Schmalz Inc. has developed a complete system for the complex task of automated parts handling. The Vision and Handling Set 3D-R is a complete solution that includes all accessories for efficient box- and bin-picking with lightweight robots and cobots, and is among the latest innovations from Schmalz, Raleigh, N.C. Compared to conventional handling devices on […]
Festo advances digital automation and AI in production
The growing pace of technological change, political disputes over trade relations and increasingly dismal prospects for the global economy are putting the manufacturing industry under pressure, according to officials at Festo, Esslingen am Neckar, Germany. The Corona pandemic is a particular challenge, and it clearly shows the importance of digital transformation and Industrie 4.0, they […]
New high-pressure proportional controls
The new Cordis HP500 from Cincinnati-based Clippard uses the company’s proven EV line of electronic valves to allow for steady, repeatable downstream pressure under static conditions. The result is precise, linear pressure control within a closed-loop system with high accuracy and repeatability. The Cordis HP500 uses a microcontroller, integrated pressure sensor, and two Clippard EV […]
Schmalz launches virtual trade show
In person trade shows and conferences are nonstarters at the moment. Thus, Schmalz Inc., Raleigh, N.C. is pursuing a different path to present its new products to a wide range of design engineers and trade professionals. SchmalzEXPO, a virtual vacuum-technology trade show, is underway without any need for masks and social distancing requirements. The J. […]
Pneumatic “batteries” a boost for renewable energy
The knock on renewable power generation is that it doesn’t reliably supply energy around the clock. Solar shuts down after dark and turbines don’t run when winds are calm. Currently, fossil-fuel power plants must serve as a back-up, which negates the benefits of “green” energy. Large-scale energy storage is another alternative, but lithium-ion batteries are […]
What is a pneumatic muffler?
Pneumatic mufflers, also called silencers, safely and quietly vent pressurized air to atmosphere. They are commonly installed on air valves, cylinders, manifolds and fittings. Without a muffler, air exhausting from many types of pneumatic-powered equipment can be so loud as to be detrimental to the surrounding environment and potentially harm workers. Noise results when fast-moving, […]
Hack the Crisis: Free loaner compressors aid hand-sanitizer bottler
Young Spirits, a Scottish spirit bottling business which has revamped operations to produce much-needed hand sanitizer to fight the Covid-19 outbreak, has benefitted from a free loan offer from Edinburgh compressor manufacturer Vert Technologies. Vert’s offer to supply short-term cost-free compressors to manufacturing companies that need air for production machines is designed to help struggling […]
Hack the Crisis: Engineering students craft DIY ventilator
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads worldwide, there are critical concerns that hospital intensive care units won’t be able handle a surge in patients. A key limiting factor may be the number of ventilators a hospital has on hand to help the most seriously ill patients breathe. New York City alone reportedly needs thousands of the […]
Parker’s LM-Pro miniature valve controls ventilator flow
The Precision Fluidics Division of Parker Hannifin announced the release of the new Parker LM-Pro linear motor proportional valve targeted at the respiratory and anesthesia markets. “The Parker LM-Pro miniature proportional valve utilizes a patent-pending linear motor actuation technology to enable flow up to 540 slpm in a very compact and energy efficient package, while […]
Vacuum lifting systems maximize safety
Vacuworx, Tulsa, Okla., manufactures innovative heavy-duty material-handling systems based on hydraulic-powered vacuum lifting. The equipment is used in the oil and gas, water and sewer, highway and heavy construction, concrete construction, landscaping and manufacturing industries. The company announced at Conexpo/IFPE that it has engineered significant updates to its line of RC Series vacuum lifting systems. […]