Hydraulics & pneumatics
Part of the Mechanical Engineering & Industrial Equipment sector
Hydraulics use pressurised fluid and pneumatics use compressed air to generate force and motion — cylinders, valves, pumps, actuators and the hose and fittings that connect them. This hub explains the main types and how to find and compare verified suppliers on Digibition.
Looking to source in this sector, or want your company to appear here? Browse the directory or list your company.
Overview
Hydraulics and pneumatics are fluid-power technologies that convert pressure into controlled force and motion. Hydraulics use pressurised oil to deliver very high force in a compact package, driving cylinders and motors in presses, mobile machinery and heavy equipment. Pneumatics use compressed air for fast, clean, lighter-duty motion, common in automation, packaging and assembly.
The category covers cylinders and actuators, directional and control valves, pumps and compressors for fluid power, power units, filters, hose, tube and fittings, and the seals and accessories that complete a system. Buyers include machine builders and OEMs, mobile and industrial equipment makers, automation integrators and maintenance operations keeping lines running.
On Digibition, hydraulics and pneumatics manufacturers, system builders and authorised distributors publish verified profiles, so engineering and procurement buyers can discover and compare them by specialization and country.
What to check when sourcing
Specify components against the system, not in isolation. Define the force or torque and the speed you need, the operating pressure and flow, and the environment (temperature, contamination, washdown). For hydraulics confirm pressure ratings, fluid compatibility and sealing; for pneumatics confirm bore, stroke, air quality and consumption. Match hose, tube and fittings to the pressure, medium and connection standard so the assembly is safe and leak-free.
Cleanliness and compatibility drive reliability. Fluid contamination is a leading cause of hydraulic failure, so filtration and the right seals matter; in pneumatics, air preparation (filtering, regulating, lubricating) protects components. Confirm pressure ratings are never exceeded and that the components carry the conformity marks your market requires for pressure equipment and machinery.
Support and availability keep systems running: ask about spare seals and repair kits, hose assembly service, stock and lead times, and local technical support. Use the directory to shortlist suppliers by specialization and country, then contact several and compare specifications, compatibility, delivery and price before you commit.
What to check when sourcing hydraulics and pneumatics
| Criterion | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Force & motion | Required force or torque, speed, pressure and flow for the duty |
| Pressure rating | Components and hose rated safely above the working pressure |
| Compatibility | Fluid, seal and material compatibility across the system |
| Cleanliness | Filtration for hydraulics and air preparation for pneumatics |
| Connections | Hose, tube and fittings matched to pressure and connection standard |
| Support & compliance | Repair kits, local support and required conformity marks |
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between hydraulics and pneumatics?
- Hydraulics use pressurised liquid (usually oil) to deliver very high force in a compact package, suited to heavy duties. Pneumatics use compressed air for faster, cleaner and lighter-duty motion, common in automation and assembly. Both convert pressure into controlled force and motion.
- What components make up a fluid-power system?
- Typical components include cylinders and actuators, directional and control valves, pumps or compressors and power units, filters and air-preparation units, and the hose, tube, fittings and seals that connect and seal the system.
- How do I find hydraulics and pneumatics suppliers?
- Use the Digibition directory to filter by this specialization and by country, then open each company profile to review its products, specializations and certifications. You can message suppliers directly, or add several to a quote list and request quotes from all of them at once.
- Why does cleanliness matter in these systems?
- Contamination is a leading cause of failure in fluid power. In hydraulics, dirt in the oil wears pumps, valves and seals, so filtration matters; in pneumatics, proper air preparation protects valves and actuators. Keeping the fluid clean greatly extends component life.
- What should I check before ordering components?
- Define the force, speed, pressure and flow for the duty, and confirm every component and hose is rated safely above the working pressure. Check fluid and seal compatibility, filtration or air preparation, the connection standard, and the required conformity marks. This is general information, not legal or technical advice.
Looking to source in this sector, or want your company to appear here? Browse the directory or list your company.
Important notice
This page is general industry information published by Digibition for educational purposes only. It is not legal, financial, tax, customs, regulatory, or other professional advice, and it is not a substitute for advice from a qualified professional. Standards, certifications, duties, taxes, and regulatory requirements differ between countries and markets and change over time; nothing here is guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current. Verify any requirement independently with a qualified adviser and the relevant competent authority before you act. Digibition is an online company directory and digital-fair platform; it is not a party to any transaction between users and does not endorse, guarantee, or accept responsibility for any third-party company, product, claim, or certification. A company being reviewed or approved for listing refers only to Digibition's internal listing review and is not a warranty of that company's quality, legality, solvency, or performance. Any mention of specific standards or certifications is illustrative and is not an endorsement or a statement of compliance. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, Digibition accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this page; any reliance is at your own risk.