www.hpmag.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2026 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS VOL. 31 No. 6 SEPTEMBER 2026 p24 p14 p32 Qualifying additive manufacturing for fluid power Advanced Engineering 2026 brings UK innovation and manufacturing together Hydraulic dataloggers reveal the full picture Why re-ending a hydraulic hose is never worth the risk!
Investment has to make commercial sense EDITOR’S COMMENT www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 3 No Budget can remove every uncertainty facing manufacturers, but this one can provide greater stability and address some of the costs holding investment back. ‘ ’ As the Chancellor prepares the Autumn Budget, manufacturers could be forgiven for being less interested in the language surrounding growth than in the conditions needed to deliver it. Most engineering businesses do not need persuading of the case for investing in new machinery, automation, energy efficiency or people; the harder question is whether, against the current backdrop of costs and uncertainty, the sums justify doing it now. The UK already provides significant tax relief for investment in plant and machinery, through full expensing for qualifying company expenditure and the £1 million Annual Investment Allowance, among other allowances. The priority should therefore be to give manufacturers some confidence that the investment environment will remain stable rather than subjecting it to repeated changes. Tax treatment matters, but even generous allowances will not turn a proposed investment into a purchase order when energy and employment costs are high, order books are uncertain and businesses are reluctant to commit capital. That has particular relevance for hydraulics and pneumatics because investment matters to our sector from both directions. Companies in our industry face the same pressures as other engineering businesses, while a substantial part of our market depends upon customers being prepared to invest in machinery, production equipment, mobile equipment and automation. There is a similar connection with energy policy, as much of what our industry is developing and selling today can contribute to lower energy consumption through measures such as correctly sized systems, variablespeed compressors, tackling compressed-air leakage, more efficient pumps and drives, electrohydraulic control and better monitoring. These are practical engineering improvements with measurable returns, but the initial investment still has to compete for capital with everything else a manufacturer needs to fund. The boundaries of fluid power are changing too as sensors, electronics, condition monitoring, predictive maintenance and connected controls increasingly sit alongside the traditional mechanical elements of a system. Programmes such as Made Smarter can help SMEs adopt these technologies, but support needs to be straightforward enough for smaller engineering companies to use and sufficiently practical to result in equipment being installed rather than another digital strategy being written. Skills also form part of the same picture, with engineers increasingly needing an understanding of mechanics, electronics, controls, software and data to work effectively with modern hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Training and apprenticeship policy needs to catch up with that reality. No Budget can remove every uncertainty facing manufacturers, but this one can provide greater stability and address some of the costs holding investment back. For the fluid-power industry, the test is fairly simple: does it make our customers more confident about signing the next purchase order? Aaron Blutstein Editor
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www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 5 CONTENTS EDITORIAL Editor: Aaron Blutstein t| 01732 370340 e| editorial@dfamedia.co.uk Content Sub Editor: Leslah Garland t| 01732 370340 e| leslah.garland@dfamedia.co.uk SALES Sales Manager, UK & Overseas: Andrew Jell t| 01732 370347 e| andrew.jell@dfamedia.co.uk Italian Sales Office: Oliver & Diego Casiraghi t| 031 261407 f| 031 261380 e| info@casiraghi.info Turkey: Intersmart Media meltem@intersmartmedia.co.uk Managing Director: Ryan Fuller t| 01732 370344 e| ryan.fuller@dfamedia.co.uk Production Manager & Designer: Chris Davis t| 01732 370340 e| chris.davis@dfamedia.co.uk Reader/Circulation Enquiries: Perception t| +44 (0) 1825 701520. e| dfamedia@dmags.co.uk Marketing Manager Hope Jepson e| hope.jepson@dfamedia.co.uk Financial Finance Department e| accounts@dfamedia.co.uk Published by: DFA Media Group, 192 The High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BE t| 01732 370340 e| info@dfamedia.co.uk w| www.hpmag.co.uk In co-operation with H&P is a controlled circulation magazine, published 8 times a year. Please contact DFA Media with any subscription enquiries. Paid subscriptions are also available on an annual basis at £110.00 (UK), £145.00 (Europe) or £180.00 (Rest of the World) P+P included. The content of this magazine, website and newsletters do not necessarily express the views of the Editor or publishers. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising from information in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be produced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers. 22 24 6 NEWS 14 HYDRAULICS Hydraulic systems rarely tell the full story through static measurements alone. Capturing and analysing operating data over time enables engineers to uncover hidden performance issues and identify intermittent faults. Data also facilitates deeper understanding of how machines behave in real-world conditions. Modern hydraulic dataloggers offer the insight needed for faster diagnosis and improved system performance, as well as more effective maintenance. Martin Cuthbert, Managing Director, Webtec, explains further. 20 PNEUMATICS 22 INTEGRATED SYSTEMS 24 APPLICATIONS Additive manufacturing is opening up new ways to design and produce hydraulic and pneumatic components. For pressure-bearing parts, however, moving from a proven design to repeatable production brings questions around process control, inspection, qualification and regulatory compliance. H&P reports. 26 KNOWLEDGE BASE 28 COMPRESSED AIR, VACUUM, AND GENERATORS Compressed air plays an important role in trenchless pipe rehabilitation, helping contractors repair ageing pipelines without excavation by powering equipment, installing liners and maintaining pressure during the process, as H&P reports. 30 SPECIAL REPORTS 34 BFPA Hydraulics & Pneumatics’ issue-by-issue briefing on current activities and views involving the British Fluid Power Association. 36 BCAS Our regular news and events update on the British Compressed Air Society. 46 NEW FACES 47 PRODUCTS & SERVICES DIRECTORY 30 Subscribe for your FREE copy now Printer: Warners, UK © Copyright 2026, DFA Manufacturing Media Ltd ISSN 1366-1981 Audit Bureau of Circulation – Average net circulation 10,015 January 2024 to December 2024
