Automation Studio Hydraulic Library [best]

Automation Studio Hydraulic Library — Overview and Key Features

The Automation Studio Hydraulic Library is a modular software component used for designing, simulating, and testing hydraulic systems within the Automation Studio environment. It provides engineers and technicians with prebuilt hydraulic components, accurate behavioral models, and tools that accelerate system design, validation, troubleshooting, and documentation.

Practical Example: Validating a Press Circuit

Let’s walk through a typical use case: a hydraulic press with a rapid approach, pressing, and return cycle. automation studio hydraulic library

Step 1: Build the circuit using a variable displacement pump, pilot-operated check valve, 4/3 directional valve, double-acting cylinder, and pressure relief valve. Automation Studio Hydraulic Library — Overview and Key

Step 2: Define parameters. Set pump displacement to 50 cc/rev, relief at 210 bar, cylinder bore 80 mm, rod 45 mm, stroke 500 mm. 0–2 sec: Extend at low pressure

Step 3: Run simulation. Program the valve sequence:

• 0–2 sec: Extend at low pressure.
• 2–4 sec: High-pressure pressing (relief valve limits force).
• 4–5 sec: Retract.

Step 4: Analyze results. The scope shows an initial pressure spike due to acceleration. Extending the ramp-up time on the valve solves it—no hardware needed.

Primary capabilities

• Component library: valves (directional, pressure, flow), pumps (gear, vane, piston), actuators (single- and double-rod cylinders, rotary actuators), accumulators, filters, pipes, fittings, heat exchangers, sensors, and meters.
• Physical modeling: realistic fluid behavior (compressibility, bulk modulus), pressure/flow losses, leakage, cavitation, thermal effects, and transient dynamics.
• Block-based schematic design: drag-and-drop creation of hydraulic circuits with clear ports, connectors, and parameter panels.
• Parameterization: editable component properties (displacement, efficiency, response curves, orifice sizes, relief settings, cylinder areas, stroke limits).
• Simulation engine: time-domain dynamic simulation with adjustable step sizes, real-time or accelerated runs, and event logging.
• Measurement and visualization: built-in gauges, scope plots, flow/pressure traces, and state displays for debugging and performance checks.
• Control integration: interface with control logic blocks (PLC, ladder logic, or function blocks) and with electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical libraries for multi-domain co-simulation.
• Fault insertion and testing: simulate leaks, blocked lines, stuck valves, pump failures, and degraded component parameters to validate safety and fault-tolerant designs.
• Export and reporting: generate wiring/schematic diagrams, bill-of-materials entries, detailed simulation reports, and data export (CSV) for further analysis.

Integration Beyond Hydraulics

The true power emerges when you combine the Hydraulic Library with Automation Studio’s other modules:

• Electrical (IEC / NEMA): Wire limit switches and solenoids directly to relay logic or PLCs.
• PLC & HMI: Test ladder logic controlling hydraulic valves before deployment.
• Pneumatic & Electric drives: Create hybrid systems (e.g., electro-hydraulic axes).