A linear axis used to deliver power, perform motion sequences, and handle positioning tasks must be effective and reliable. At the same time, it should also be efficient—ideally throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial engineering and system design to final maintenance and service.
Bosch Rexroth’s modular, plug-and-play CytroForce solution demonstrates that servo-hydraulic axes can be easy to configure, simple to operate, and economical to maintain. Delivered as a ready-to-use solution, CytroForce opens up new application possibilities while helping equipment manufacturers reduce costs across several areas.
What new fields of application does this product enable, and where can it potentially generate cost savings? Let's take a closer look.
The CytroForce servo-hydraulic actuator combines a servo drive, pump, and integrated hydraulic cylinder to provide closed-loop control and plug-and-play operation.
CytroForce is a ready-to-use solution built from flow-optimized modules. It establishes new benchmarks for power density, energy efficiency, and low operating noise. Once delivered, the system is ready for plug-and-play integration.
Even machine manufacturers with limited hydraulic experience can benefit from applications that may previously have seemed difficult or unfamiliar, while minimizing total costs from engineering and commissioning through maintenance and service.
Feature
- Preconfigured actuators based on proven Bosch Rexroth components
- High power and performance, with a force range of 40 to 1,200 kN
- Maximum stroke of 1.0 meter
- Maximum speed of up to 0.8 m/s
- Extremely compact design that incorporates a complete hydraulic system without requiring additional external piping
- High energy efficiency through a variable-speed pump drive
Hydraulic Component Options for Conventional and Customized Systems
CytroForce is supplied as an integrated Bosch Rexroth actuator rather than as a collection of separately selected hydraulic components. However, many machine builders operate mixed equipment fleets that also include conventional open-circuit and closed-circuit hydraulic systems. These systems continue to require individual pumps, motors, control valves, replacement components, and application-specific engineering.
For these conventional and customized hydraulic applications, Bohang Hydraulic offers a product portfolio that includes hydraulic pumps, hydraulic motors, hydraulic valves, piston-pump and piston-motor spare parts, and custom hydraulic solutions. Its piston pumps and motors are manufactured to Rexroth production standards and are intended to provide interchangeable options for applicable systems. The company serves applications including construction machinery, agricultural machinery, material-handling equipment, industrial equipment, and municipal machinery.
Its hydraulic pump range includes:
- A10VO variable-displacement axial-piston pumps for open-circuit systems
- A2FO fixed-displacement axial-piston pumps
- A4VSO heavy-duty variable pumps for open circuits
- A4VG heavy-duty variable pumps for closed circuits
- A11V(L)O variable-displacement pumps
- A20V(L)O variable double pumps
- A2F and A4FO fixed pump and motor replacement series
- AZPF external gear pumps
For example, the Bohang A10VO range covers displacements from 18 to 140 cm³/rev, with a listed nominal pressure of 280 bar and peak pressure of 350 bar. The A2FO range covers displacements from 5 to 1,000 cm³/rev, with a listed nominal pressure of 400 bar and peak pressure of 450 bar.
These products should be considered separate component solutions for conventional, replacement, or custom hydraulic circuits. They should not be described as internal components of CytroForce, and compatibility with a particular machine must always be verified using the system pressure, required flow, displacement, rotation direction, shaft design, mounting flange, port configuration, control method, and operating environment.
Four potential benefits points
1 .Simple Engineering Design
One of CytroForce's primary objectives is to make the unique benefits of servo-hydraulic axes available to users without requiring extensive hydraulic expertise. At the same time, it significantly reduces the engineering workload for machine manufacturers.
The process is straightforward. Bosch Rexroth sales representatives can guide customers through the configuration process in either an in-person or virtual meeting. Using dedicated product design tools, they can define the required circuit, verify the available installation space, and enter application parameters such as force, speed, and stroke.
During the configuration process, the customized servo-hydraulic axis is prepared for production. This means the system can be shipped within 12 weeks after the order is placed. Quotations and technical documentation are provided in PDF format no later than the following business day.
Where an integrated actuator is not suitable and a conventional hydraulic circuit must be developed, engineering teams need to select and match the pump, motor, valves, controls, filtration, reservoir, and piping independently.