NEWS 6 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk The Government must put “some flesh on the bones of the buzzwords” if its ambitions for reindustrialisation and growth in every postcode are to succeed where levelling up and building back better fell short, according to manufacturers. Ahead of the Autumn Budget, Make UK has urged the Chancellor to focus on reducing the cost pressures holding manufacturers back from hiring, investing and growing, warning that ambitions for reindustrialisation will fail unless businesses are first given room to breathe. The organisation also stressed that the Government’s commitment to reindustrialisation must build on the certainty provided by the recently published Industrial Strategy. Manufacturers need long-term stability and confidence to invest, alongside practical measures that improve competitiveness today. The organisation is calling on the Government to: Address the UK‘s uncompetitive industrial energy costs by moving policy levies from electricity bills into general taxation. Reduce the cost of employing people by reversing the cut to the Employer National Insurance threshold and extending NIC reliefs to all workers under 25. Keep National Living Wage increases sustainable by limiting rises to 3.7% and delaying the extension of the National Living Wage to 18-year-olds until the impact on youth employment can be properly assessed. Take a more proportionate approach to the Employment Rights Act, particularly around guaranteed hours and implementation timescales, to avoid making it harder for manufacturers to recruit. Introduce 100% transitional business rates relief for manufacturers in 2026/27, giving firms breathing space from recent increases in rates bills. The proposals are backed by Make UK‘s latest survey of manufacturers, which found that 47% believe cutting industrial energy costs should be the Government’s top manufacturing priority, followed by 37% who want lower Employers’ National Insurance costs, 32% who want employment rules made simpler and less costly for businesses and 31% who want business rates reduced. The research also highlights growing concern about employment regulation. Just 11% of manufacturers believe the Employment Rights Act should continue as planned, while 36% want the next stages paused and reviewed, 22% want the most burdensome measures reversed and a further 11% want implementation delayed to give businesses more time to prepare. While 56% of manufacturers say they feel positive about the Government’s ambition to reindustrialise the economy, they say success will ultimately be judged on outcomes. Asked what would show Government was delivering for manufacturing in a year’s time, 43% chose lower operating costs, 36% more competitive energy prices, 35% more manufacturers increasing investment in the UK and 29% more manufacturing jobs being created. Stephen Phipson CBE, Chief Executive of Make UK, commented: “Governments are good at promising economic resets but delivering them is much harder. If reindustrialisation and growth in every postcode are to succeed where levelling up and building back better didn’t, it’s time to put some flesh on the bones of the buzzwords. “The Autumn Budget is the first real test of the Government’s reindustrialisation agenda. The Chancellor needs to show, through action not words, what the Government’s promises actually mean. “For UK manufacturers, that means making decisions right now to ease the burdens they face. If the Government wants our members to stay afloat, the first step is to take some of the weight off their shoulders. “Manufacturers don’t need flashy new schemes and announcements. They need Government to remove the barriers that stop them from hiring, investing and growing.” Reindustrialisation must not become the next levelling up, manufacturers warn
NEWS 8 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk Brad Smith, Regional Sales Manager at Delta Motion retired on the 30 June 2026. Mike Dodds is now responsible for serving Delta’s distributors in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. Aaron Heinrich has assumed responsibility for supporting distributors in Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Brad came to Delta Motion from the Al Smith Company, the first manufacturer’s representative firm for Temposonics position transducers. Brad gained extensive knowledge of the sawmilling industry in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada and played an instrumental role in introducing the Temposonics position transducer technology to the industry. He was a technical sales resource who helped users integrate these sensors into their equipment, enabling more precise control. When he joined what was then known as Delta Computer Systems in 1999, Brad’s experience complemented and strengthened Delta’s presence in the lumber industry. Brad also helped Delta develop a better understanding of manufacturer’s representatives and distributors. Ironically, Brad’s son, Josiah, pre-dates his father as a Delta employee; Josiah was a talented intern who contributed to the early development of some of Delta’s internal software applications before graduating. “Brad’s friendly, calm, and professional