Hydraulic-free force solutions for food-processing plants

Our air cushions are designed specifically for industrial use. Powerful without hydraulics!

Hydraulic systems are used in many fields, such as mechanical engineering, the construction industry or vehicle technology. Despite their high performance, however, they are often considered expensive, technically complex and ecologically risky.

1. High costs
Hydraulic systems already incur considerable costs on purchase. In addition to pumps, valves, lines and cylinders, high-quality seals and special hydraulic fluids are required. Maintenance is also cost-intensive, since regular inspections, oil changes and the replacement of worn components are necessary. Leaks or pressure losses can cause additional repair costs and lead to production downtime.

2. Technical complexity
Hydraulic systems operate at high pressures and require precise coordination of all components. Even small contaminants in the oil or minimal leaks can significantly impair function. Planning, installation and maintenance therefore require specialised expertise. Troubleshooting is often complex, since mechanical, hydraulic and control-related aspects interact.

3. Ecological risks
A key criticism concerns environmental compatibility. Hydraulic systems mostly operate with mineral-oil-based fluids. In the event of leaks, these can enter the soil or water and cause significant environmental damage. The disposal of used oil is also an environmental problem. Energy consumption of hydraulic systems is also often higher than with alternative drive technologies, further burdening the ecological balance.

Conclusion
Although hydraulic systems impress with their high force transmission and reliability, they bring with them significant drawbacks. High investment and maintenance costs, technical complexity and ecological risks make them less attractive in some applications – particularly where sustainable, low-maintenance solutions are required, as in the food industry.

Air cushions can be manufactured FDA-compliant specifically for food-processing plants. For example, the coating of the air cushions is made of polyurethane (PU) and other plastic parts of, for example, polyamide (PA), PTFE or silicones.

Cost advantage over hydraulic solutions

Food-safe materials in the EU must meet strict safety standards (Regulation EC 1935/2004) in order not to transfer any substances hazardous to health onto food.

Relationship to the FDA
Unlike the US Food and Drug Administration, EC 1935/2004 is a European regulation. Both, however, pursue the same goal: protecting consumers from harmful substance transfer into food.