Which component is essential in controlling the flow and pressure outputs of an axial piston pump?

The control of flow and pressure outputs in an axial piston pump is primarily achieved through piston displacement control. This component allows for the adjustment of the volume of fluid that the pump can move with each stroke of the pistons. By changing the angle of the swash plate or altering the piston stroke, the displacement can be varied, which in turn directly affects the volume of fluid being pumped and the pressure of the system.

Effective piston displacement control is crucial because it enables precise management of flow rates and ensures that the output pressure meets the demands of the hydraulic system. This adaptability is vital for varying operational conditions and application requirements. With proper displacement control, the pump can respond dynamically to changes in system demand, providing both efficiency and performance.

While other components, such as a pressure relief valve, contribute to safety by preventing pressure from exceeding safe levels, they do not control flow and pressure outputs directly in the same way that piston displacement control does. Similarly, a flow divider may split flow among different circuits but is not responsible for regulating the overall output characteristics of the pump. The reservoir tank is essential for supplying fluid to the pump and maintaining system levels but does not influence flow or pressure outputs directly.