demeanor has been an asset to Delta Motion,” commented President Jacob Paso. “His interactions and relationships with distributor owners and employees were positive and he always aimed to bring mutual benefit to both parties. He also made huge contributions to Delta’s training programme, as a tireless teacher, always happy to help explain concepts and assist users. His presence will be greatly missed.” “It has been a privilege to work alongside so many talented coworkers, distributors, and customers over the years,” said Brad Smith. “I’m grateful for the friendships I’ve made and look forward to seeing Delta Motion continue to grow and succeed.” In addition to his sales development responsibilities, Brad spearheaded Delta Motion’s sales team meetings, bringing colleagues together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships, and align on company initiatives. He enjoyed in-person interactions with his colleagues and would often be the focus of many of the good-natured jokes during these meetings. He frequently volunteered to organise Delta events and lead large training classes. The Delta Motion team wishes Brad a fond farewell and extends a heartfelt thank you for his many contributions to the company. Brad Smith retires after 27 years with Delta Motion Antech Hydraulics has been appointed an Authorised Distributor for HAWE Hydraulik, marking a significant milestone in the company’s ongoing growth and commitment to supplying high-class hydraulic solutions throughout the United Kingdom. The new partnership gives customers access to HAWE Hydraulik’s extensive portfolio of hydraulic components and systems, including hydraulic pumps, directional and proportional valves, compact hydraulic power packs, electronic controls and complete system solutions. By becoming an authorised distributor, Antech Hydraulics says it it further strengthens its ability to support OEMs, system builders, maintenance providers and end users with genuine HAWE products, backed by expert technical guidance, responsive customer service and application engineering expertise. Customers will also benefit from local support, which helps reduce lead times and ensures the right hydraulic solution is specified for every application. David Newell, Managing Director of Antech Hydraulics, commented: “We are delighted to join the HAWE Hydraulik distribution network. HAWE has earned a worldwide reputation for engineering excellence, innovation and product quality, making it a perfect fit for our business. This partnership enables us to expand our product range while continuing to provide the technical expertise and customer service for which Antech Hydraulics is known. We look forward to working closely with both existing and new customers to deliver reliable hydraulic solutions that maximise performance and efficiency.” The appointment reflects Antech Hydraulics’ ongoing strategy to partner with leading global manufacturers, providing customers with access to highquality hydraulic technology backed by local expertise. With decades of industry experience, the company continues to invest in technical capability, product availability and customer support to meet the evolving needs of the UK hydraulic market. Antech Hydraulics appointed authorised distributor for HAWE Hydraulik
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NEWS 10 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk The Government’s ambition to step in and acquire Speciality Steels UK (SSUK) is the right move as the South Yorkshire site scales up to become fully operational later this year. While talks with the preferred bidder were ongoing, the Government decided it is best to take over the asset itself. This move gives added security to the 1300 employees in Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Brinsworth and Wednesbury, and should give the market confidence that SSUK is returning to regular production and able to satisfy new orders. SSUK is a core part of the UK manufacturing supply chain feeding into areas of critical national security including domestic aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing, producing steel for aircraft landing gear, helicopter rotors, and artillery casings. The company is also a key supplier to the oil & gas, automotive and general engineering sectors. The Stocksbridge, Bright Bar and Thrybergh rolling mills have been operational throughout the liquidation process and have been ramping up production for hire-work. Funding has also been made available to restart the melting operations, with the electric arc furnaces well on track for a December restart date. The rise in SSUK’s production will release much of the pressure in the tightest UK import quotas (notably categories 12B and 27), ensuring the UK market is well supplied and helping the government towards its target to increase the UK’s steel selfsufficiency from just 32% of demand currently to 40%-50%. UK Steel Director-General, Gareth Stace commented: “This Government is once again stepping up to do what is needed for the UK steel industry. SSUK is already well on its way to returning to full operations and retaking its place at the heart of critical UK supply chains. It is crucial that the custodian of this key strategic asset is the right owner and investor, with the expertise and long-term ambition that the dedicated workforce deserve.” Polyhose thanks Managing Director for 30 years of service Polyhose UK (Ltd), an energy conveyance products wholesaler, has thanked Managing Director Marc Whibley for his 30 years of service. From its dedicated warehouse and distribution site in Christchurch, Dorset, Polyhose supplies customers across the UK with world-class Thermoplastic, PTFE, Rubber Hydraulic, Industrial, Composite, Stainless Steel, Flexible hoses and Fluid Connectors. Marc joined the company, known then as Exitflex, in January 1996 and built an outstanding career, progressing from Sales Representative to UK Sales Manager, then Export Sales Manager, before being appointed Managing Director. In 2006, he was seconded to Switzerland to support the company’s founder as Vice President and