Bohang Hydraulic offers custom pump, motor, and valve manufacturing for this type of project. Its published customization process includes requirement analysis, custom design, prototype development and testing, mass production, and global delivery. Pump specifications can be tailored around the pressure and flow required by the application, while motor and valve parameters can be adapted to the required operating conditions.
This creates two different engineering paths. CytroForce reduces complexity by delivering a complete, preconfigured motion axis, while individually selected or customized Bohang components can support projects that require a traditional distributed hydraulic architecture or a specialized replacement solution.
2. Reduce overall costs
Depending on the application, CytroForce can reduce energy costs by as much as 80% over its lifecycle compared with conventional hydraulic solutions. Because the system can reduce the required hydraulic oil volume by up to 97%, a conventional hydraulic power unit is no longer necessary. The required installation space can also be reduced by approximately 50%, creating additional cost-saving opportunities.
Standardized plug-and-play interfaces simplify commissioning. At the control level, the preconfigured servo-hydraulic axis can be handled much like an electric drive. As a result, users only need to connect the electrical supply and higher-level control system, which further reduces installation and commissioning costs.
The entire hydraulic system is enclosed and requires very little maintenance. In equipment that must retain a conventional hydraulic architecture, lifecycle cost can also be influenced by the availability of appropriately matched replacement pumps, motors, valves, and internal repair components.
Bohang Hydraulic markets replacement-oriented piston pumps, motors, valves, and spare parts for applicable hydraulic systems. Its pump portfolio includes fixed- and variable-displacement options for open and closed circuits, while its spare-parts range includes components for selected piston-pump and motor series. These alternatives can be evaluated when an existing system does not justify conversion to a complete integrated actuator or when only a worn component needs to be replaced.
The lowest purchase price, however, does not automatically produce the lowest total cost of ownership. Any replacement product must be evaluated for hydraulic performance, dimensional compatibility, expected duty cycle, contamination sensitivity, technical support, and long-term parts availability.
3 .Higher Productivity
CytroForce combines strong performance with a compact, energy-efficient design. Compared with a non-integrated hydraulic linear actuator, it requires about 50% less installation space. Its variable-speed drive can reduce energy demand by up to 80%, while oil volume can be up to 97% lower than in an open hydraulic system. These advantages can reduce heat generation, simplify machine design, and support shorter, more consistent production cycles.
For conventional hydraulic systems, productivity also depends on choosing the right hydraulic pump. Bohang Hydraulic’s A10VO variable-displacement pump is designed for open-circuit applications that require adjustable flow and responsive control. Its A2FO fixed-displacement axial piston pump offers a compact option for mobile and stationary equipment that requires steady flow and high power density. The final choice should be based on operating pressure, flow rate, duty cycle, mounting requirements, and control method.
4.Improved availability
CytroForce uses an enclosed, low-maintenance hydraulic design that helps keep dirt and other contaminants out of the system. Fewer external pipes and connections also mean fewer potential leak points and less routine maintenance.
Integrated sensors and open interfaces provide access to operating data that can help identify problems before they cause a shutdown. When connected to Bosch Rexroth's ODiN or CytroConnect services, the system can also support condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, helping operators reduce unplanned downtime.
For conventional hydraulic equipment, fast access to suitable replacement parts is just as important. Bohang Hydraulic supplies hydraulic valves, axial piston motors, and pump and motor spare parts for repair and maintenance applications. Correct pressure ratings, mounting dimensions, port configurations, and system compatibility should always be confirmed before replacement.
Two Paths Toward More Efficient Hydraulics
CytroForce is designed for machine builders that want a compact, preconfigured servo-hydraulic linear axis. By combining the drive, pump, cylinder, and control functions in one unit, it reduces the engineering and installation work normally associated with a conventional hydraulic system.
Component-based systems remain a practical choice for machines with distributed hydraulic functions, custom circuit requirements, or existing equipment that needs repair or upgrading. Bohang Hydraulic offers hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, spare parts, and custom solutions for these applications.
The right approach depends on the machine design, required pressure and flow, available installation space, control system, maintenance needs, and total lifecycle cost.