Trunnion Mount | Roll Forming Machine Hydraulic Cylinder Trunnion Mount
Trunnion Mount
1. Technical Definition
A trunnion mount is a mounting system used to support a hydraulic cylinder with pivoting capability by using two projecting mounting pins called trunnions. These trunnions extend from the sides of the cylinder and fit into machine support brackets or bearing blocks, allowing the cylinder to rotate slightly during operation.
Trunnion mounts are designed to support heavy loads while allowing controlled angular movement. This type of mounting is commonly used when the hydraulic cylinder must pivot as it extends and retracts.
In roll forming machines, trunnion-mounted cylinders are commonly used in hydraulic systems powering:
Hydraulic flying cutoff systems
Hydraulic punching units
Hydraulic press mechanisms
Hydraulic lifting mechanisms
Hydraulic positioning systems
They provide strong structural support while allowing controlled movement.
2. Where It Is Located
The trunnion mount is installed on the body of the hydraulic cylinder, typically near the center or base of the cylinder barrel.
Common installation locations in roll forming machines include:
Hydraulic cutting system cylinders
Hydraulic punch press actuators
Hydraulic positioning cylinders
Hydraulic lifting assemblies
Hydraulic press mechanisms
The trunnion pins rest inside machine-mounted support brackets or bearing housings.
3. Primary Functions
3.1 Support the Hydraulic Cylinder
Provides a stable mounting point for the cylinder.
3.2 Allow Pivoting Movement
Allows the cylinder to rotate slightly during extension and retraction.
3.3 Transfer Hydraulic Force
Transmits cylinder force to machine structures.
3.4 Maintain Mechanical Alignment
Helps maintain proper alignment between the cylinder and driven components.
4. How It Works
The trunnion mount supports the hydraulic cylinder through pivoting support pins.
Typical operation process:
The trunnion pins extend from the cylinder body.
Machine brackets or bearing blocks support the trunnion pins.
The cylinder rests on these supports.
When the cylinder extends or retracts, the body rotates slightly around the trunnion axis.
This pivoting motion allows the cylinder to follow the movement of the connected machine mechanism.
The hydraulic cylinder transmits force while remaining properly aligned.
This mounting system allows smooth mechanical motion with minimal stress.
5. Types of Trunnion Mounts
Fixed Trunnion Mount
The trunnion pins are permanently fixed to the cylinder body.
Detachable Trunnion Mount
Allows removal or adjustment of the mounting assembly.
Centerline Trunnion Mount
Mounted near the center of the cylinder barrel.
End Trunnion Mount
Installed near the base end of the cylinder.
6. Construction & Materials
Trunnion mounts are manufactured from strong materials capable of supporting heavy mechanical loads.
Common materials include:
Carbon steel
Alloy steel
Forged steel
Heat-treated steel
Important structural characteristics include:
Cylindrical trunnion pins
Precision-machined bearing surfaces
High tensile strength
Corrosion-resistant coatings
These features ensure reliable support and durability.
7. Design Considerations
Engineers consider several factors when designing trunnion mounts.
Important considerations include:
Load capacity requirements
Trunnion pin diameter
Bearing support design
Cylinder alignment requirements
Resistance to mechanical fatigue
Proper mount design ensures stable cylinder operation.
8. Load & Stress Conditions
Trunnion mounts must withstand:
High mechanical loads from hydraulic cylinder force
Shock loads during machine operation
Rotational movement stresses
Machine vibration
Industrial trunnion mounts are designed for long-term reliability.
9. High-Speed Production Considerations
High-speed roll forming machines often require rapid cylinder movement. Trunnion mounts must allow smooth pivoting motion without excessive wear.
10. Heavy Gauge Applications
Heavy gauge roll forming machines often use large hydraulic cylinders with heavy-duty trunnion mounts designed to support high loads.
11. Light Gauge Applications
Light gauge roll forming machines typically use smaller cylinders with standard trunnion mounts.
12. Common Failure Causes
Trunnion mounts may fail due to:
Excessive mechanical loads
Bearing wear at the trunnion supports
Misalignment of mounting brackets
Metal fatigue or cracking
Routine inspection helps prevent mounting failures.
13. Symptoms of Trunnion Mount Issues
Technicians may observe:
Excessive cylinder movement or vibration
Noise from the mounting brackets
Visible wear on trunnion pins
Misalignment of hydraulic cylinders
These symptoms may indicate trunnion mount wear.
14. Installation Requirements
Proper installation of trunnion mounts includes:
Aligning the trunnion pins with machine support brackets
Ensuring correct bearing support
Securing the cylinder in the mounting frame
Verifying correct alignment with machine linkages
Correct installation ensures reliable cylinder operation.
15. Maintenance Requirements
Routine maintenance should include:
Inspecting trunnion pins for wear or damage
Checking mounting brackets and bearings
Lubricating pivot points when required
Replacing worn mounting components
Regular maintenance helps maintain stable cylinder support.
16. Typical Replacement Cost
Trunnion mount costs vary depending on size and design.
Typical price ranges include:
Small cylinder trunnion mount
$150 – $400
Industrial trunnion mount
$400 – $1,200
Heavy-duty trunnion mount
$1,200 – $3,500+
Costs depend on load capacity and material.
17. Safety Considerations
A damaged trunnion mount may lead to:
Hydraulic cylinder misalignment
Structural mounting failure
Loss of machine control
Potential machine damage
Maintaining properly functioning trunnion mounts is essential for safe machine operation.
18. Role in Roll Forming Machine Assemblies
Trunnion mounts support hydraulic systems used in roll forming machines including:
Hydraulic cutting systems
Punch press hydraulics
Hydraulic actuator systems
Hydraulic lifting mechanisms
Hydraulic positioning systems
They provide pivoting structural support for hydraulic cylinders.
Engineering Summary
The trunnion mount is a pivoting support system used to mount hydraulic cylinders to machine structures.
It:
Supports the hydraulic cylinder body
Allows controlled pivoting movement
Transfers hydraulic force to machine components
Maintains mechanical alignment
Ensures stable cylinder mounting
Trunnion mounts are heavy-duty mounting systems commonly used in roll forming machine hydraulic cylinders.
Technical FAQ
What is a trunnion mount?
It is a pivoting mounting system used to support hydraulic cylinders.
Where is a trunnion mount located?
It is typically mounted on the body of the hydraulic cylinder.
What does a trunnion mount do?
It allows the cylinder to pivot during operation.
What materials are trunnion mounts made from?
They are typically made from steel or forged steel.
What happens if a trunnion mount fails?
The hydraulic cylinder may become misaligned or detach from the machine.