Hydraulic Feed Control Unit
Hydraulic Feed Control Unit ( Series HFU )
Mercury Pneumatics’ Hydraulic Feed Control Unit (HFU Series) is a compact and reliable solution designed to provide smooth, accurate, and consistent speed control in pneumatic and hydropneumatic applications. By combining the simplicity of pneumatics with the precision of hydraulic damping, the HFU Series enables controlled movement for operations requiring high accuracy, repeatability, and improved process quality.
The HFU Series offers precise feed speed control down to 1 mm/sec, making it ideal for pressing, drilling, riveting, assembly, marking, testing, and other applications where controlled cylinder movement is critical. Its compact, lightweight, and versatile design allows easy integration into new and existing automation systems while ensuring long service life and low maintenance.
The unit can be configured for forward or retract stroke speed control and can be enhanced with optional features such as a Skip Function for rapid approach and a Stop Function for intermediate positioning during the stroke. Its serviceable design ensures easy maintenance and long-term reliability.
Salient Features
- Precise speed control up to 1 mm/sec
- Compact, lightweight, and versatile construction
- Long-lasting and serviceable design
- Available for forward or retract stroke speed control
- Optional Skip Function for rapid approach movement
- Optional Stop Function for intermediate stopping
- 360° reservoir mounting for flexible installation
- Suitable for loads up to 1200 kgf
- Improves process accuracy, consistency, and productivity
Typical Applications
- Pressing and assembly operations
- Drilling and tapping machines
- Special-purpose machines (SPMs)
- Controlled feeding and positioning applications
Mercury HFU Series Hydraulic Feed Control Units deliver precise motion control, improved product quality, and dependable performance, making them an ideal choice for industries seeking smooth and controlled linear movement.
| Operating Conditions | |
|---|---|
| Temperature Range | -5°C to +70°C |
| Max. Connecting Load | 400 Kg (Ø40) – 1200 Kg (Ø63) |
| Min. Speed | 1 mm / Sec |
| Operations Pressure For Skip & Stop Valve | Equal or Higher than Inlet Pressure to Pneumatic Cylinder |
| Mechanical Characteristics | |
|---|---|
| Barrel | Aluminium Hard Anodized |
| Piston Rod | EN8 Hard Chrome Plated |
| End Caps | Aluminium Anodized |
| Tie Rods | Stainless Steel |
| Piston | Aluminium |
| Seals | NBR / Polyurethane |
*Add Voltage & Connector Suffix While Ordering
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Series HFU is designed to bridge the gap between pneumatic speed and hydraulic precision. While pneumatic cylinders provide fast movement, they can stutter under variable loads. The HFU couples with your pneumatic system to provide ultra-smooth, precise, and infinitely adjustable linear feed control (down to 1 mm/sec), ensuring consistent tool feed rates during machining or assembly operations.
It is widely used in automation and machining setups where controlled tool movement is critical to prevent tool breakage or poor surface finish. Common applications include:
- Drilling, reaming, and tapping machines.
- Milling and cutting feeds.
- Grinding and polishing operations.
- Controlled press-fitting or assembly.
Standard units are engineered to offer precision speed control in either the forward stroke or the retract stroke, while allowing free flow (rapid movement) in the opposite direction. You will need to specify your operational requirement (Forward or Retract Control) during selection.
These are optional pneumatic valves that can be integrated into the unit to customize the feed profile:
- Skip Function: Allows the cylinder to move rapidly through empty space (air-gap) and slow down to the controlled feed rate only when the tool meets the workpiece, saving massive cycle time.
- Stop Function: Allows you to mid-stroke halt the unit precisely at any given point during the feed cycle via a pneumatic signal.
Yes, this is one of our USP’s. No special pump or device is required for oil filling. You can follow the oil top up procedure mentioned in our service manual which can be done without the need for any special tools