New electronic vacuum switch has dual LCD display
Hingham, Mass.—Piab has introduced a new three-color display electronic vacuum switch for vacuum system monitoring and for saving energy. The switch has a powerful three-color (red, orange, green) LCD display that makes it easy to read from a distance, preventing the need to be in close proximity to a moving robot or machine cell. The dual display shows both the set value and the actual value allowing for precise monitoring of the vacuum system. Set up is easy with the easy control buttons as is the installation as mounting brackets are included. Seven different programmable units of vacuum are available and the ...
AutomationDirect expands tubing and fittings offering in pneumatics line
AutomationDirect has added new models of tubing and fittings to its NITRA line of pneumatic components, as well as blow guns and aluminum manifolds. Available in 100-and 250-ft lengths, NITRA 16mm polyurethane tubing has a shore A 98 hardness rating, provides tight outside diameter tolerance and has superior kink resistance. The ether-based tubing provides excellent hydrolysis, oil and cold resistance. Available in four colors, 16mm polyurethane tubing starts at $114. A variety of 16mm push-to-connect fittings are also available. NITRA brass adapter fittings and plugs are available in 10 different styles to meet most pneumatic applications such as air, water, oil, oxygen, ...
Technology-neutral selection of electric and pneumatic drives
Users often make the choice of drive technology—pneumatic or electric—on the basis of experience alone. However, in order to identify the most energy-efficient customer solution in the field of automation, a technology-neutral comparison is required. With the engineering software PositioningDrives, users require just a few key data in order to arrive at the right solution. Which electro-mechanical linear actuator best meets requirements? All that is needed is the input of position values, the payload and the installation position, and the software will suggest an optimized solution. A common dimensioning process for mechanical drive and transmission components and motors prevents a duplication of ...
Pneumatic Seals
Simrit’s piston sealing systems reduce friction
Elgin, Ill.—Simrit, the industrial sealing division of Freudenberg-NOK Sealing...
Seal materials conform to 3-A sanitary standard
Fort Wayne, Ind.—Trelleborg’s Turcon MF6 and Zurcon Z431 PEEK seal and bearing...
Trelleborg launches improved Isolast J9440
Fort Wayne, Ind.—Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has launched an improved Isolast...
Read More on Pneumatic Seals HEREPneumatic Valves
Stepper-controlled pneumatic proportional valve
Cincinnati—Using a robust and powerful linear actuator, the high-flow stepper-controlled...
Highly scalable valve manifold offers value, performance
Hauppauge, N.Y.—The Festo MPA-L valve manifold offers a mix of value and performance....
Proper design requires knowledge of valve types
By William Miller, Humphrey Products Valves used in the medical device industry are...
Click HERE for more on Pneumatic ValvesTubing Components
AutomationDirect has added new models of tubing and fittings to its NITRA line of...
Expanded tubing and hose line
AutomationDirect has added new tubing and hose options to its NITRA line of pneumatic...
Kink Resistant Polyurethane Tubing
NITRA polyurethane (PUR) tubing is made from high quality 100% virgin raw materials. ...
Read More Posts on Tubing Components HEREAir Preparation
Energy isolation for washdown applications
Building on its rugged Stainless Steel L-O-X lockout and exhaust valve, ROSS Controls...
Festo introduces MS9 compressed air preparation unit
Hauppauge, N.Y.—Festo is now offering the latest addition to its MS-series air...
Compressed air filters offer top-load design
The Filtration and Separation Division of Parker Hannifin has introduced a new line...