further strengthen the company’s international presence. Three years later, Marc became instrumental in Polyhose’s acquisition of Exitflex, helping secure the company’s long-term strength and success. Throughout his career, Marc has consistently put the company’s interests and its employees’ needs first. He has guided the business through recession, two relocations, and multiple build projects, while continuing to support customers with practical solutions and building highly valued relationships both inside and outside the organisation. In particular, 2025 was a pivotal year for Polyhose UK, as it celebrated its 40th anniversary and opened a major new warehousing facility to increase its UK stockholding and provide an even better customer and staff experience. The company is now entering a new chapter under new leadership, while Marc will continue to support the business in an advisory role. “It has been a privilege to lead Exitflex and Polyhose in the UK over the past 30+ years,” Marc commented. “As I step down, I am grateful for the exceptional team members whose unwavering support has made our journey possible. I am deeply thankful not just for the professional milestones we reached together, but for the genuine, lasting friendships formed along the way. Thank you to everyone in the business, and to our wonderful partners across both the fluid power and surface finishing industries who made these decades so rewarding. While I am excited to have the opportunity to step back, I look forward to my involvement in a supportive and advisory role. I wish the company nothing but the best as it continues to deliver excellence to our customers across the UK.” Polyhose products are used in all kinds of fluid transfer applications, including hydraulic systems in manufacturing, cnstruction, agriculture, automotive, marine, rescue equipment and industrial applications such as water jetting, sewer cleaning, high pressure blasting and painting and fire suppression systems, as well as LPG and high-pressure industrial gas transfer. Their culture of excellence means highly engineered products that industries can trust to perform every time. UK Steel backs Government plan to buy SSUK
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NEWS 12 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk Girls lead the way in engineering jobs of the future Girls are rewriting the rules of engineering, with new research revealing they are leading the charge into some of the profession’s fastest growing and most high-tech careers. Rather than following traditional engineering pathways, they are increasingly drawn to fields shaping the future, including biomedical engineering, biotechnology, artificial intelligence and healthcare technologies. A major study by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and careers platform Unifrog, The Future is Engineering: What Young People Really Think, has found that while boys still dominate engineering overall, the traditional gender divide has disappeared in biomedical engineering, suggesting girls are increasingly choosing engineering careers that combine technology, healthcare and innovation. The report also busts one of the biggest myths surrounding the profession. Contrary to perceptions that engineering struggles to attract young people, it has become one of the UK’s most popular subjects for students planning their future, ranking third out of 21 university subject areas researched. Overall, boys remain more likely to shortlist engineering degrees, at 14% compared with 4% of girls. However, students interested in engineering are more likely to see themselves as strong problem-solvers and confident with numeracy, at 68% and 47% respectively, compared with 59% and 35% of their peers. Engineering-minded students are also more likely to engage with employers, attend careers events and visit universities, with 37% doing so compared with 24% of non-engineering students. And they are significantly less interested in fame or prestige than students studying different subjects, at 12% compared with nearly a quarter (20%) of other students. Instead, they place greater value on practical experience, employer engagement and understanding their future career opportunities. Matthew Rooney, Head of Engineering Policy and Impact at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said: “Engineering is changing, and young people are changing with it. The stereotype that engineering is only about engines, factories and hard hats is disappearing. “Today’s engineers are designing life-saving medical devices, developing artificial intelligence, transforming healthcare and tackling some of society’s biggest challenges. It’s encouraging to see more girls recognising that engineering offers exciting careers where they can make a real difference. “While there is still much more to do to close the overall gender gap, these findings show the future of engineering is becoming broader, more diverse and more appealing than ever before.” The report highlights biomedical engineering as one of the fastest-growing disciplines, driven by an ageing population, healthcare innovation and advances in medical technology – creating opportunities for more women to help tackle engineering’s wider skills gap. Interest in engineering is consistent across socioeconomic backgrounds, challenging the idea that it mainly appeals to particular groups or areas. However, traditional disciplines such as civil engineering remain less popular, despite their vital role in housing, infrastructure, climate resilience and Net Zero, creating a future skills risk. Based on anonymised Unifrog data from thousands of 14 to 16-year-olds, the report reveals not just what subjects interest young people, but how they approach careers – with aspiring engineers actively seeking information, employer engagement and real-world experience. Pump Industry Awards entries remain open for 2027 Entries for the 2027 Pump Industry Awards are still open for companies, organisations and individuals across the pump sector to put themselves forward with the deadline for submissions set for Friday 