Looking for the latest pneumatic actuator news? Look no further. Pneumatics Tips provides the most up to date news and information on pneumatic actuator products and pneumatic automation. For specific news and information on pneumatic actuator innovations, take a look at the articles below.
PSV Mitech’s custom designed pneumatic rotary actuators
PSV Mitech (www.mitech.co.za) have announced the release of its latest range of pneumatic rotary actuators.
Custom designed, the low maintenance actuators are suitable for use in various applications. The company has provided users with the selection of either a scotch yoke mechanism for on/off duty or a double crank mechanism for modulating control.
The actuator with the double crank mechanism delivers negligible backlash, high run torques and low friction, while the actuator offering scotch yoke mechanism provides users with the benefits of high end torques.
Field reversible from clockwise-to-close to clockwise-to-open, the actuators feature a Namur mounting for positioners or switch packs on the transfer case lid and on the top shaft.
The pneumatic piston design of the actuator allows it to be engineered and fitted to most valves with a torque of up to 250,000 Nm. With a square drive, users can mount the actuators in line with or perpendicular to the pipe work, while the adjustable end stops are adjusted externally within seven degrees in both the open and closed position.
Meanwhile, the single spring design of the actuator helps users easily assemble as well as disassemble it, and for easy maintenance, the pressure seals feature simple ‘O’ rings design.
PSV Mitech’s all-new actuators are ideally suited for use in various applications including petrochemical, power generation, pulp and paper, mining as well as iron and steel industries.
Gripper series suitable for assembly, handling systems
February 3, 2012 by Paul Heney
Filed under Actuators
Hauppage, N.Y.—Standard grippers are the first choice for cost-effective, lightweight and compact construction of handling and assembly systems. The parallel, three-point, radial and angle gripper series DHxS from Festo features optimized gripping force retention and overload protection as well as integrated sensor slots. It offers increased reliability in a range of sizes and stroke lengths.
Precise
A number of forward-looking features ensure reliability and precision. The integrated fixed restrictor provides an effective safety buffer, protecting against overloading during high-speed gripper motions and preventing damage due to excessive forces. The integrated sensor slots in the medium and large sizes offer the advantage of cost-effective stroke sensing via sensors SMx. Their integration has resulted in a slim, compact design without any interference contours caused by external sensors. The new, compression spring-assisted gripping force retention provides more security in the event of a pressure failure. In addition, T-slot guides increase the torque resistance of the gripper jaws.
The double-acting piston drive gives the standard grippers stable kinematics and maximum repetition accuracy. A wide range of mounting options in the form of threaded, fitting and centering holes make the new generation of Festo standard grippers very flexible to mount.
Reliable
The parallel and three-point grippers DHxS have lightweight aluminium housing with integrated receiving hole for the pneumatic piston. The force generated by the linear motion is transferred to the low-backlash gripper jaws by means of lever kinematics. Since the lever is indirectly in mesh with the two gripper jaws via a piston rod, there is no need for additional synchronization.
The pneumatic pistons of the double-acting DHxS radial and angle grippers act on the gripper jaws, mounted on pivots in a gripper jaw guide, by means of a slotted guide system. As with parallel and three-point grippers, this means that there is no need for separate synchronization.
High-tech spider is suitable for hazardous missions
November 29, 2011 by Paul Heney
Filed under Actuators, Featured
Spiders are very agile, and some can even jump. Researchers have now designed a mobile robot modeled on the same principle that moves spider legs. Created using a 3D printing process, this lightweight robot can explore terrain that is beyond human reach.
Enviably agile and purposeful, the mobile robot makes its way through grounds rendered off-limits to humans as the result of a chemical accident. Depressions, ruts and other obstacles are no match for this eight-legged high-tech journeyman. With a camera and measurement equipment on board, it will provide emergency responders with an image of the situation on the ground, along with any data about poisonous substances. Not an easy task—after all, it must be prevented from tipping over. But this risk seems a minor one as it confidently and reliably picks its way through the area. As a real spider would, it keeps four legs on the ground at all times while the other four turn and ready themselves for the next step.
