www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2026 25 mass-produced fittings and connectors. It ensures stable chip formation and process continuity on automatic lathes, making it a practical alternative to the widely used 2011 alloy while maintaining productivity in high-volume production. The 2077 alloy extends performance further. With mechanical properties exceeding those of 2024 and approaching 7075, it is suited to more demanding applications such as actuator bodies and structural components within pneumatic systems. It enables tighter tolerances and improved surface finishes, both of which are critical for maintaining sealing integrity and reducing leakage. At the same time, it retains aluminium’s low density of approximately 2.7 g/cm?, offering a significant weight advantage over steel and copper without sacrificing strength. Together, these alloys demonstrate that the transition away from lead does not require a compromise in performance. For pneumatic manufacturers, they offer a pathway to compliance that supports both precision and productivity. Regulation as confirmation For Eural Gnutti, the RoHS update represents the formal recognition of a direction already taken. As Giorgio Di Betta, Sales Director at the company, explains, “The update to the RoHS Directive represents the natural formalisation of a technical and industrial process that began some time ago. During the European consultation, we presented concrete industrial evidence, demonstrating how lead-free alloys, particularly those developed in Eural’s laboratories, are already available and widely used throughout the world, and compatible with the requirements of precision engineering, establishing themselves as technically reliable and environmentally sustainable alternatives,” he concludes “Our involvement as qualified technical stakeholders confirms the solidity of the work carried out over the years and reinforces the company’s determination to continue, with resolve, towards development characterised by responsible innovation.” His comments reflect a broader reality within the fluid power supply chain. The transition to lead-free materials is not a distant requirement. It is already underway, with early adopters moving from compliance to competitive advantage. Aluminium and the future of pneumatic systems The phase-out of lead also reinforces aluminium’s wider role in the evolution of pneumatic systems. Its combination of low weight, corrosion resistance, conductivity and machinability makes it a versatile material for a broad range of fluid power applications. Beyond performance, aluminium aligns with the increasing focus on sustainability within industrial design. Its high recyclability allows it to be reused with minimal loss of quality, significantly reducing energy consumption and lifecycle emissions. For pneumatic system designers, this supports both operational efficiency and environmental targets, particularly in sectors where weight reduction and energy efficiency are key considerations. A transition already in motion As the 2027 deadline approaches, the industry is entering a period of accelerated adaptation. For manufacturers of pneumatic components, the challenge lies not only in meeting regulatory requirements but in maintaining performance, productivity and cost competitiveness during the transition. The direction, however, is clear. The elimination of lead from machinable alloys is no longer a future scenario. It is an operational reality that is reshaping material selection across the fluid power sector. In this context, the experience of companies that have already invested in lead-free solutions provides a useful benchmark. It shows that the shift is not only achievable, but that it can open the door to new levels of performance and sustainability in pneumatic system design. For more information, visit www.eural.com
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