt slightly and possibly jamming on the guide rods when retracting.