All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier

About piston and swash plate

Types of Piston and Swash Plates

The engine uses two primary components: the piston and the swash plate. They each have different types that enable them to function better and support more efficient operations.

  • Piston

    The piston can vary in design to meet different engine requirements. First, there are the types based on how they move within the cylinder. Reciprocating pistons move linearly back and forth, while rotary pistons spin. Rotary pistons are moving slowly into the mainstream and are not popular in modern engines. Next, the pistons are grouped based on their weight. There are lightweight pistons typically used in racing vehicles for better speed and response. Heavy pistons are better for increasing longevity, and users will find them in regular vehicles.

    Additionally, the material used for the piston changes how it performs. Aluminum alloy pistons offer great durability and lightweight features. Steel pistons are heavier but provide more strength. Finally, the piston types depend on their shapes. Flat-top pistons are common in stock motors, while domed pistons increase combustion in custom engines.

  • Swash Plates

    An engine's swash plates usually come in two common types: the flat-type swash plate and the thrust-type swash plate. The first type is very popular among manufacturers. It has a uniform thickness and relies on the hydraulic pump to transmit forces evenly in all directions. It supports high-speed operations, so manufacturers will use it for machines that move fast.

    The thrust plate has a varying thickness. Forces don't transmit uniformly because it is thicker in some areas. The thrust-type swash plates work well in lower-speed machines, and owners can easily maintain them.

Specification and maintenance of piston and swash plates

Specifications for piston and swash plate pumps may vary depending on the specific type and manufacturer. The following are general specifications for swash plate piston pumps.

  • Displacement:

    The displacement of a swash plate piston pump refers to the volume of fluid it moves per unit of time, typically measured in milliliters or liters per minute. Displacement can vary depending on the size of the pump and the angle of the swash plate.

  • Operating pressure:

    The operating pressure of a swash plate piston pump refers to the maximum pressure at which it can operate, typically measured in kilograms per square centimeter (kg/cm2) or pounds per square inch (psi).

  • Power:

    The power of a swash plate piston pump refers to the power it consumes while operating, typically measured in kilowatts (kW). Power can vary depending on the pump's size and operating pressure.

  • Motor speed:

    The motor speed of a swash plate piston pump refers to the rotation rate of the motor driving the pump, typically measured in revolutions per minute (rpm). Motor speed can affect the pump's flow and pressure.

  • Dimensions and weight:

    The dimensions and weight of swash plate piston pumps can vary depending on their size and design. Common dimensions include length, width, and height; weight is usually measured in kilograms (kg).

  • Material:

    Swash plate piston pumps are usually made of metal, plastic, and other materials. For example, Aluminum Alloy is frequently used for the housing material to provide strength and durability.

Proper maintenance ensures the correct functioning of piston pumps with swash plates. Here are some maintenance tips:

  • Regular Cleaning:

    Clean the external surfaces of the pump to remove dirt, dust, and other contaminants. Use water and mild detergents for cleaning and make sure the surfaces are completely dry before use.

  • Check Connections:

    Regularly check the pump's inlet, outlet, and connector to ensure no looseness, leakage, or misalignment. If there are any problems, please adjust or replace them in time to avoid affecting the pump's performance.

  • Lubrication:

    Some swash plate piston pumps need to be lubricated periodically. Please refer to the user manual to understand the type and interval of lubricating oil, and ensure that the lubricating oil quantity is sufficient and clean.

  • Replace Consumable Parts:

    Some parts of the swash plate piston pump may be damaged or worn due to use, such as seals, valves, etc. Please replace these consumable parts regularly to maintain the steady operation of the pump.

  • Pay Attention to Operating Conditions:

    For swash plate piston pumps that need to be used under particular conditions (such as high temperatures, high humidity, etc.), it is essential to ensure that the environmental conditions meet the requirements to avoid damaging the equipment.

Scenarios of piston and swash plates

The piston and swash plate mechanism is commonly used in many industries and applications.