27th November 2026. Organised by the British Pump Manufacturers Association (BPMA), the Pump Industry Awards provide a high-profile platform for recognising engineering excellence, innovation, business performance and the people making a significant contribution to the pump industry. With ten award categories spanning products, projects, manufacturing, distribution, skills, sustainability and aftermarket support, the programme offers businesses and individuals from across the sector an opportunity to showcase their achievements and gain valuable industry recognition. The 2027 categories are: Product of the Year – Sponsored by DFA Media Project of the Year – Sponsored by World Pumps Environmental Contribution of the Year – Sponsored by SPP Pumps Manufacturer of the Year – Sponsored by WEG Distributor of the Year – Sponsored by Caprari & Calpeda Supplier of the Year – Sponsored by Wilo Pump Maintenance Provider of the Year – Sponsored by Apex Pumps
www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 13 Contribution to Skills & Training Award – Sponsored by ABB Rising Star Award – Sponsored by Innomotics Sustainable Contribution for a Better World – Sponsored by AESSEAL The introduction of the ‘Pump Maintenance Provider of the Year’ category for 2027 also reflects the increasingly important contribution made by specialist maintenance, repair and aftermarket organisations in maximising equipment reliability, efficiency and whole-life performance. Wayne Rose, CEO at the BPMA, said: “I would encourage every eligible business and individual to put forward their achievements for the 2027 Pump Industry Awards. Whether recognising innovation, engineering excellence, sustainability, skills or outstanding service, becoming a Finalist provides valuable industry recognition, while winning an Award represents a significant endorsement of achievement.” The culmination of the 2027 programme will be the Pump Industry Awards Gala Dinner, taking place on Thursday 11th March 2027 at The Hilton at St George’s Park, Burton upon Trent. The BPMA would like to acknowledge and thank all of the 2027 Pump Industry Awards sponsors for their continued support in helping to make the programme possible. Prospective entrants are encouraged to visit www.pumpindustryawards.com, review the category criteria and start their online submission. Yorkshire manufacturers are being offered fully funded cyber security support to combat the growing threat from attacks capable of bringing production to a standstill. Made Smarter Yorkshire, the Government-backed technology adoption programme, has launched a new £400,000 cyber security initiative to help SME manufacturers protect their people, systems and operations as factories become increasingly digital and connected. The Government-funded pilot is being delivered with Sheffield Hallam University and will create Cyber Security Champions inside Yorkshire businesses, giving employees the skills and confidence to spot threats, encourage safer working practices and build stronger cyber defences. Launching in September, manufacturers will be able to access four levels of fully funded support, ranging from basic cyber awareness through to internationally recognised ISO 27001 accreditation. The Yorkshire pilot could also help shape how cyber security support is delivered through Made Smarter across England. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the part of GCHQ which protects the UK from cyber threats, has warned of a growing risk to the UK, with nationally significant incidents more than doubling in its latest published annual figures. Government research has found that a cyber attack costs a UK business an average of £190,000, contributing to an annual economic cost of £14.7 billion. For manufacturers, the stakes can be particularly high. Digital technology now connects everything from machinery and production systems to suppliers and customers, meaning a cyber incident can quickly become much more than an IT problem. It can stop production, delay orders and increase costs. People are also central to cyber security. While threats continue to evolve, human error remains the most common cause of security incidents, making awareness and safer working practices vital to protecting a business. Research by Make UK, the manufacturers’ organisation, found that nearly one in three manufacturers had experienced a serious cyber incident, either directly or through their supply chain, in the previous 12 months. It also identified affordability and a lack of awareness of available support as the biggest barriers to improving cyber resilience and called for support to be easier for SMEs to navigate, including embedding cyber resilience training into digital adoption programmes such as Made Smarter. Jessica Armitage, Programme Manager for Made Smarter Yorkshire, said: “Cyber attacks are no longer something manufacturers can afford to think will happen to somebody else. Digital technology is creating huge opportunities, but the more connected a business becomes, the more important it is that cyber security develops alongside it. “This isn’t simply an IT problem. An attack can stop production, delay orders, increase costs and disrupt customers and suppliers. For smaller manufacturers, one of the biggest challenges can simply be knowing where to start. “That’s why we’ve made this support fully funded and accessible to businesses at different stages of their journey. We want to help manufacturers take that first step, develop people who can champion cyber security within their business, and provide a pathway to keep strengthening their resilience.” Dharmendra Shadija, Head of School, School Of Computing and Digital Technologies, Sheffield Hallam University, added: “We are delighted to be working with Made Smarter Yorkshire to help manufacturers build the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to protect their businesses. “Our experts in cyber security, digital forensics and organisational change will help businesses understand the risks they face and, just as importantly, develop people who can champion safer working practices and