In conventional composite hydraulic cylinder designs, a metal liner carries the axial and hoop loads, and functions as a diffusion barrier. The composite outer layer is simply a supportive overwrap, with the main loads carried by the metal liner. Parker has developed a unique weight-saving composite inner liner which makes metal liners obsolete.
Parker's Lightraulics® composite technology dramatically reduces the weight of high-performance hydraulic components. Our Lightraulics composite cylinders use special carbon fiber rovings and epoxy resins as a matrix, allowing us to customize material properties through different combinations of fibers and matrix material.
The material properties can be adjusted to create a load-optimized structure that reflects the different forces that occur locally in a component while meeting the specific requirements of the application.
Tube-to-cap joint
Parker's patented design creates a permanent, durable connection between the composite cylinder tube or barrel and the aluminum head and cap ends. The structural integrity of this connection has been proven at pressures in excess of 1500 bar.
Composite outer tube
Unique lightweight construction supports axial loads normally carried by steel cylinders, metal sleeves or tie rods.
Spherical plain bearings
Standard cylinders feature spherical bearings with an optimized degree of freedom at both mounting points, allowing for even distribution of forces. Custom mounting styles are available upon request.
Lightweight stuffing box and seals
The cartridge stuffing box is screwed into the cylinder head and allows quick and easy maintenance of the hydraulic cylinder rod seals, reducing downtime and ensuring high productivity. Both the stuffing box and cylinder head are made of high quality aluminum alloy and corrosion resistant surface treated to ensure high performance even under severe conditions.
Composite inner liner
The integrated lightweight plastic layer acts as a diffusion barrier and supports ring loads. The high surface finish significantly reduces seal wear and ensures a long and productive service life.
Lightweight piston and rod
The aluminum piston with low moment of inertia enables fast cycle times. Wide bearing rings provide stability and wear resistance, ensuring long life and high productivity. Larger diameter piston rods are center drilled to minimize reciprocating mass.
Lightweight hydraulic cylinder cap
The one-piece cylinder cap and eye are made of high quality aluminum alloy to ensure high fatigue strength under heavy workloads. All aluminum parts are surface treated to resist corrosion in aggressive environments.