Fluid power for actuation has proven indispensable for countless applications, allowing for the standard operations of machinery, automobiles, power tools, and other apparatuses to be carried out with ease. Fluid power is made possible through two ways, those of which are hydraulics and pneumatics. While proving the same force for actuation, hydraulics take advantage of compressed liquids while pneumatics utilize compressed air. As a result, both system types vary in their capabilities and applications. In this blog, we will discuss hydraulics and pneumatics in brief detail, allowing you to understand the functionality and applications of each so that you can find what is best for your needs.

A hydraulic system is a system that uses pressurized fluid (typically either oil or water) to physically move a component from one place to another within a hydraulic circuit. Hydraulic systems are used in various industries and are applied to equipment of different sizes within the construction, automobile, robotics, and steel processing industries, alongside much more. Moreover, such systems operate on Pascal's law, also known as the foundational principle of hydraulics. Within a hydraulic circuit, a hydraulic pump works to create a vacuum at its inlet, allowing fluid to flow from a reservoir and into the pump. Next, mechanical forces are applied within the pump, causing fluid to exit out the pump outlet. In addition, control valves are provided to regulate the system's pressure, flow, and direction. To ensure the proper functioning of equipment, the basic components of a hydraulic system can be categorized into four groups, those of which include a reservoir, pump(s), valve(s), and actuator(s), alongside additional hydraulic accessories. To better understand how these components work together, in this blog, we will learn about each hydraulic component and its classification in detail.