make cyber awareness part of everyday working life.” The first stage, Cyber Security Awareness, is a 2.5-hour online session open to all SME manufacturers in Yorkshire and aimed particularly at businesses which are new to cyber security. It will help businesses develop Cyber Security Champions who can recognise common threats and encourage safer working practices, while covering risks including phishing, weak passwords and cloud security. Participants will leave with a practical action plan to strengthen cyber resilience. Businesses do not need to be registered with Made Smarter to take part in the introductory session. Those wanting to go further can register with the programme to access three additional levels of fully funded support. Cyber Essentials will help manufacturers understand the Government-backed certification scheme and its five key security controls, adopt digital technology more safely, build customer trust and develop an action plan towards certification. Cyber Essentials Plus combines training with tailored one-to-one coaching to prepare businesses for technical assessment and independent verification of their cyber security controls, helping build greater trust with customers and suppliers. The most advanced level, Cyber ISO 27001, will help manufacturers identify security gaps, strengthen their Information Security Management System, prepare for audits and work towards internationally recognised ISO 27001 certification. Support will be delivered online, at Sheffield Hallam University and, for some of the more advanced support, at manufacturers’ own premises. The cyber security support will also connect manufacturers into the wider Made Smarter programme, including specialist advice and consultancy, digital roadmaps, skills and leadership development, internships and, where appropriate, grants towards new technology. SME manufacturers can find out more at: www.madesmarter.uk/yorkshire-cyber Made Smarter launches £400k cyber security drive to protect Yorkshire manufacturers
HYDRAULICS 14 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk As its name suggests, a datalogger records and stores data from a sensor, or sensors, over a period of time. Dataloggers display that data, typically in graphical form, either on an in-built screen or via download to a computer. In relation to a hydraulic system, typical sensors include pressure, flow, temperature, pump drive speed, motor output speed and contamination level. Most dataloggers also have the capability to derive properties, for example multiplying pressure by flow to obtain and display power. For many years, a conventional Bourdon tube type mechanical pressure gauge has been the most common instrument for measuring hydraulic pressure. While it provides satisfactory readings in applications where great accuracy is unnecessary, it is not the correct device for monitoring pressure transients or peak pressures. A relatively delicate instrument, a Bourdon tube type mechanical pressure gauge requires protection from potentially damaging Hydraulic dataloggers reveal the full picture 1,500 Lpm, or from a vacuum up to 1,000+ bar. Only the sensor needs to change, not the datalogger itself. Mid-range dataloggers often incorporate a larger display screen, which supports the graphical display of data from several sensors in real time. These devices can also stream data to a remote device such as a PC if necessary for additional analysis or data storage. The example in figure 3 offers a choice of either analogue or CAN bus connections to various sensors, which could include engine drive speed in mobile vehicle applications. Comparing pump or motor shaft speed with its output or input flow rate can provide a good indication of the unit’s volumetric efficiency and state of wear. If the datalogger includes both flow and pressure sensor input signals, it can also derive and display hydraulic power. The datalogger shown in figure 4 offers all of the features of the previous units, plus even more input signal options. Interchangeable input signal modules allow different combinations of CAN and analogue signal inputs together with frequency inputs for monitoring shaft speeds. A 7-inch colour screen displays data numerically or graphically as line charts, dials or bar graphs. On-screen cursors enable easy data analysis, while a top-level device can also download or Hydraulic systems rarely tell the full story through static measurements alone. Capturing and analysing operating data over time enables engineers to uncover hidden performance issues and identify intermittent faults. Data also facilitates deeper understanding of how machines behave in real-world conditions. Modern hydraulic dataloggers offer the insight needed for faster diagnosis and improved system performance, as well as more effective maintenance. Martin Cuthbert, Managing Director, Webtec, explains further. pressure shocks. Furthermore, if pressure peaks occur at unpredictable times, it needs continuous monitoring, which is rarely practical An electronic pressure sensor, on the other hand, has no moving parts and is thus capable of registering very short duration pressure peaks. In addition, if it is possible to store sensor data internally within the device, it can ‘remember’ and display the maximum (or minimum) pressure registered during a particular time period. Subsequently, this is the simplest type of datalogger, where a particular system variable (often pressure) is sensed electronically, displayed via a digital read-out and stored for future analysis. The next-level device enables the monitoring of external sensors that capture pressure, flow and temperature measurements. It offers greater flexibility in that several sensor types can connect together for monitoring different variables, and can display and record them simultaneously. Again, it is possible to download stored data into an appropriate software package for analysis, allowing the examination of sensor outputs relative to one another. So, as well as accepting signals from a variety of different sensor types, Webtec’s dataloggers for example, can monitor flows from 1 litre per minute (Lpm) up to Fig. 1: Digital Pressure gauge Fig. 2: Entry Level Datalogger