Even in its appearance, this artificial articulate creature resembles an octopod. And no wonder—the natural specimen provided the model for researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA. This high-tech assistant is still a prototype, but future plans envision its use as an exploratory tool in environments that are too hazardous for humans, or too difficult to get to. After natural catastrophes and industrial or reactor accidents, or in fire department sorties, it can help responders, for instance by broadcasting live images or tracking down hazards or leaking gas.
With its long extremities, the spider has a range of ways to get around. Some models can even jump. This is possible using hydraulically operated bellows drives that serve as joints and keep limbs mobile. With no muscles to stretch their legs, these creatures build up high levels of body pressure that they then use to pump fluid into their limbs. Shooting fluid into the legs extends them. “We took this mobility principle and applied it to our bionic, computer-controlled lightweight robot. Its eight legs and body are also fitted with elastic drive bellows that operate pneumatically to bend and extend its artificial limbs,” said Dipl.-Ing. Ralf Becker, a scientist at IPA.
The components required for locomotion, such as the control unit, valves and compressor pump, are located in the robot‘s body; the body can also carry various measuring devices and sensors, depending on the application at hand. Hinges interoperate with the bellows drives so that the legs can move forward and turn as needed. Diagonally opposed members move simultaneously, too. Bending the front pairs of legs pulls the robotic spider‘s body along, while stretching the rear extremities pushes it.
The special aspect of this high-tech helper: not only very light, it also combines rigid and elastic shapes in a single component; with just a few production steps, it can also be produced at low cost. To date, designs such as the mobile robot have been generated using conventional mechanical-engineering technologies—a time-consuming and costly undertaking. Researchers at IPA, on the other hand, rely on generative production technologies, and specifically on selective laser sintering (SLS) of plastics, a 3D printing process. In this process, step by step thin layers of a fine polyamide powder are applied one at a time and melted in place with the aid of a laser beam. This way, complex geometries, inner structures and lightweight components can be produced – with structures optimized much as if produced by Nature herself. The experts at IPA have a great deal of latitude in the design of their mobile robot; the leg modules, for instance, can be designed with infinitely variable load-bearing characteristics.
“We can use SLS to produce one or even several legs in a single operation; this minimizes assembly effort, saves materials and reduces the time it takes to build a robot. With the modular approach, individual parts can be quickly swapped as well. Our robot is so cheap to produce that it can be discarded after being used just once—like a disposable rubber glove,“ Becker said.
Rapid rotation with electronically controlled pneumatics
August 12, 2011 by Paul Heney
Filed under Actuators
Hauppauge, N.Y.—The Festo DSMI-B servo pneumatic swivel module, soft stop CMPX module, and free positioning CMAX module represent a new generation in electronically controlled pneumatic actuation that combines the best features of both pneumatics and electronic control in terms of speed, load capacity, precision, and low cost.
Compared with standard pneumatics, servo pneumatic solutions are up to 30% faster and use up to 30% less air. Servo pneumatic drives can also be freely positioned, making them up to 50% more economical than electrical solutions, as well as being more compact, light, and sturdy.
Savings from eliminating shock absorbers
With the DSMI-B, shock absorbers will no longer be needed on swivel modules, thus reducing purchasing, operational, and maintenance costs. At the same time, the DSMI-B offers flexible and compact solutions for a wide range of handling tasks in combination with the electrical terminal CPX and the CMPX or CMAX modules.
The sturdy semi-rotary vane drive with integrated measuring system can be used both as a soft-stop axis and for free positioning. The DSMI-B is designed for mass moments of inertia of up to 2050.3 lb-in.² (6,000 kgcm²). The DSMI-B demonstrates these strengths in a Festo laboratory ball-throwing demonstration. A ball held in the swivel arm of the DSMI-B is catapulted upwards in an even curve using a short stroke cylinder. As the ball travels through the air, the arm swivels 180° in just 0.5 seconds, brakes without vibrating, and catches the ball.
Soft stop function – CMPX
Rapid rotary and swivel movements at angles of up to 270° are simplicity itself for the compact module DSMI-B. The electronic end-position controller CMPX gently brakes the swivel drive in its end positions, even at very high speed. With this soft stop function, loads of up to 300 kg can be moved highly dynamically. The soft stop reduces cycle times by around 30% while diminishing noise, and permits virtually vibration-free movement to the mechanical end positions. The system can also be used to perform movements to two additional, user-definable intermediate positions without a fixed stop.
