NORDBORG, DENMARK — Danfoss Power Solutions today announced the release of its most advanced Vickers® by Danfoss medium-pressure axial piston pump, engineered to deliver a new level of efficiency, performance, and system flexibility. Designed to meet the evolving needs of industrial machinery, the new PVMX pump offers substantial advancements over previous model series and competitive products. Initially available in a 28-cc displacement, the PVMX Axial Piston Pump marks a major leap forward in hydraulic system design, combining high dynamic performance, low energy consumption, and a smart control architecture.
A range of high-performance ratings puts the PVMX pump at the top of its class, delivering significant efficiency and operational benefits. It features a continuous operating pressure of up to 350 bar, enabling greater power density, reduced actuator size, and minimized system stress. Its rated rotational speed of 3,800 rpm is perfectly matched for high-speed servo motor applications requiring fast response and frequent cycling. Furthermore, it operates with impressively low noise levels, achieving as low as 72 dB(A) (at 280 bar and 3,000 rpm), making it ideal for acoustically sensitive environments. These capabilities support quieter machines, faster response times, and compact hydraulic power units.
These high-performance specifications, combined with the pump's ability to operate in two-quadrant mode, further expand the range of suitable applications. Designed for bidirectional flow without complex valving, the pump allows the flow direction to be reversed by either reversing the direction of the servo motor or utilizing the pump's over-center design. This simplifies system architecture while enabling advanced motion control functions such as fast actuator retraction, controlled deceleration, and pressure relief cycles.
In servo-hydraulic applications such as injection molding, die casting, or vertical presses, the pump's ability to facilitate energy recovery plays a transformative role. During operations like mold retraction or gravity-assisted movements, the actuator's reverse flow is efficiently routed through the pump. In this mode, the actuator drives the pump mechanically; the pump, in turn, drives the motor, and the motor acts as a generator, feeding electrical energy back into the system. This process enables true regenerative braking and substantial energy savings, reducing the load on the main motor drive and minimizing system heat.
Compared to traditional fixed-speed pump systems, this servo-driven pump can achieve energy savings of up to 80%, depending on the duty cycle. Several factors drive this efficiency: the pump operates only when needed (eliminating idle losses), higher speeds enable the use of smaller electric motors, energy recuperation during deceleration offsets input power demands, and reduced cooling requirements lower heat generation. The result is a significant reduction in overall power consumption, leading to lower operating costs, a reduced carbon footprint, and improved compliance with energy efficiency directives.
Supporting speeds up to 3,800 rpm, a 35% increase over previous Vickers by Danfoss medium-pressure pumps, the PVMX is optimized for next-generation servo motor-driven architectures. This synergy allows for faster machine cycles and dynamic response, in addition to enabling the downsizing of motors and drive electronics and simplifying system layouts. This improved controllability leads to increased productivity and precision for high-precision applications in plastics, forming, test stands, and mobile machinery.
Built in compliance with ISO and SAE interface standards, the PVMX offers a full range of control options, including pressure compensation, load sensing, and dual displacement, with more planned for future release. Multiple drive shaft and through-drive configurations, as well as various mounting flanges and porting arrangements, are also available. This flexibility enables OEMs to design or retrofit systems with minimal customization, accelerating time-to-market and simplifying inventory management.
“Compact, efficient, and smart, the PVMX contributes to smaller system footprints, lower cooling requirements, and reduced installed motor power. This innovative pump empowers OEMs and system designers to meet future sustainability targets while simultaneously increasing throughput and reducing the total cost of ownership,” said Yuanjin (Stein) Wang, Global Product Management Director, Pumps and Motors, Industrial division, Danfoss Power Solutions.
For more information, visit the PVMX pump webpage.