www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 15 live-stream data for more permanent storage or additional analysis. It is also possible to control the unit remotely using the local area network (LAN) connection and the appropriate application software running on a PC or mobile phone. As technology evolves, the difference between dataloggers and digital hydraulic testers is becoming less distinct. Webtec’s latest digital hydraulic tester, for example, measures flow and flow direction, pressure and temperature, while also displaying hydraulic power and efficiency. Users can stream data to a mobile phone via Bluetooth for storage, analysis or report creation. Using fully electronic pressure sensors, the unit is again capable of monitoring short duration pressure peaks. It is perhaps the ability to diagnose intermittent machine or hydraulic system faults where dataloggers have become invaluable. The units illustrated in figures 3 and 4 include triggering capability whereby the unit can be left for long periods of time monitoring (but not storing) the input data. When a certain parameter exceeds a pre-defined level however, the unit triggers and stores not only the subsequent data signals but also the signal levels leading up to the trigger point. This enables ‘cause and effect’ analysis to identify where a sudden change in one parameter creates a corresponding change in another. A typical example might be diagnosing the continual failures of a hydraulic conveyor drive motor. If the motor lifetime is considerably less than normal expectations, then some machine occurrence is probably the root cause. In this case, an angled screen placed across the conveyor pushes oversized material to the side (figure 6). However, when a piece of material experiences a momentary jam under the screen, a pressure peak occurs in the motor as its output torque demand suddenly increases. It may be that the main system relief valve sits close to the pump output on the power unit located some distance from the drive motor. It therefore cannot respond quickly enough to limit the pressure peak. A conventional mechanical pressure gauge would unlikely spot an occasional pressure peak. However, fitting an electronic pressure sensor, such as illustrated in figure 1, would record a short duration pressure peak. Upon analysing the recorded data, it would thus indicate that the maximum pressure rating of the motor had been exceeded, giving a clue to the cause of the continual failures. The next step would be to identify the reason why the maximum pressure was exceeded, which could involve the use of a datalogger as shown in figures 3 or 4. Such units can be set to trigger whenever the measured property exceeds a certain value, also offering the ability to record the time of the event. By matching the time of the pressure peak with momentary jamming of the conveyor, it becomes possible to identify the root cause of the damaging pressure spikes. This would prompt suitable modifications, either to the screen itself or by adding a fast-acting pressure relief valve close to the motor. Hydraulic dataloggers have become indispensable tools wherever hydraulic system performance requires understanding, verifying or improving. From fault diagnosis and condition monitoring to prototype evaluation, commissioning and test bench development, they provide engineers with the reliable data needed to make informed decisions. For further information please visit: www.webtec.com Fig. 3: Mid-Level Datalogger Fig. 4: Top Level Datalogger Fig. 5: Digital Hydraulic Tester with Remote Monitoring Fig. 6:
HYDRAULICS The Filtration Division of intelligent power management company Eaton is expanding its established purifier series with a new, particularly compact size: the fully automatic offline fluid purification system IFPM 10. The unit is designed to remove free, emulsified and dissolved water, free and dissolved gases, as well as particulate contamination from hydraulic and lubrication oils. It is specifically suitable for applications where limited installation space has previously made it difficult to use of highperformance fluid purification systems. For more than 20 years, Eaton says its purifier series has been used as a solution for fully automatic, PLCcontrolled offline fluid purification in hydraulic and lubrication systems. With the IFPM 33 and IFPM 73 models, the series previously covered flow rates of approx. 30 and 70 l/min. The new IFPM 10, with a flow rate of about 10 l/min, complements the family with a smaller, spacesaving unit size. In addition, all models in the series are now available both as mobile versions (IFPM) and as stationary versions (IFPS). “With the IFPM 10, we are adding an important unit size to our portfolio,” says Christian König, Project Engineer R&D at Eaton’s Filtration Division. “In steel mills and power plants, in tunneling applications and in other industries with confined installation spaces, we can now offer the right purifier size for a broad range of requirements – in both mobile and stationary configurations.” In addition to particle contamination, water is among the most common contributors to failures and malfunctions in hydraulic and lubrication systems. It often enters the oil unnoticed through ambient humidity, cooling systems or leaking seals. The consequences can be severe: reduced fluid service life, additive depletion, oil oxidation, internal corrosion and abrasive wear of system components. “Many operators underestimate the damage that dissolved water in oil can cause because it is invisible and may not be effectively removed using centrifuges or separators,” explains König. “This is exactly where the technological strength of our system lies. The IFPM 10 is designed to remove not only free and emulsified water but also dissolved water from the fluid.” The IFPM 10 is based on the same vacuum evaporation technology used in the larger models of the purifier series. Contaminated fluid is drawn into the system under vacuum and distributed over a dispersion