Freely positioned – CMAX
The possibilities of the DSMI-B are not limited to soft stop, however; free positioning is also possible. In order to achieve this, the swivel module DSMI-B is combined with the servo pneumatic positioning module CMAX. Like the end-position controller CMPX, the CMAX is one of the intelligent modules of the electrical terminal CPX and is designed for simple servo pneumatic control of pneumatic drives. Free positioning with servo pneumatics is particularly advantageous where the loads to be moved typically exceed 22 lb (10 kg). Using the CMAX, drives can be positioned precisely to within .008 inches (0.2 mm) and their force controlled accurately to 5%.
Integrates with Festo CPX
The end-position soft stop controller CMPX and freely positioned CMAX controller are easily integrated into the electrical terminal CPX, a versatile modular automation platform for valves and electrical control functions. In addition to positioning modules, other functions such as PLC control, electrical I/O, and pneumatics, in combination with the valve terminal MPA, can be integrated into the CPX for an all-in-one platform for machine OEMs.
Grippers feature high closing force
July 19, 2011 by Paul Heney
Filed under Actuators
FKHC series of angular grippers have high closing force, magnetic piston is standard. Other features include compact design for use in confined areas, hardcoated aluminum for abrasion and corrosion resistance, adjustable needle valve to control speed of jaw motion. Design includes use of second moveable part (piston) applying additional force to the gripper jaw when pressurized to close.
ContiTech’s high-performance air actuators
March 21, 2011 by Paul Heney
Filed under Actuators
At IFPE in Las Vegas, ContiTech Air Spring Systems is showcasing its high-performance air actuators for industrial pneumatic systems that eliminate the effects of problematic external factors. The FS 40-06 air actuator presented is ideal for applications involving short quick lifts. The FD 120-20 double-convolution actuator works like a double lifting cylinder and can lift masses of up to one tonne. For larger applications, there is the FT 210-32 triple-convolution actuator, which ensures uniform pressing force of the power collector on the overhead line for rail vehicles – regardless of weather conditions.
ContiTech Air Spring Systems is presenting a wide variety of products at the IFPE in Las Vegas, including its triple-convolution actuators, which are particularly well-suited for applications involving high lifts.
The company produces numerous versions of air actuators that are extremely robust, durable and more cost effective than hydraulic alternatives. The air actuators are often used in industrial manufacturing where harsh conditions usually prevail – dirt, dust and liquids can wreak havoc on the machines. In applications involving heavy caking and soiling of external surfaces – such as in the woodworking and textile machinery industries, conveyor systems as well as in offshore applications, in punch and forming presses, in sawmill machines and in the foodstuffs, construction or paper industries – air actuators function very well as ultra-strong, economical constructions. Since air actuators get by without mechanically operated parts like pistons, piston rods and friction seals, they are not subject to wear and require no maintenance. This gives them an edge over conventional cylinders. They are also more environmentally-friendly as they do not require oil.
The design of these dimensionally stable elements is comparable to that of an air spring. They are used to provide extreme force for lifting or exerting pressure where little space is available for installation. Whether for pneumatic lifting or pressing functions in the construction of machines, appliances or systems, ContiTech air actuators are outstanding performers across many different industries.
Rotary Motion Actuator
DRF Pneumatic Rotary Actuators can be utilized in many industrial, R&D, lab, production and quality inspection applications which require rotary motion. These pneumatic actuators can handle small to medium size payloads with rotation up to 180° and can be mounted and operated in any direction. Productivity improvements and cost reduction of repetitive task can be automated in some of the following applications: assembly; escapements; in-line directional changes; transfer of objects with precision movements. The modular design allows use with DLT Linear Slides and pneumatic grippers. Optional adapter plates are available for additional savings through fast assembly and reduced machining time.