Click HERE to read up on Air PreparationIndustry News
Deschner adds video library to redesigned website
Santa Ana, Calif.—A completely redesigned corporate website has been introduced by Deschner Corp. According to Toby Ryan, President, new features have been added to showcase the Deschner line of high quality industrial shock absorbers, speed controls and other specialty devices. “With our extensive CAD drawing library and application video selection... Continue Reading HERE
NFPA accepting nominations for 2012 Fluid Power Innovation Award
Milwaukee—The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) is accepting nominations for the 2012 Fluid Power Innovation Award, a fluid power technology award program for innovative engineers and technicians who are using fluid power to address the needs of their customers. “As the trade association representing the entire fluid power supply chain, NFPA... Continue Reading HERE
In 1852, the burgeoning use of steam power led Edward Ashcroft to produce his first revolutionary “Bourdon tube” pressure gage. With the growing need for more accurate and reliable instrumentation, Ashcroft gages soon became a staple on board steam ships, railroad locomotives and in industries throughout North America. 160 years later, Ashcroft... Continue Reading HERE
Micro-excavator a powerful fluid power teaching tool
A micro-excavator, powered by water hydraulics or pneumatics and small enough to fit in a hand-carried storage bin, provides an exciting new platform for increasing understandings of the importance of fluid power as well as insights into the technology itself. This innovative learning resource is well-suited for many audiences, too—in classrooms,... Continue Reading HERE
ROSS Controls announced that it acquired the assets of the Detroit Coil Co., known in the marketplace as DECCO, on December 30, 2011. The history of the two companies has been intertwined, as DECCO has supplied components to ROSS for many decades. ROSS, headquartered in Troy, Mich., designs and manufactures precision pneumatic valves, control systems... Continue Reading HERE
NFPA webinar to explore pneumatic system design
Milwaukee—Designers of pneumatic systems will have the opportunity to learn from a leading expert on ISO 4414 by joining the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) for the first in a series of six one-hour webinars, to be held on January 26, 2012 (Thursday) starting at 2:00 p.m. Eastern time. Safe, reliable and efficient pneumatic systems —... Continue Reading HERE
When 2011 started, I would have expected that the triennial IFPE show would have been the talk of the year. And the show was an impressive one, with more than 400 exhibitors, 100,000+ attendees at the combined co-located shows (including CONEXPO and CON/AGG) and a wonderful technical conference. But what I find perhaps most significant for the industry... Continue Reading HERE
SimpleCAD’s fluid power symbol libraries compatible with AutoCAD 2013
SimpleCAD has announced that it is preparing many of their industrial block libraries for the new AutoCAD 2013 release expected to arrive in spring 2012. SimpleCAD completed 2013 testing on one of their flagship products called the CAD-SYM library. The block library is comprised of electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic control systems. SimpleCAD President... Continue Reading HERE
Peter Paul Electronics unveils new website, logo, training program
New Britain, Conn.—PeterPaul has introduced new branding starting with our new logo which builds on its history and commitment to continuous improvement. It incorporates an evolved double P, our traditional blue, quality and strength in stainless steel. It is slanted indicating forward movement; speed and progress. The website is easy to use. The... Continue Reading HERE
New technical standards available from NFPA
Milwaukee—Three new technical documents have recently been published and are now available from the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA). ISO 4397:2011 (supersedes ISO 4397:1993): Fluid power connectors and associated components – Nominal outside diameters of tubes and nominal hose sizes Scope: This International Standard specifies information... Continue Reading HERE
NFPA webcast series to look at improving system design
Milwaukee—The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) will present a series of webcasts to focus on key issues facing the fluid power industry today. Learn how to use standards to design and build better fluid power systems to: · increase energy efficiency · improve reliability · reduce environmental impact · ensure system safety A series of six... Continue Reading HERE
Bimba unveils new website, customer tools
University Park, Ill.—Bimba Manufacturing has debuted a new website, featuring an updated look and improved functionality. The redesign includes state-of-the-art technical features, reorganized and updated content, and rich multimedia applications. Enhanced CAD drawing functionality and interactivity leads the suite of new features on the website,... Continue Reading HERE
ControlAir launches new website
Amherst, N.H.—ControlAir Inc., a manufacturer of precision pneumatic and electro-pneumatic controls, unveiled a redesigned website at www.controlair.com. The web site is faster, easier to access from all web browsers, notepad computers and mobile devices and also incorporates a search tool on the new home page. The redesign will provide customers... Continue Reading HERE
Fluid power energy efficiency conference is a hit
Jon Jensen of SMC, Immediate Past President of the International Fluid Power Society, opened up the first Energy Efficient Hydraulics and Pneumatics Conference at the Sheraton Chicago O’Hare Airport Hotel on Tuesday. Jensen explained that the registered attendance was 107, an excellent showing for a first-time event. What I found most impressive was... Continue Reading HERE
ASCO Numatics sponsors industrial automation college scholarships
ASCO Numatics, a division of Emerson, announced its 2012/2013 college engineering scholarship program aimed at rewarding exceptional undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a career in manufacturing and processing engineering. ASCO Numatics will award two, $5,000 scholarships to U.S. engineering students who are pursuing careers in industrial automation-related... Continue Reading HERE
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Paul J. Heney, the Editorial Director for Design World, has a BS in Engineering Science & Mechanics and a minor in Technical Communications from Georgia Tech. Heney has more than 14 years of experience in the fluid power industry, covering pneumatics, sensors, air preparation, pneumatic systems, valves and the whole spectrum of fluid power technology.