  • Hydraulic Pumps and Motors

    Piston pumps and motors convey fluids and convert energy. Power sources (e.g., electric motors) use swash plate motors to change rotational movement into linear motion, which pushes a hydraulic fluid through pipes. The pressure causes pumps to work, doing various jobs such as lifting, moving, which are common in construction and manufacturing industry.

  • VFD Piston Compressors

    A piston swash plate compressor changes gas pressure and volume. It takes in gas (like refrigerants), compresses it, and sends it out. Refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps all use compressors. Swash plate variable frequency drive compressors have speed control for better energy saving. That means good efficiency, steady operation, and quiet functioning.

  • Piston Swash Plate Engines

    These types of engines can be found in some vehicles and motorbikes. An advantage of having a swash plate design is that the engines can be less heavy than regular crankshaft engines. That can make the vehicle lighter and give better performance.

  • Aerospace Industry

    In the aerospace sector, there're important machines like piston swash plate hydraulic pumps and actuators. They use the piston swash plate design because it's compact and has high power. They fit well in light aircrafts and rotorcrafts (like helicopters). The swash plate transfers the hydraulic fluid's energy efficiently.

How to choose Piston and Swash Plates

When buying piston and swash plate components for an engine, it is crucial to first research the target market's preferences. Knowing what customers look for when purchasing these items is essential. Do they look for the material used to make the swash plate or the size of the piston plate? This will help develop a purchasing strategy that will ensure the most suitable items are picked.

It is also important to consider the quality of the piston swash plate. Poor-quality items will only ruin one's reputation as a seller. Customers are likely to return a good number of items if they are of poor quality. Look for items manufactured under strict quality measures to ensure they meet the required standards. Negotiate for competitive prices with suppliers so that users can realize good profits.

Understand the different types of piston swash plates and their functionalities. This will come in handy when explaining the advantages of choosing these items to one's customers. Always go for items that have a warranty feature as this will come to the buyer's rescue in case the customers demand defective products to be replaced.

Check out online reviews to know what other customers say about the swash plate and piston supplier. If the reviews are mostly negative, it's best to look for another supplier. The same applies to the products in stock. Request samples to assess the quality of the items. People are also encouraged to read product descriptions carefully to learn about the specifics of the items in stock.

Piston and swash plate FAQ

Q1: What are the benefits of using a swash plate compressor?

A1: Swash plate compressors are lighter and smaller than other compressor types, such as scroll or reciprocating compressors. They also offer higher efficiencies and longer lifespans.

Q2: How does the piston vs. swash plate VC compressors work?

A2: The ice puck compressors use an evaporator coil within the unit, while the outside condenser coil releases heat. As the refrigerant absorbs heat from the indoor air, it changes from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure gas. The high-pressure gas then flows to the outside unit, where it releases the heat energy, and the refrigerant changes back to a low-pressure gas. The compressor's job is to ensure that the refrigerant circulates throughout the system. Voltage regulation compressors adjust the voltage in order to adjust the speed of the refrigerant flow and the fluctuating indoor temperature demands. The higher the indoor temperature, the higher voltage the piston will receive, and vice versa. In piston voltage regulation, a single piston is used to compress the refrigerant. Other types of voltage regulation include multiple pistons or rods connecting to a swash plate with more pistons.

Q3: What are the trends in the piston and swash plate market?

A3: Global demand for piston and swash plate players is likely to be underpinned by the durable demand for end-use industries. However, global economic development is increasing, advancing the need for industrial activities and machinery. The HVAC industry swash plate compressor market is likely to see significant traction. The market is propelling demand for efficient energy technology that can curb the use of areas and ensure the use of space imperatively.

Q4: What drives the piston and swash plate market?

A4: The industrial activities increase the need for machines that are likely to push the demand for piston and swash plate compressor demands in the market. They are extensively used in the refrigeration of chemical solvents and refrigerants.