This actuator has precision end stop position, and zero backlash, it is available in 90º and 180º models with adjustable rotation, and repeatability of ± .02º of rotation. It has a modular design which eliminates adaptor plates reducing machining and assembly time. It can be mounted in any orientation, and has a temperature operating range of -35-80ºC. The system requires 40-100psi and in a typical application will last up to 5 million cycles, and up to 10 million with maintenance.
Rodless Actuators Save Space
Tolomatic offers a rodless pneumatic actuator that saves space compared to a conventional actuator connected with a rod. These actuators can be used in just about any application where a simple pneumatic actuator is needed. They are versatile in mounting both horizontal and vertical, with tube support, foot, and floating carrier mounts. Six bore sizes are available ranging from ½” to 2 ½”, with a load-bearing carrier design to reduce friction and extend seal life. These actuators also include an adjustable load carrying bracket to provide true tracking and superior load support. Some models come with external bumpers, all models include adjustable cushions for smooth deceleration.
Electric Cylinder Is Based On `Inside-out` Linear Motor
Festo has launched a novel short-stroke electric cylinder with a patented tubular linear motor and end-position controller that provides highly dynamic movements. The ADNE-LAS cylinders, thought to be the first of their type, can replace solenoid actuators. They are said to be especially suitable for applications demanding fast, controllable movements, such as ejecting faulty parts from high-throughput test stations.
The cylinder`s patented linear motor uses high-flux annular magnets on the actuator rod, surrounded by special windings on the stator coil. This effectively turns conventional linear motor design inside out. (In most linear motors, the fixed stator contains the permanent magnets and the moving element contains the coil windings.)
The new design is said to offer several significant advantages, including a low moving mass and the avoidance of flexible cabling to the moving parts. The cylinders have no external magnetic field and can be used in environments, such as machine tools, where swarf may be present.
Initially, the IP65-protected cylinders are available in two sizes – with 32mm and 40mm profiles and peak thrust force ratings of 35N and 52N – and in four stroke lengths from 15–45mm. Positioning repeatability is said to be ±0.5mm.
The cylinders can use the same mounting accessories as other similarly-sized Festo products, making it easy to mix and match different drive technologies. Although the cylinders use closed-loop control to ensure positioning accuracy, there are no servo parameters to set up – users simply teach the controller the two end-positions for the piston rod.
Festo has also produced a controller to partner the ADNE-LAS cylinders. The CMFL controller accepts feedback from the cylinder’s built-in magnetic encoders and maintains its drive output signal until the piston rod has reached the desired end-position. Unlike a solenoid actuator, the cylinders have a high power density and produce a constant force throughout their stroke – like a pneumatic actuator, though with lower force levels. Self-adaptive loop gain control decelerates the actuator movement as it nears the end of its stroke, providing automatic end-position cushioning.
The CMFL controls the movement of the piston rod in both directions and can store four different movement patterns, any of which can be selected and initiated via digital inputs. The controller also produces a “motion complete” output signal when the piston rod reaches its end-position.
The combination of controller and cylinder can handle stroke cycles (movements in and out) at up to 20Hz for up to 10 minutes without interruption. The system operates from a 48V DC SELV (safety extra-low voltage) source, and can also be run from 24V DC, with suitable de-rating.
Electric Rod Actuators Challenge Pneumatic Cylinders
The US actuator specialist Tolomatic has developed a range of electric rod-style actuators as an economical alternative to non-repairable pneumatic cylinders, and for automating manual processes. The ERD actuators deliver forces of up to 334N at speeds of up to 1,016mm/s.
Aaron Dietrich, Tolomatic’s electric products manager, says that the patent-pending actuators (shown above) “provide an alternative to pneumatic cylinders with the added benefit of greater control of speed, acceleration and force”. They also offer an “affordable option for automating manual processes”.
The round-bodied electric actuators are available in sizes equivalent to 5/8, 1 and 1.5-inch bore non-repairable pneumatic cylinders. They accept Nema 11, 17 or 23 frame stepper and servomotors, and the acme leadscrews are available in three lead sizes per model to optimise speed or force.
The actuators, which come with metric-threaded rod-ends, can accommodate six different sensing or switching technologies including reed, solid-state PNP or NPN, normally open, flying leads or quick-disconnect. The switches are activated by a magnet inside the thrust tube.
