Abstract
The design of machines has considerably changed its face in the last decades. Most evident is the strong role electronics has gathered in many of the former purely mechanically working machines, plants, or devices. Today Mechatronics is the word used to describe technical systems operating mechanically with respect to at least some kernel functions with more or less electronics supporting fluid power, electrical or mechanical parts decisively.
In all fluid power applications a load has to be controlled by an actuator in respect of speeds and forces. A new dimension of the ways to look upon these control aspects is to use a control valve (proportional or servo valve), which is capable of controlling both flow and pressure. These types of components are available today and this has led to an enormous impact on system design and moved it into the mechatronic field. Closed loop servo drive technology is increasingly becoming the norm in machine automation, where the operators are demanding greater precision, faster operation and simpler adjustment. There is also an expectation that the price of increasing the level of automation should be contained within acceptable limits. Examples are material handling, mobile equipment, plastics, steel plants, mining, oil exploration and automotive testing.
The object of this paper is to give knowledge about design and function of mechatronic systems with fluid power actuation. The focus is set on system aspects where control and measurement techniques are central parts.