material inside the vacuum chamber, increasing the evaporation surface area. At the same time, ambient air flows counter-current to the oil and is drawn in through a breather filter, which helps manage moisture and releases it to the atmosphere via a vacuum pump. The dehydrated fluid is then pumped back into the reservoir through an integrated replaceable spin-on filter that is designed to retain particulate contamination. Operation is simple and convenient via push buttons located directly on the control cabinet. The compact design enables use even in severely spaceconstrained environments maintaining the performance Fluid purification system targets water contamination in lubrication oils characteristics of the purifier series. The IFPM 10 is ideally suited for applications where fluid purification has previously been limited by space constraints. Operators in power plants and energy generation facilities, steel production and processing plants, the oil and gas industry, as well as mobile working machines such as tunnel boring machines can now benefit from the same highperformance technology relied upon in other sectors that depend on effective cooling, hydraulic and lubrication fluids. Eaton’s fully automatic offline fluid purification system IFPM 10 is particularly suited for applications with limited installation space due to its compact design. It provides a flow rate of 10 l/min and is available in both mobile and stationary versions. For further information please visit: https://www.eaton.com/ 16 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk
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HYDRAULICS When a hydraulic hose assembly is removed because of a problem at one end, there can be a strong temptation to salvage what appears to be perfectly serviceable hose. Cut away the affected section, fit a new coupling and the assembly can potentially be returned to service quickly and at considerably lower cost. It is an understandable proposition, particularly when downtime is involved, but it is not an acceptable approach under BFPA practice. That position is consistent with BS EN ISO 4413:2010, Hydraulic fluid power – General rules and safety requirements for systems and their components. Clause 5.4.6.5.1(a) requires hose assemblies to be constructed from hose that has not previously been used in operation as part of another hose assembly and which fulfils the relevant performance and marking requirements. The significance of the word ‘shall’ in the standard is important: compliance with that requirement is necessary to claim compliance with the standard. BFPA’s own position is equally clear. Its Position Paper PP1 states that hoses shall not be re-ended, while no re-ending of hose assemblies is a mandatory requirement of the BFPA Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme. D8 applies this requirement to participating fixed hose assembly facilities, with corresponding requirements applying to mobile workshops under D12. The reasoning is not simply procedural. Once a hose has been put into service, its previous condition and loading can no longer be treated as known. BFPA identifies the possibility that hose may have been stretched, crushed, degraded by sunlight or damaged by chemicals. Its D8 guidance also refers to the effects of heat, flexing, pressure pulsation, sunlight and ozone during service. These factors matter because a hydraulic hose is not simply a rubber tube onto which a fitting is attached. Its performance depends upon the relationship between its constituent materials and reinforcement, as well as the correctly specified coupling system and assembly process. BFPA notes that service-related degradation can cause the rubber to harden. If used hose is subsequently re-swaged, the reinforcement may lose its bond with the rubber and hardened rubber may not flow over the insert as required. D8’s conclusion is that a correct swage cannot therefore be assured. An apparently sound external surface does not resolve that uncertainty. Cutting a hose back beyond visible damage may remove the obvious defect, but it provides no reliable means of establishing what mechanical or environmental conditions the remaining hose has experienced. Re-ending should also be distinguished from mixing and matching components. They are separate issues within BFPA’s requirements. The Approved Hose Assemblies Scheme prohibits re-ending and also prohibits unapproved combinations of hose, fitting and ferrule. A new assembly should use compatible components assembled in accordance with the original hose and coupling supplier’s requirements. Selecting the Why re-ending a hydraulic hose is never worth the risk correct fitting does not make it acceptable to install that fitting on previously used hose. When an assembly has failed, replacement also provides an opportunity to consider why. Hose routing, bend radius, movement, abrasion, temperature, pressure and external loading may all warrant examination depending on the circumstances. Where the cause is not obvious, simply concentrating on the visibly damaged end risks overlooking the conditions responsible for the failure. For the hose assembler, the practical answer is therefore uncomplicated. Do not attempt to recover a used hose by fitting a new end. Where necessary, investigate the reason for the original failure, then manufacture the replacement from new hose using the correct compatible components and the relevant manufacturer’s assembly instructions. That may require more material than cutting back the old hose, but it restores something that re-ending cannot: a hose of known, unused condition at the beginning of the assembly process. 18 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS September 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk BFPA guidance is clear that used a hydraulic hose should not be re-ended. The reasoning reflects the requirements of BS EN ISO 4413:2010 and the uncertainty surrounding the condition and service history of a used hose. H&P reports. Used hydraulic hoses should not be re-ended
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